10 Best Backlit Keyboards 2025 in the United States

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 SteelSeries Apex 3 is a solid choice for a backlit gaming keyboard, especially if you want vibrant RGB lighting without breaking the bank. It offers a 10-zone RGB illumination system, allowing for a range of colors and some reactive lighting effects. The whisper-quiet gaming switches stand out as they are designed to be nearly silent and comfortable for long gaming sessions, supporting up to 20 million key presses.

This keyboard is built with durability in mind, featuring an IP32 water-resistant rating that helps protect against accidental spills—a handy feature if you often have drinks nearby. The included premium magnetic wrist rest adds comfort during extended use, a thoughtful addition not always seen in this price range. It also has dedicated multimedia controls, allowing easy access to volume and settings without interrupting gameplay.

Using a wired connection, the Apex 3 is compatible across major platforms like Windows, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles, making it versatile for various gaming setups. If you want a reliable, quiet, and colorful backlit keyboard that can handle spills and offers extra comfort, this model is worth considering.

The Logitech G413 SE Full-Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is designed with gamers in mind, offering a range of features that cater to high-performance gaming. One of the standout features is its tactile mechanical switches, which provide a satisfying and responsive feel during intense gaming sessions. The backlighting is a single color (white), which may not appeal to those looking for RGB customization but offers clear visibility in low-light conditions.

Build quality is a notable strength, with a robust black-brushed aluminum top case that ensures durability and a premium look. The PBT keycaps add to the longevity, being resistant to heat and wear. Another plus is the anti-ghosting feature with 6-key rollover, which enhances reliable key input – crucial for gaming. Additional features include FN key media controls, providing handy shortcuts for volume, play/pause, and more. However, it's primarily suited for PC gamers, with USB 2.0 connectivity and compatibility with Windows and macOS.

One minor drawback is the lack of a tenkeyless option in this specific model, though it's available separately as the G413 TKL SE. This keyboard might not be the best fit for those seeking a quieter typing experience or extensive backlight customization but excels in performance and durability for gaming.