Imagine it’s awfully dark, you have an important assignment lined up, and you certainly do not want to wake up your kid who just fell asleep by turning on the lights! What do you do in this case? Well, you either make excuses and sabotage the project or get yourself a laptop, with backlit keyboard in the first place. The choices aren’t that difficult. Are they?
But then, finding the right backlit keyboard laptop can be a stretch at times. You could want one to cover for you in dark or you might just want backlit keyboard support on gaming laptops to spice up things during gameplay. It can either be utility or leisure. It is the choice that determines which backlit keyboard laptop you pick.
Top Laptop with Backlit Keyboard: Editor’s Choice
You want to purchase one right now; understood! You can therefore cut the search short and get the Acer Aspire 5 as the backlit keyboard laptop of choice. While there are several backlit keyboard laptops in play, this one steals the show courtesy of the 11th generation processor, sharp screen, a decent chunk of RAM, and SSD support. Honestly speaking, there is everything of relevance packed right in.
Coming back to the basics, laptops with backlit keyboards must round up other features as well. The best case scenario would be to invest in keyboards with expansive key travel. You can either be a copywriter, app developer, or even a gamer. Each specialization needs you to consider different scenarios when it comes to purchasing laptops with backlit keyboards.
Considering the different usage patterns, I have put together a list of the top 7 backlit keyboard laptops that fit into a wide range of scenarios.
Minimum Specifications
Note: If you are going to take our word and rely on us for finding you the best laptops with backlit keyboards, you probably need not check this. However, if your search takes you outward, ensure that the laptops you consider have these minimum specifications to make the concept of backlighting effective enough.
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Graphics Card: Intel UHD
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery: 5+ Hours
7 Best Backlit Keyboard Laptops to Look at in 2022
Let’s double back to the fact that a backlit keyboard is the need of hour as it can assist you in case of load shedding, power cuts, outages, and other untoward circumstances. But then for making use of a backlit keyboard in case of a power outage, it is necessary to rely on a laptop with excellent battery backup, or else the purpose of having it in the first place, gets defeated.
Still, the backup isn’t the only aspect to factor in and throughout this discussion, I will steadily touch upon each scenario and the corresponding backlit keyboard laptop for the same.
1. Acer Aspire 5
PROS
- Better control over backlit functionality
- Excellent keyboard for content creators
- Has some of the best online reviews
- Top-notch build quality
- Windows 10 in S mode is power-efficient
- Wi-Fi 6 support
CONS
- Storage space is not up to the snuff
- Not a gaming laptop
- Processor: 11th gen Intel Core i5
- Graphics Card: Intel Iris Xe
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery: 8.5+ Hours
Review
If you prefer focusing on value more than anything else, there isn’t a better laptop around than the Acer Aspire 5. While it invariably comes equipped with a backlit keyboard, the remainder of the specs sheet is something that sticks with you, forever.
Design & Display
The Aspire 5 boasts a sleek, all-metal form factor that doesn’t even heat up a bit, despite incessant usage. Complementing the aesthetics is the 0.70-inch thickness, which makes this laptop easy to hold and carry around. There is a 15.6-inch screen at your disposal, bolstered by a screen-to-structure ratio that closes in on 83%. And to add to it all, it has a 1080p screen to make things brighter.
However, when it comes to overall design-specific functionality, this laptop excels in terms of elevated and hinged design that plays a pivotal role in making typing fun.
Internals
If you are into multitasking, the 8GB DDR4 RAM can be quite a handy resource to have. Plus, there is a 256GB solid state drive in place to speed up the Windows 10 S Mode boot ups.
Productivity
There is the Core i5-1135G7 chipset added into the mix, which is optimized for the designers and content creators. Graphics support is lent by the Xe integrated card. And, if you seek additional productivity, the keyboard in play isn’t just backlit but also offers an exceptional key travel distance of 1.5mm.
The battery life of over 8 hours is more than acceptable. Finally, if you are only interested in the backlit functionality, you can access the system settings to ensure that after 30 seconds of no activity, the backlit keyboard gets powered off.
1. Acer Aspire 5
2. Lenovo Legion 5
PROS
- Excellent keyboard
- Powerful speakers
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Top-shelf GPU
CONS
- Heavy
- Keyboard doesn’t support edge lighting
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- OS: Windows 10
- Battery Life: 6+Hours
Review
Let’s be honest. You might want to consider backlit gaming laptops as well, provided you are looking at something more than just functionality. The Legion 5 from Lenovo is one such watershed device that packs in a Ryzen chipset, riding on the functionality of a reliable gaming GPU.
Design & Display
At 5.29 pounds, the Legion 5 isn’t quite a light laptop. With a metallic chassis to feel good about, this gaming laptop is something that lasts an eternity and is ably backed by an inventive cooling technology, i.e. the Coldfront 3.0, which makes way for impactful exhaust systems and craftly placed intake vents under the keyboard.
