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10 Best Backlit Keyboards 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Esports Gaming Keyboard: Analog Optical Switches - Razer Snap Tap - Rapid Trigger - Adjustable Actuation - Media Keys & Dial - Doubleshot PBT Keycaps - Wrist Rest - Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,248
Backlight Color
Key Switch Type
Build Quality

Most important from
751 reviews

Backlight Color
The RGB backlighting is highly customizable, enabling a personalized and visually stunning setup.
Key Switch Type
The Analog Optical Switches provide ultra-fast actuation and smooth keypresses that noticeably enhance reaction times in fast-paced FPS games.
Build Quality
Build quality is solid and premium, with durable materials that contribute to a satisfying typing and gaming experience.
Additional Features
Customization through the software is extensive, offering full control over key sensitivity, lighting effects, and advanced features like Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap.

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is a high-end gaming keyboard designed especially for serious FPS gamers who want fast and precise key responses. It features customizable RGB backlighting, allowing you to choose from millions of colors to create the look you want. Razer keyboards typically offer adjustable brightness, enabling comfortable settings for any lighting environment.

Its standout feature is the Analog Optical Switches Gen-2, which provide ultra-fast key actuation adjustable between 0.1 and 4.0 mm. This allows fine-tuning of key sensitivity, giving an edge in reaction time and control. The keyboard supports Rapid Trigger, which resets keys instantly when lifted, and Razer Snap Tap, allowing pressing two keys simultaneously without releasing the first—both beneficial for complex in-game movements.

The build quality is solid with an aluminum top plate for durability and a premium feel. Doubleshot PBT keycaps resist wear and prevent key legends from fading easily. A detachable wrist rest adds extra comfort during long gaming sessions. Media keys and a dial provide convenient control over volume and playback without leaving the game. These advanced features may require some learning and firmware updates to use fully, making it more suited for dedicated gamers rather than casual users. Being a wired USB-C keyboard, it is best used on PCs rather than consoles or mobile devices.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,248
Backlight Color
Key Switch Type
Build Quality

Most important from
751 reviews

Backlight Color
The RGB backlighting is highly customizable, enabling a personalized and visually stunning setup.
Key Switch Type
The Analog Optical Switches provide ultra-fast actuation and smooth keypresses that noticeably enhance reaction times in fast-paced FPS games.
Build Quality
Build quality is solid and premium, with durable materials that contribute to a satisfying typing and gaming experience.
Additional Features
Customization through the software is extensive, offering full control over key sensitivity, lighting effects, and advanced features like Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap.
#2

SteelSeries USB Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Per-Key RGB Illumination – Aircraft Grade Aluminum Alloy Frame – OLED Smart Display (Hybrid Blue Switch)

Rating
9.4
Backlight Color
Brightness Levels
Key Switch Type

Most important from
13852 reviews

Backlight Color
Its per-key RGB lighting is vibrant and easy to customize, enhancing usability in dark environments with bright, clear keys.
Brightness Levels
The OLED smart display adds practical value by showing lock states and custom animations, though its brightness can be distracting in dark rooms.
Key Switch Type
The keyboard offers a satisfying typing experience that balances mechanical feel with quieter operation, making it comfortable for long sessions.
Build Quality
The aircraft-grade aluminum frame and overall build quality feel premium and durable despite the plastic components.
Additional Features
The included magnetic wrist rest significantly improves comfort, especially during extended use.

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.

Rating
9.4
Backlight Color
Brightness Levels
Key Switch Type

Most important from
13852 reviews

Backlight Color
Its per-key RGB lighting is vibrant and easy to customize, enhancing usability in dark environments with bright, clear keys.
Brightness Levels
The OLED smart display adds practical value by showing lock states and custom animations, though its brightness can be distracting in dark rooms.
Key Switch Type
The keyboard offers a satisfying typing experience that balances mechanical feel with quieter operation, making it comfortable for long sessions.
Build Quality
The aircraft-grade aluminum frame and overall build quality feel premium and durable despite the plastic components.
Additional Features
The included magnetic wrist rest significantly improves comfort, especially during extended use.
#3

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: Orange Switches Tactile & Quiet - Doubleshot ABS Keycaps - Command Dial - Chroma RGB - Magnetic Wrist Rest - Snap Tap

Rating
9.4
Backlight Color
Brightness Levels
Key Switch Type

Most important from
903 reviews

Backlight Color
The individually backlit keys combined with the unique three-sided underglow create a stunning visual effect that elevates the entire setup.
Brightness Levels
The RGB lighting options are vibrant and customizable, though brightness adjustment controls are somewhat limited.
Key Switch Type
Typing on this keyboard feels satisfying and responsive, striking a great balance between tactile feedback and quieter operation.
Build Quality
The build quality feels solid and durable, promising longevity even under heavy use.
Additional Features
The wrist rest offers exceptional comfort, making long gaming or work sessions easier on the hands and wrists.

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.

Rating
9.4
Backlight Color
Brightness Levels
Key Switch Type

Most important from
903 reviews

Backlight Color
The individually backlit keys combined with the unique three-sided underglow create a stunning visual effect that elevates the entire setup.
Brightness Levels
The RGB lighting options are vibrant and customizable, though brightness adjustment controls are somewhat limited.
Key Switch Type
Typing on this keyboard feels satisfying and responsive, striking a great balance between tactile feedback and quieter operation.
Build Quality
The build quality feels solid and durable, promising longevity even under heavy use.
Additional Features
The wrist rest offers exceptional comfort, making long gaming or work sessions easier on the hands and wrists.

Buying Guide for the Best Backlit Keyboards

Choosing the right backlit keyboard can significantly enhance your typing experience, especially in low-light environments. When selecting a backlit keyboard, it's important to consider several key specifications that will determine how well the keyboard meets your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best fit for your requirements.
Backlight ColorBacklight color refers to the color of the light that illuminates the keys. This spec is important because it affects visibility and aesthetics. Some keyboards offer a single backlight color, such as white or blue, which is suitable for users who prefer simplicity. Others offer RGB backlighting, allowing you to customize the color and create dynamic lighting effects. If you enjoy personalizing your setup or need different colors for different tasks, an RGB backlit keyboard might be the best choice for you.
Brightness LevelsBrightness levels indicate how many different levels of light intensity the keyboard can produce. This is important because it allows you to adjust the backlight to suit different lighting conditions and personal preferences. Keyboards with multiple brightness levels offer more flexibility, enabling you to use the keyboard comfortably in both bright and dark environments. If you often work in varying lighting conditions, look for a keyboard with adjustable brightness levels.
Key Switch TypeKey switch type refers to the mechanism beneath each key that registers a key press. This spec is crucial because it affects the feel and sound of typing. Mechanical switches, for example, provide tactile feedback and are often preferred by gamers and typists for their durability and responsiveness. Membrane switches are quieter and generally more affordable. If you type a lot or play games, you might prefer a mechanical keyboard. If you need a quieter keyboard for an office environment, a membrane keyboard could be a better fit.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the keyboard. This is important because it affects the durability and overall feel of the keyboard. Keyboards made with high-quality materials, such as aluminum or high-grade plastic, tend to last longer and provide a more satisfying typing experience. If you plan to use the keyboard frequently or for extended periods, investing in a keyboard with good build quality is advisable.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include things like programmable keys, media controls, and USB pass-through ports. These features are important because they can enhance your productivity and convenience. Programmable keys allow you to customize shortcuts for your most-used functions, while media controls let you easily manage your music or videos. USB pass-through ports can be handy for connecting other devices. Consider what additional features might be useful for your specific needs and look for a keyboard that offers them.

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