10 Best Laptops with Backlit Keyboard in 2022

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A backlit keyboard is a standout feature today. No matter what your budget, you should have this on your laptop. It allows you to work from anywhere without disturbing others. 

Writers, educators, bloggers, and students who spend a lot of time on the keyboard will save lots of time if they use a backlit keyboard to prevent hitting the wrong keys. A backlit keyboard would be useful in the workplace. Consequently, gaming laptops are available with RGB lighting. 

You can see now why having a backlit keyboard is so important. Therefore, we have researched the best laptop for you to determine which one would suit your needs. 

This article presents the best laptops available now that have backlit keyboards for professionals, business people, and gamers.

Best Backlit Keyboard Laptops

1. Apple MacBook Air M1

Apple MacBook Air M1 (latest model)
CPU: Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit widescreen display
PROS
  • 8-core CPU for fast performance
  • Long battery life
  • Powerful
  • Retina display
CONS
  • Not recommended to gamers

MacBooks by Apple were known for their impressive screens, quality construction, and durability. However, they’ve stepped it up in the market with the latest built M1 CPU. As for the Apple M1, it has a 64-bit octa-core processor, which gives ultra-fast results. 

Meanwhile, this chipset can run at up to 3.2GHz. With its performance comparable to Intel’s latest i9 chip, the latest Apple M1 chip easily beats the latest i7, too. 

Besides the 256GB SSD, this MacBook also has 8 GB of RAM embedded in the chip. If you spend a few extra dollars, you’ll be able to upgrade your SSD to 512GB for future-proofing. 

A wide color gamut Retina display is also featured on the device, which gives high pixels compared to the QHD display. Because of high pixels, it can create crisp and clear images. 

Additionally, because it has 400-nits of brightness, it can even be seen under direct sunlight. It only offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports, including a DisplayPort port and a charger. Maximum battery life of more than 10 hours is what users like in Apple Air M1.


2. Lenovo Legion 5

Lenovo Legion 5
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H 8 cores
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Display: 15.6 FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
PROS
  • High performance
  • Built-in 720p webcam with e-shutter
  • 4-zone RGB backlight
  • Good build quality
CONS
  • The heating issue may occur

Lenovo makes many great laptops, and Legion 5 is no exception. The laptop is highly specified, and it’s perfect for gamers. Despite the high specifications, this laptop costs not more than $1000, making it an affordable choice for people who want to perform high-end tasks. 

It comes with a 7nm TSMC chipset, which is paired with a Ryzen 7 5800H processor. In addition, it is built with the new Zen 3 microarchitecture, which offers increased performance. 

Utilizing Turbo Boost technology, your processor will have a maximum clock speed of 4.4GHz. The laptop includes the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, the 2nd Generation of the GPU. 

You will also enjoy an improved Ray Tracing and AI performance due to the high-end GPU. Lenovo’s Legion Coldfront 3.0 cooling system is ideal for cooling down these powerful configurations. This laptop features a 1920 x 1080 FHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate, delivering a seamless gaming experience. 

Additionally, the display will have a 3ms response time delay and 100% coverage of sRGB colors. With this display, you will enjoy a great viewing experience and excellent color accuracy.


3. Microsoft Surface 4

Microsoft Surface 4
CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB
Display: 13.5 Touch-Screen
PROS
  • Suitable for multitasking
  • Lightweight & portable
  • Good sound quality
  • Typing comfort
  • Touch display
CONS
  • Design is simple

Microsoft Surface 4 is another best laptop with a backlit keyboard that you can try. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has a PixelSense LCD with 2256 x 1504p resolution and an IPS panel. 

Moreover, it features a touch screen and stylus input functionality. By using the Microsoft pen, you can enhance your computer experience. In addition, the screen has outstanding color accuracy. 

It has extremely thin bezels, and on the top, there is an HD web camera. This laptop is excellent for completing office-related tasks and productivity. As far as specifications are concerned, this machine contains an 11th Gen Intel i5-1145G7 processor. 

Additionally, it has eight threads as well as four cores. A turbo boost frequency of up to 4.40GHz is offered under pressure. On a single-core, it can run at speeds of up to 2.60GHz. 

Moreover, it has an integrated graphics card from Intel, the Iris Xe, that gives better visuals. The Microsoft Surface laptop also includes 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. 

Other than the SSD, nothing can be upgraded. Despite that, it has an excellent trackpad and a backlit keyboard. It has perhaps the best trackpad among Windows machines. A slim form factor and a great battery make this laptop an ideal choice for people who tend to use Windows exclusively.