Not to leave out the 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen, characterized by the highest possible refresh rate on laptops.
Internals
Lenovo offers 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which can handle most games and applications, concurrently. There is also a 512GB SSD in placer to make it easier for you to store files and resources, along with the Windows 10 operating system.
Productivity
The AMD Ryzen 7 chipset is one of a kind. Also, it works in tandem with the RTX 3050 Ti GPU to ensure that your gaming performances are nothing short of exemplary. But the true productivity comes from the TrueStrike Backlit keyboard that doesn’t just allow you to light it up but also extends 4-zone RGB support to make things more lively while gaming.
2. Lenovo Legion 5
3. Dell XPS 15
PROS
- Great-looking laptop
- Sleek keyboard
- Backlit control is available
- A massive chunk of system memory
CONS
- Not a budget laptop
- Not meant for high-end games
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery: 10+ Hours
Review
The XPS 15 from Dell is definitely one of the more premium notebooks on the list. Also, it is one of the few best laptops having backlit support that strikes the perfect balance between battery life, gaming functionality, display configuration, and overall performance.
Design & Display
As far as the aesthetics go, the XPS 15 is arguably the best-looking laptop around. Dell ensures a perfectly crafted chassis and a light form factor. The 15.6-inch screen is bright with FHD+ resolution leading the way. But it is the Infinity Edge panel of 4K display with over 500-nits of brightness capping that runs the shows here, backed by the anti-reflective presence.
Internals
This inventive laptop from Dell is a powerhouse of sorts, stacked with 32GB RAM. Storage space doesn’t get left behind as well with a 1TB PCIe-compatible unit in play for booting up the Windows 10 OS and the associated applications.
Productivity
There is a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor to fire up the internals. Plus, Dell ensures that you can also use the XPS 15 as a gaming laptop, courtesy of the GTX 1650 Ti graphics support. The actual keyboard isn’t simply a backlit addition but boasts key travel of almost 1.4mm. Not to forget the strategically placed palm rest to make things better for you.
3. Dell XPS 15
4. Acer Predator Helios 300
PROS
- Future-proof
- Thunderbolt and HDMI ports
- Exceptional build quality
- Exceptional display
CONS
- Heavy
- No touchscreen support
- Processor: 11th generation Intel Core i7
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery: 6+ Hours
Review
Still searching for a gaming laptop that can fetch you the highest frame rates, even for the likes of the Cyberpunk 2077. Well, the Acer Predator Helios is all yours to grab.
Design & Display
The design doesn’t get a major overhaul as compared to the metal-clad chassis flaunted by the older models. Also, it weighs a bit up and above the 5-pound mark. There is also a 15.6-inch 1080p screen to pick, which is best known for the excellent 144Hz refresh rate.
Internals
Acer makes ample room to fit in 16GB of RAM, followed by 512GB of solid-state storage space. But that’s not even the best part. You can expand the RAM allotment to up to 32GB and can add to the storage space courtesy of the two M.2 slots for SSDs and one HDD bay.
Productivity
Powering the Predator is the i7-11800H chipset, featuring 8 cores and truckloads of processing potential. Plus, Acer has the RTX 3060 GPU handy to make gameplay fun and extremely resourceful. But the focus should be on the 4-zone RGB keyboard that comes with WASD caps and concave-shaped keys.
4. Acer Predator Helios 300
5. Apple MacBook Pro M1
PROS
- Keyboard supports scissor mechanism when it comes to typing performance
- Touch ID
- Interactive touch bar
- Ultrafast computer with a futuristic processor
CONS
- Predictable design
- Smallish display
- Processor: Apple M1
- Graphics Card: 8-Core GPU
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery: 20+ Hours
Review
Let us give the new MacBook Pro a round of applause for being a stickler for all the right features. While the backlit quality is top-notch, nothing beats the 20+ hours’ worth of backup.
Design & Display
The aluminum-clad form factor is a standard offering from Apple. However, it is the 13.3-inch display that amazes me the most, courtesy of the retina display technology, color accurate detailing, and 500-nits of overall brightness.
Internals
I reviewed the base model and found it loaded with 8GB RAM and 256GB of space. While this might feel a tad underwhelming to some professionals, the MacBook Pro M1 more than justifies every bit of it.
Productivity
The new M1 chipset clocks at 3.2GHz and even throws in an 8-core GPU. Plus, it comes with a functional neural engine, which is a rarity in most laptops. Other features include the Magic keyboard, packed with a Touch Bar.
5. Apple MacBook Pro M1
6. Asus TUF Dash 15
PROS
- One of the best laptops for gaming
- 11th gen Intel chipset is future-proof
- Excellent cooling features
- Reliable computer in terms of build quality
- Budget-minded price point
CONS
- Not the desirable multitasking performance
- I expected 16GB RAM on this computer
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery: 8+ Hours
Review
Not many high-end gaming laptops are slim and justify the price tag. However, if you are still looking for such a laptop, Asus TUF Dash might just help you cut the search short.
