Notebooks equipped with backlit keyboards aid typing in low-light environments because the LEDs allow users to identify the position of each key. However, selecting the ideal laptop requires analyzing other components, such as the processor, RAM amount, and screen quality, and not just the presence of backlighting.
Tecnoblog compiled a list of seven backlit keyboard notebooks, presenting the pros and cons of models manufactured by Apple, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Samsung, and Dell.
Asus Vivobook S14
The MacBook Air is a premium notebook characterized by being extremely light, weighing only 1.2 kg. Its backlit keyboard facilitates writing in the dark and includes Touch ID for unlocking. A limitation of this model is the absence of a separate numeric keypad. Its specifications include the M5 chip (with 10 CPU cores and 8 GPU cores), 16 GB of unified memory, and a 512 GB SSD. In practice, the Apple device demonstrates capability to handle tasks ranging from simple to more complex processes.
The 53.8 Wh battery offers up to 18 hours of autonomy during video streaming. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display has a native resolution of 2560 x 1664 pixels, although it is limited to 60 Hz.
The Asus Vivobook S14 is designed for productivity. Despite having a metal finish, the device weighs only 1.3 kg, making it easy to transport. A highlight is the RGB backlit keyboard, which supports various colors and effects. This laptop operates with the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V chip (8 cores and 8 threads), comes equipped with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. These components ensure balanced performance in multitasking and light gaming, even without a dedicated graphics card. Its 14-inch OLED screen displays WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200 pixels), providing more vibrant colors and deeper contrasts. Furthermore, the 75 Wh lithium-ion battery promises up to 27 hours of duration.
Acer Nitro V15
The Acer Nitro V15 is a gaming notebook intended for beginner or casual gamers. Weighing approximately 2.1 kg, it features a backlit keyboard to assist with commands during nighttime gaming sessions and includes a numeric keypad. It is powered by the Intel Core i5-13420H processor (8 cores and 12 threads), accompanied by 8 GB of RAM and an RTX 4050 graphics card (6 GB), allowing it to run light and moderate games. Storage is provided by a 512 GB SSD to save favorite titles. The 15.6-inch IPS screen, with Full HD resolution, does not offer the intense colors of an OLED panel but provides a refresh rate of 165 Hz for smoother gameplay. The 57 Wh lithium-ion battery life reaches about 5 hours.
Lenovo LOQ-e
The Lenovo LOQ-e is also classified as an entry-level gaming notebook, suitable for simpler games. The keyboard features a key travel of 1.3 mm for more precise commands and has white backlighting. This device comes with the Intel Core i5-12450HX chip (8 cores and 12 threads), 8 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. Additionally, it incorporates the RTX 3050 graphics card (6 GB) to optimize the gaming experience. The 15.6-inch LCD screen has Full HD resolution, although it offers a refresh rate of 165 Hz for smoother gaming sessions. The battery has a capacity of 57 Wh and supports fast charging.
The Galaxy Book 4 is a notebook focused on multitasking, web browsing, and streaming. The NP750XGJ-KG1BR version weighs 1.5 kg and is distinguished by its backlit keyboard, a feature absent in models with Core i5 chips. This notebook uses the Intel Core i7-1355U processor (10 cores and 12 threads) combined with 16 GB of RAM (LPDDR4X), making it ideal for more basic activities. For storage, it features a 512 GB NVMe SSD. The battery has 54 Wh, and the 15.6-inch LCD screen displays Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) with a 60 Hz refresh rate.
The Dell Inspiron 14 is a versatile notebook, capable of functioning as both a laptop and a tablet thanks to a hinge that allows up to 360° opening. Although the keyboard is not removable, it has backlighting. This model comes with the Intel Core i5-1334U chip (10 cores and 12 threads), 8 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD, more basic configurations aimed at tasks such as streaming, internet browsing, and productivity applications. The 14-inch LCD screen has Full HD+ resolution (1920 x 1200) and is touch-sensitive, enabling tablet mode. The battery has a capacity of 54 Wh.
The Galaxy Book 6 Pro is efficient in more demanding tasks, such as video editing and artificial intelligence applications. It shares a similar design to the Galaxy Book 4 and also has a backlit keyboard, despite having a centralized touchpad. The device's core is the Intel Core Ultra 5 325 chip (8 cores and 8 threads), complemented by 16 GB of RAM for smoother multitasking. Storage is 512 GB with an NVMe SSD. The 78.07 Wh battery is a strong point, offering up to 30 hours of autonomy. Its 16-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is touch-sensitive, with 3K resolution (2880 x 1800 pixels) and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
When deciding which backlit keyboard notebook to purchase, it is crucial to consider the type of key lighting along with the other specifications of the device. It is important to note that backlit keyboards consume more energy than those without backlighting due to the power supply to the LEDs under the keys, although this increase in consumption is usually minimal, according to HP.
Regarding activation, the commands to disable backlighting vary, but generally involve combining the «Fn» key and a function key (F1 to F12). Generally, the backlit keyboard presents a single color of backlight, since the main goal is to illuminate the keys to facilitate typing in dimly lit environments. In contrast, the RGB keyboard offers multiple color options and lighting effects, which is very popular in gaming notebooks, which is not common in simpler backlit models.
This feature is valuable, especially for those who study at night or in dark environments. Although it is not an essential item for studying, it helps locate keys in low-light areas, optimizing typing and eliminating the need for extra lamps. Keyboard replacement is possible in very specific cases, requiring the motherboard to have a backlighting connector and the alternative keyboard to be compatible with the device's format; however, this procedure is laborious and risky, making the purchase of a natively backlit keyboard notebook the best alternative.