4. ASUS ZenBook Pro UX581

ASUS ZenBook Pro UX581
CPU: 10th generation Intel Core i7-10750H Processor (12M Cache, up to 5.0 GHz)
RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Display: 15.6 inch 4K UHD NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display + 14 inch 4K matte touchscreen
Display: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
PROS
  • NanoEdge touch display
  • Unique touchPad
  • Rapid charging
  • 4K resolution
  • Dual screen
CONS
  • Expensive

This dual-display laptop from Asus features a unique design. By using the second display, you can maximize your productivity. The secondary display is 14 inches with 4K resolution, which will give you an ultra-HD visual experience. 

The entire display can also be accessed using a pen on the touchscreen. A large OLED panel of 15.6 inches with a resolution of 4K UHD is present on the main display.

The primary display also has a touchscreen so that you can use two touchscreen displays simultaneously. Furthermore, both offer support for HDR and DCI-P3. 

Due to the dual-monitor setup, this laptop is ideal for multitasking tasks requiring color accuracy. This machine has an Intel Core i7-10750H processor, featuring six cores and 12 threads, which belongs to Intel’s 10th Generation processors.

This processor can run at 5.0GHz at its maximum speed with these cores. This model comes with a GeForce RTX 2060 GPU with 6GB of VRAM and ray tracing. In addition to its powerful processor, this laptop has 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB SSD, available in only a few high-end laptops.


5. Acer Predator Helios 300

Acer Predator Helios 300
CPU: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads
RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz memory (2 DDR4 Slots Total, Maximum 32GB)
Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 Slots/1 x 2.5
PROS
  • AeroBlade fan for better cooling
  • Supports Alexa show mode
  • IPS LED-backlit display
  • RGB keyboard
CONS
  • Lacks thunderbolt

With its “Predator” series, Acer tops the charts for laptops with the most power. Predator Helios 300 is among those powerful laptops by Acer. It comes with outstanding quality and a potent processor. 

In addition to having an Intel i7-11800H processor, this machine comes with 16 threads and an octa-core CPU. It is also variable in terms of clock speed, ranging between 1.9GHz and 2.3GHz. 

In addition, the laptop comes with additional slots for adding more memory and storage sticks if required. The front-facing display measures 15.6 inches and features a 1920 x 1080p resolution for better visual results. 

Furthermore, it has a refresh rate of 144 Hz, sRGB coverage of 100%, and top-quality color calibration. The workstation will also allow you to do other productivity tasks, such as game development, 4K Video Editing, and many more. 

The keyboard has RGB backlighting and all essential connectivity options. With an 11th generation i7 processor, this laptop is a potent machine.


6. Lenovo IdeaPad 5

Lenovo IdeaPad 5
CPU: Intel i7-1165G7, 4 cores, 8 threads, 2.8GHz
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 15.6 LED-Backlit IPS Touch Screen FHD (1920 x 1080)
PROS
  • IPS touchscreen FHD screen
  • Fingerprint reader
  • Intel Iris Xe graphics
CONS
  • Webcam quality is low

Lenovo IdeaPad 5 with a backlit keyboard and i7 processor is a traditional touchscreen laptop. In addition to built-in Intel Iris XE graphics, it utilizes Intel’s Core i7-1165G7 chipset. 

In terms of the display, it has a 15.6-inch Full HD screen with 1920 x 1080p resolution. The matt finish gives it a substantial look. There should be no issues with the durability of this laptop, and you can use it for a long time. 

In addition, 12GB of RAM is onboard to ensure better processing power. There is a built-in SSD capacity of 512GB for storing internal data. You will not experience any major lag with this amount of storage & RAM.

As well as the backlit keyboard, the laptop has a fingerprint reader. This biometric solution provides good accuracy and is simple to work with. Along with the 45 WH battery, this device comes with several basic connectivity ports as well. 

A touchscreen display makes the laptop perfect for casual workloads. The machine, as a whole, can be used to perform tasks such as podcasting, drawing, video editing, etc.


7. HP Envy x360

HP Envy x360
CPU: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 1.3 GHz turbo up to 4.7 GHz
RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
Storage: 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Display: 13.3-inch diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), multitouch-enabled, IPS
PROS
  • Fingerprint reader
  • Touchscreen
  • Highly portable
CONS
  • No stylus pen

Those seeking a convertible laptop with a backlit keyboard can check out the HP Envy X360. Envy X360 features a 13.3-inch touchscreen display with 1920 x 1080p resolution, which will let you enjoy ultra-HD visuals.