Design & Display
When it comes to gaming laptops, Asus Dash is surprisingly slim and light at 4.4 pounds. There is also an excellent 15.6-inch screen around with 144Hz of usable refresh rate.
Internals
Despite being considered a gaming laptop, the Asus Dash only brings an 8GB DDR4 memory module to the party. While it might still let you edge past any competition, the 512GB SSD ensures that you are all sorted in terms of storing files and the Windows OS.
Productivity
Powered by an 11-gen, Intel Core i7 processor, this laptop from Asus isn’t just good enough for playing games. Instead, it is good enough for running most MS-Office apps. The keyboard supports the backlit precision feature and justifies the price to perfection.
6. Asus TUF Dash 15
7. Lenovo Flex 5
PROS
- Ultrafast DDR4 RAM
- Windows OS
- Sizable chunk of internal memory
- Bright IPS panel
- Computer processor is faster than Intel Core i5
- Radeon GPU performs better than Intel UHD
CONS
- Not many keyboard features
- Lacks NVIDIA-powered GPU
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
- Graphics Card: Radeon graphics
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery: 10+ Hours
Review
Are you waiting up for a touchscreen laptop with backlit functionality? Well, the Flex 5 from Lenovo fits the bill rather perfectly by being a performance-centric computer that is light, thin, and certainly within your budget.
Design & Display
As mentioned, this touchscreen laptop is a reliable 2-in-1 that is enviably thin. Despite being light and thin, it doesn’t let go of the sturdiness, one bit. This touchscreen, 2-in-1 laptop also makes do with a 14-inch IPS panel that exhibits 1920 x 1080 pixels, in terms of resolution. Also, the slimmer edge, relevant to each side, makes the laptop conductive as a reader and for office work.
Internals
The 16GB RAM associated with this computer makes things easier. Also, the 16GB RAM is DDR4, which makes it fast and good for running MS Office apps or other resources, at once. If you want to store files, data, and anything else, the 512GB SSD comes in handy, on this 2-in-1 laptop.
Productivity
The AMD Ryzen chipset works well with the system memory. Plus, it is better than the Intel Core i5 SoC when it comes to performance. Also, this thin and light computer throws in the Radeon graphics but I have been happier with any GTX variant. Finally, this 2-in-1 computer also garners positive reviews courtesy of the price and also the standard backlit keyboard.
7. Lenovo Flex 5
Buying Guide to Laptops with Backlit Keyboards
Profession
Your choice of backlit keyboard notebook depends on the reason you are getting the device in the first place. If you are a coder, with eyes on some no-fancy stuff, it is good to get a keyboard with single-zone backlighting support. Content creators and designers should seek out something that allows better control over the backlit technology.
Finally, if you are a gamer, you might want to go with RGB lighting to spice things a bit.
Type of Backlit
As mentioned, you can opt for standard backlighting or get any variant of the RGB-powered backlit keyboard, which might involve single or even 4-zone backlighting support for that added effect.
Advanced Keyboard Specs
Now that you have already checked out some of the best laptops having backlit technology up their sleeves, it is important to look at the keyboard on the whole to address other aspects of the purchase. These include the key travel as content creators prefer ones with something close to 1.5mm gap between keys, keyboard layout, and even the type of feedback that you get while typing.
Budget
More often than not the money you are willing to pay determines the type of laptop and keyboard you end up getting. You might prefer a 2-in-1 for the job that is thin but still has a reliable backlit function going for it, a standard clamshell with adequate number of ports to let you connect useful accessories, or simply a user-focused laptop that offers better functionalities when it comes to controlling the backlit feature.
Wrap-Up
Finding the right laptop featuring a backlit keyboard isn’t just about going in and getting out. It takes a lot of research to ensure that you pick a computer that aligns to your needs. If you are still a tad unsure about which laptop to pick even after the extensive reviewing, I would suggest blindly trusting the Aspire 5 on all accounts. This top product from Acer justifies the price to the T, is feature-packed, has all the positive reviews floating around, and is still a high-end machine for the professionals who are more into future-proofing their computing setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q1. Can I Install Backlit keyboard on my laptop?
A1. Not exactly. Unless you are a seasoned hardware engineer and willing to fit in the excessively bleeding backlit technology into the mix, you cannot install backlit support externally. -
Q2. Which laptop has backlit keyboard support?
A2. Most premium laptops have backlit support attached to the keyboard. However, it is important to check the specifications before buying one. -
Q3. Are backlit keyboards worth it?
A3. Yes, backlit keyboards can actually help you out in some of the more inclement scenarios like excessive darkness, power outages, and more. They are quite handy when it comes to enhancing the overall functionality of the device. -
Q4. Are Backlit Laptops good?
A4. Backlit laptops are extremely good or rather resourceful as they often come with exceptional autonomy and user-centric traits that content creators would dig into.