10 Best Backlit Keyboards 2026 in the United States

The SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard offers a solid balance between mechanical feel and smooth typing thanks to its hybrid blue switches, which combine the tactile click of mechanical keys with membrane softness. This makes it suitable for gamers and typists who want satisfying key feedback without the loud noise typical of full mechanical keyboards. Its per-key RGB backlighting provides vibrant, customizable colors and reactive lighting effects, enhancing visual appeal and usability in low-light conditions.

The keyboard’s aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame adds impressive durability and a premium feel, while the included magnetic wrist rest supports comfort during long sessions. An uncommon but neat addition is the OLED smart display, which can show custom animations, game stats, or Discord messages, adding a fun, practical touch. The hybrid switches might not fully satisfy users who prefer purely mechanical or quieter membrane keys, and the keyboard's size and weight may require ample desk space. The brightness adjustment options could be a consideration for those sensitive to lighting.

This keyboard is a sturdy, feature-rich choice that suits gamers and everyday users searching for a stylish, reliable backlit keyboard with some unique extras.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard stands out with its highly customizable and fast-reacting OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches. The 40 levels of per-key actuation allow gamers to fine-tune their experience, making it suitable for both ultra-light touches and deeper presses to prevent accidental actions. This is a significant advantage for competitive gamers who need precision and responsiveness.

The RGB backlighting offers vibrant and customizable color options, further enhancing the visual appeal and usability in low-light conditions. The OLED smart display adds a unique feature by providing at-a-glance information from games and apps, which can be a useful tool for multitasking during gaming sessions. Additionally, the USB passthrough adds convenience for connecting other USB-powered devices.

The keyboard includes a wrist rest, which enhances comfort during prolonged use, and its build quality appears solid, ensuring durability. This keyboard is most beneficial for serious gamers who value performance, customization, and added features like the OLED display. Casual users or those on a budget might find some features excessive or unnecessary. However, it is primarily wired and might not appeal to those who prefer wireless options. The price point might also be a consideration, as premium features often come at a higher cost.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a well-built mechanical gaming keyboard that stands out for its vibrant RGB backlighting, which can light up each key individually and includes a unique three-sided underglow that adds a cool visual effect when paired with its magnetic wrist rest. It uses Razer’s Orange switches, which are tactile and quieter than typical mechanical switches, making the keyboard good for gamers who like a responsive feel without noisy clicks. The keycaps are made with a doubleshot process, meaning the letters won’t fade easily even with heavy use, and the overall build feels sturdy.

You also get a handy command dial and eight macro keys that you can program for custom shortcuts, which can enhance gaming or productivity. The included plush wrist rest with RGB lighting provides comfort during long sessions. While the keyboard supports full RGB lighting, the options to adjust the backlight brightness might be limited. It connects via a wired USB-A interface, which means less freedom of movement compared to wireless options. At nearly 5 pounds, it is fairly heavy and less portable.

This keyboard is suited for gamers and users who want a solid mechanical feel with customizable lighting and extra programmable controls, but it may be less ideal if you require adjustable brightness settings or prefer a wireless design.