Stylus-Pen support is available on display, but it is not available in the box, so you must purchase it separately. Integrated Iris XE graphics equip the device with Intel’s Core i7-1165G7 chip for high-end performance. 

This laptop meets the essential requirement of a touch laptop very well with its performance. It is generally used for tasks including drawing portraits, video editing, etc.

Besides, the system comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, an adequate amount to store larger files. It also possesses a backlit keyboard and fingerprint scanner to improve its usability. 


8. MSI Stealth 15M

No products found.

PROS
  • Cooler boost technology
  • Good connectivity
CONS
  • Might run noisy

Another top-performing laptop that comes with a backlit keyword is MSI Stealth 15M. With the 15.6-inch FHD IPS display, MSI Stealth 15M renders a realistic and high-quality image. 

It contains 16GB of RAM so that you can play all the latest games without worrying about lagging or storage. You will be able to perform all functions effortlessly.

It uses Intel 11th Gen Core i7-11375H Processors to process data rapidly with responsive experience. Based on the Intel quad-core processor, this chipset operates between 3.0GHz and 3.3GHz, with turbo boosting speeds of up to 5.0GHz.

 A powerful processor isn’t sufficient to prevent performance bottlenecks, so you also require a powerful graphics card. Thus, it also comes with an NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3060 card that results in a top-class display.

Additionally, it is a thin and light machine, making it easy to carry without becoming fatigued. Plus, you’ll enjoy your time without interruptions due to its battery which lasts for up to 4 hours.


9. ASUS VivoBook 14

ASUS VivoBook 14
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor 2.1GHz (Up to 4.0GHz, 6 cores, 8M Cache)
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Display: 14 inch Full HD NanoEdge
PROS
  • Ergonomic backlit keyboard
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable
CONS
  • Low brightness

Another one of the reliable laptops with a backlit keyboard is the Asus Vivobook 14, which is ideal for business owners. Updated hardware allows it to handle casual workloads. For improved portability, the laptop is thin and light.

Featuring a 14-inch Full HD panel with a standard resolution of 1920 x 1080, it adapts a 14-inch display at the front. VivoBook 14 has an edge-to-edge display with thin bezels and a high-quality result. According to the company, the laptop offers an impressive 80% screen-to-body ratio.

Moreover, it is equipped with AMD Ryzen 5500U, which comes from the 5000 series. The Radeon RX Vega 7 GPU does further graphics processing. It features a metal unibody design and is a classic ultrabook, thanks to its metal construction.

Its eye-catching design isn’t a fingerprint magnet, but it is attractive at first glance. Considering the storage and RAM, it has 512GB SSD and 8GB DDR4 RAM. Its usability is boosted by a backlit keyboard, which allows it to be used in dark environments.


10. Acer Spin 5

Acer Spin 5
CPU: 10th Generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor (Up to 3. 9GHz)
RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Display: 13.5 Acer VertiView 2K 2256 x 1504 Widescreen IPS LED-backlit Touch Display (3:2 aspect ratio)
Display: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
PROS
  • Widescreen IPS display
  • Extended battery life
  • Quick charging
  • Fingerprint reader
CONS
  • Low-quality speakers

The final product in the list is Acer Spin 5. You can convert Acer Spin 5 into a tablet from a laptop due to the 360-degree display. With a resolution of 2256 x 1504, the display measures 13.5 inches. It also offers multitouch functionality. 

It features a 3:2 aspect ratio, unlike most other laptops. Spin 5 also contains slim bezels with an 80% screen-to-body ratio. As a result, the display offers 18% more workspace. In addition, it supports 100% of the sRGB color space.

Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor is built into this system, and eight threads are available on the quad-core chipset. It allows it to offer a clock speed of 1.3GHz. 

However, it is capable of boosting up to 3.9GHz because of Turbo Boost technology. This laptop’s fast SSD storage and 16GB RAM make it an excellent multitasker. 

Since the laptop is slim, it only has an Intel UHD GPU, but it can perform all regular tasks without any problems. Drawing and other related tasks are made easy with the stylus pen that comes with this laptop.


Best Laptops with Backlit Keyboard – Buying Guide

In the case of laptops, you need to research the models that fit your needs. If you don’t do this, you might get something that isn’t suitable for you. So, these are the important points to remember.

Processor & Graphics Card

Any laptop depends on its processor, as you probably already know. It is impossible to operate without a fast processor. The 11th Gen chipset from Intel can do that. Meanwhile, AMD’s new 4000 processors can also do the job. 

