Why Gaming Keyboards Have Lights

Gaming keyboards with colorful, illuminated keys have become a staple in the gaming community. But what makes these lights so popular, and do they serve any practical purpose beyond aesthetics?

Primary Reasons for Backlit Gaming Keyboards

1. Aesthetic Appeal and Atmosphere Creation

The vibrant, colorful lights on gaming keyboards primarily serve to enhance the visual appeal of a gaming setup. They contribute to the immersive atmosphere that many gamers seek, making the gaming experience more engaging and enjoyable. The customizable lighting effects allow gamers to create a personalized ambiance that reflects their style and preferences.

2. Customizability

Backlit gaming keyboards offer extensive customization options. Gamers can choose from a variety of colors, patterns, and effects to match their setup or create unique visual themes. Some keyboards even allow synchronization with in-game events or other peripherals, providing a cohesive and dynamic gaming environment.

3. Practical Use in Low-Light Conditions

One of the practical benefits of backlit keyboards is their utility in dark or dimly lit environments. The illuminated keys make it easier to see and press the correct keys, reducing the likelihood of mistakes during intense gaming sessions. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who prefer to play in low-light settings or late at night.

4. Indication of Technical Issues

Advanced backlit keyboards can provide visual signals to indicate technical issues. For example, the keyboard lights might change color or flash to alert the user to problems such as overheating, low battery, or connectivity issues. This functionality adds a layer of practicality to the aesthetic features.

Do Backlit Gaming Keyboards Improve Performance?

While backlit keyboards add to the gaming experience, they do not significantly enhance gaming performance. The primary benefits are aesthetic and ergonomic rather than performance-based. However, certain features of gaming keyboards can aid in improving gameplay:

1. Ergonomic Design: Minimizes repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) during long gaming sessions.
2. Mechanical Keys: Provide tactile feedback and faster response times, making it easier to locate and press the correct keys.

Pros and Cons of Backlit Gaming Keyboards

Pros

1. Lighting in Dark Spaces: Enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
2. Eye Comfort: Reduces eye strain by providing adjustable lighting levels.
3. Enhanced Gaming Environment: Contributes to a more immersive and visually appealing setup.
4. Customization and Self-Expression: Allows gamers to personalize their keyboards with different colors and effects.
5. Practical Indicators: Can signal technical issues through visual cues.
6. Durability: Often more durable than standard keyboards, especially mechanical ones.

Cons

1. Distractions: Bright, flashing lights can be distracting to some gamers.
2. Cost: Backlit keyboards are generally more expensive than standard ones.
3. Power Consumption: Higher power usage, especially in wireless models, leading to shorter battery life.

How To Pick a Backlit Gaming Keyboard

To choose the right backlit gaming keyboard, consider the following factors:

1. Lighting Styles: Decide on the type of lighting (LED vs. RGB) and the effects you prefer.
2. Key Switches: Choose between tactile, clicky, or linear switches based on your typing preference.
3. Features: Look for features like number pads, hotkeys, and customization options.
4. Connectivity: Determine whether you need USB, USB-C, or wireless connectivity.

Turning Off the Color on Your Gaming Keyboard

To turn off the color on your gaming keyboard, you can:

1. Use the Illumination Button: Many keyboards have a dedicated button or key combination (e.g., F4 + F5) to adjust lighting settings.
2. Adjust Computer Settings: Navigate to Settings > Devices > Keyboard on your computer to change the lighting options.
3. Access BIOS Settings: Modify keyboard lighting settings in the BIOS if available.

Impact on FPS (Frames Per Second)

Keyboard lighting does not affect FPS. The impact of running the RGB lighting software on CPU resources is minimal and does not influence GPU performance. However, closing the lighting software might slightly optimize CPU usage for extreme performance enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Backlit gaming keyboards add aesthetic appeal, customization, and practical benefits for gaming in low-light conditions. While they do not significantly improve gaming performance, their ergonomic design and visual indicators provide added value. When choosing a backlit keyboard, consider your preferences for lighting, key switches, features, and connectivity to find the best fit for your gaming setup.