But they are more expensive than their predecessors. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for laptops that include Intel’s 10th Gen processors. As for AMD, they have the 5000 series, but the 4000 series is also good.

In addition to the processor, you’ll need a graphic card to handle the rest of your laptop. Low-cost laptops usually only have integrated GPUs. However, a discrete graphics card is available on mid-range and high-end laptops. Your choice will therefore depend on your budget.

RAM & Storage

RAM and storage are necessary for storing memory. However, they work in different ways. For example, RAM serves as temporary storage. To function smoothly, you should at least have 8GB of RAM. 

Our recommendation is to select a laptop with 16GB of DDR4 RAM. As for SSDs, they are faster than conventional hard drives. It means you need at least 512 GB of storage space for your laptop. Otherwise, you cannot store your files on it.

Keyboard & Trackpad

When we search for a laptop with a backlit keyboard, this feature becomes very important to us. Despite the difficulty of determining the keyboard quality without touching it, there are ways to analyze it using key travel, keyboard backlighting, and so on. 

It is possible to experience problems such as darkened rooms while working indoors. If that is the case, a backlit keyboard becomes an extremely useful feature. 

Gaming enthusiasts, however, would prefer multi-color RGB backlighting to give their setup a more appealing appearance. In terms of the Trackpad, the size should be sufficient for the cursor to move over more areas. However, you can also use an external mouse instead.

Adjustable lighting

Others may prefer constant backlights that are not adjustable, but some may find them irritating. Ensure the laptop you choose allows you to adjust manually or automatically to the ambient light. 

However, a few high-end gaming laptops let you customize every keyboard aspect. Unless you are a gamer, you might not need this feature.

How We Picked/Tested?

Before listing the right product for our users, we have checked the quality of the backlit keyboard. We have checked several colors it offers and its brightness.

It is important to test the user’s typing experience. A keyboard and touchpad should be ergonomic so that you can comfortably type for long periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it expensive to buy a laptop with a backlit keyboard?

The cost of a laptop with a backlit keyboard isn’t that high. Once upon a time, only premium laptops had backlit keyboards, such as the Apple MacBook Pro. Today, you can find them on many laptops of all budget levels, including those under $400.

What is the purpose of a backlit keyboard & can I change its colors?

When you work late at night, having a backlit keyboard is essential. In the case of a laptop with a backlit keyboard, you would not have to disturb others. The laptop would also save you money on electricity.

Further, the price and type of laptop you select will determine whether you can change its colors or not. Generally, gaming laptops feature multicolored backlit keyboards. On the other hand, the premium laptop lineup only comes with white backlighting.

Is it worth it to have a backlit keyboard?

You can noticeably improve your productivity when using backlit keyboards on your laptop. Furthermore, this feature maintains the premium appearance of the laptop even in low-light environments.

What is the impact of a backlit keyboard on battery life?

Backlit keyboards draw power from your laptop’s battery to operate their LEDs, so the overall battery life is affected somehow. However, it is possible to reduce the brightness of the backlight or turn it off.

Conclusion

In summary, you can see that the current demand for a backlit keyboard is quite high. Therefore, you can get the same feature in laptops from different price ranges. So, no matter your preference, you’ll have an affordable option on the market.

You should also know what features you need to complete the job effectively. Competing gamers and streamers, for example, can benefit from multi-color backlit keyboards. 

Furthermore, a monochrome backlight would be more than sufficient for the average user. Whatever you spend, having this option would be worth it. I hope this article will help you find the right laptop . If you have any other questions regarding backlit laptops, feel free to ask.

Alex Berg

Alex Berg

Founder, writer, editor-in-chief at LaptopTalks. Starting LaptopTalks is like a dream come true, combining two of his passions – writing and technology. Even in his free time, you can often find him by his gaming laptop playing the latest video games.

1 Comment
  1. My problem is that I’m 60 years old and I much prefer Windows. It’s what I’m used to. To be honest kind of detest Android – can’t seem to wrap my brain around how the system works. I keep wanting to use Windows functions and expect the tablet to store files like a Windows tablet. I want a Windows 2 in 1 tablet with a minimum 8000mAh battery. I had a tablet that was 4500Mah and it ran out of power after 2-3 hours. My Duoduogo tablet with 8000mah would run all day long! I picked a good one out earlier today and then discovered the battery was 3150mah [around there anyway] Why are companies putting in such wimpy batteries? Sadly my 2 year old [worked flawlessly] Duoduogo tablet’s port melted when [my assumption] the charging plug overheated. PS because of living on disability income I can spend at most $250-$3O0 CDN

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