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What are the best backlit mechanical keyboards?

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Sep 21, 2017

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Here’s the Deal

The Best 1 of 5 OptionsWhy?

5 Options Considered	Price	Weight	Dimensions
90 CODE Keyboard	$145+	87 keys: 2 lbs ( 0.9 kg ); 104 keys: 2.42 lbs ( 1.09 kg )	87 keys: 363 x 142 x 30 mm (14.3'' x 5.6'' x 1.2'' ); 104 keys: 445 x 142 x 30 mm (17.5'' x 5.6'' x 1.2'' )
-- CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i	$149.99	–	–
-- SteelSeries Apex M800	$175.99	1.4 kg / 3 pounds	173 x 511 x 41 mm / 6.8’’ x 20.1’’ x 1.6’’
-- MagicForce 68	$62.99	–	–
-- SADES K10	$99	–	–

CODE Keyboard

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Top Pro

Solid construction

This keyboard is built solidly, using sturdy parts made of robust materials. It's mounted on a solid steel backplate, weighs over 2 pounds and has a dual layer PCB board. In this aspect, it’s comparable to other keyboards renowned for their build quality, such as those from the Ducky series. See More

Top Con

Too small for some, particularly those with big hands

This keyboard's small size may prove difficult for some people to get accustomed to. See More

Top Pro

Full white backlighting

The CODE keyboard comes with backlighting that feels similar to the one found on Apple products. You can pick from seven brightness levels and the onboard memory saves your lighting preferences. They also have gone to a lot of trouble getting the backlighting even by painting the backplate white and positioning the key symbols just right. See More

Top Con

Expensive

Compared to alternatives which offer RGB lighting, USB passthrough or other features, this keyboard is pretty expensive. See More

Top Pro

Available with or without a numeric keypad

Users can choose between versions that have and don't have a numeric keypad. See More

Top Con

Sculpted keys make switching to Dvorak difficult

Dvorak is a keyboard layout that's an alternative to the commonly used QWERTY layout. While QWERTY was designed in the early days of typing, Dvorak is a more comfortable, modern layout which is technically superior. It is designed to have more flow than QWERTY, where the left hand does most of the work. Here, keys are strategically placed to spread the typing out more evenly. This creates better flow (left hand types a letter, then the right hand, then back to left and so on). In this keyboad, the keycaps are sculpted for the QWERTY layout, which means that, when you switch the keys around, each of the keys is at a slightly different angle than the one next to it. See More

Top Pro

DIP-Switches allow quickly disabling or switching certain keys and changing the layout completely

DIP-switches on the back of the keyboard can be used to disable the Windows key, switch Caps Lock with Ctrl, swap Alt with Command (if you're on macOS), and change to QWERTY, Dvorak, or Colemak layouts. See More

Top Con

Spare parts and keycap sets can only be obtained from third parties

The manufacturer doesn’t sell spare parts or keycap sets, so if users want to change the layout, they have to get these components from a third party. See More

Top Pro

Minimalistic design

The CODE keyboard has a textured finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. It has no stickers or logos and the back-lighting is very clean and elegant. See More

Top Con

It's hard to source the MX Clear version

The version of the CODE keyboard that comes with the MX Clear switches is constantly out of stock. See More

Top Pro

Very portable

This keyboard’s detachable cable, dimensions, and weight make it extremely easy to carry around. See More

Top Con

No wireless connection

CODE keyboards connect via USB. No Bluetooth or any other form of wireless connection is available. See More

Top Pro

Save time with complex key combos

Key combos can be configured, supporting combinations of up to six keys. However, Ctrl, Alt and Shift don't count to this total. As a result, using these keys actually increases the combo key limit to nine. See More

Top Pro

Removable/replaceable USB cable

Many keyboards come with a permanently attached cable, meaning that if it gets damaged, you need to get it fixed or replace the whole board. CODE keyboards come with removable cables, which means they're easy to replace if broken. This also has the added benefit of allowing for more customization options: braided cables, different coloured cables, or longer/shorter cables for different setups without having excess cables hanging around. See More

Top Pro

Available with 4 different kinds of Cherry MX switches

The CODE keyboard uses Cherry MX mechanical key switches, regarded as top-quality switches. They have impressive levels of durability and consistently pass, with high marks, all the performance tests they are subjected to. There are 4 kinds to choose from: Blue, Brown, Green or Clear. The MX Blues are the most common kind. They are responsive, but soft, and quite noisy. The MX Browns feel similar to the Blues, but slightly less noisy. The MX Greens are often described as heavy Blue switches. They still make the click sound and offer tactile feedback, however the activation force is 80g (for the Blue switches, it's 50g). The MX Clear switches have medium stiffness and a tactile response but are non-clicky (similar to Brown switches but heavier and with a greater tactile feedback). It's characteristics make it fantastic for general typing in office environments. See More

Top Pro

Media control

Even though there aren't any dedicated media keys, the navigation cluster has secondary media control functions. To access these functions, the keys should be pressed in combination with the Fn key. See More

Specs

Weight:87 keys: 2 lbs ( 0.9 kg ); 104 keys: 2.42 lbs ( 1.09 kg )

Dimensions:87 keys: 363 x 142 x 30 mm (14.3'' x 5.6'' x 1.2'' ); 104 keys: 445 x 142 x 30 mm (17.5'' x 5.6'' x 1.2'' )

Cable:Braided, removable

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4 Other Options Considered

CM Storm Quickfire Rapid-i

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Top Pro

First-class mechanical switches

Cherry MX switches are considered the golden standard of mechanical key switches. This particular model's tenkeyless version is available in the Blue or Brown varieties of the MX. Blue switches offer audible and tactile feedback at the actuation point (about halfway the full travel distance). These are best for typing. Brown switches offer a slightly less pronounced tactile bump than Blue switches, and are silent. They are often described as a mix-switch: something that is equally good for gaming and typing, though not the best at either one. See More

Top Con

Limited switch types for the tenkeyless version

The tenkeyless version of this keyboard is more compact, but it only offers Blue and Brown switches, which are the most popular. However, if you want Green or Red MX switches you'll need to choose the larger version of the keyboard (with a number pad). See More

Top Pro

Customizable backlighting is great for use in the dark

This keyboard is backlit and offers individual key backlighting customization. Up to 4 profiles can be saved, being quite easy to switch between them. See More

Top Con

The USB connector sticks out

Unlike many other keyboards, the USB port for the Rapid-i is not tucked under the keyboard, so when the L-shaped USB connector is inserted, it sticks out a bit. In addition to not looking as sleek as a result, it also means that it's easier to accidentally damage both the connector and the port. See More

Top Pro

Detachable and replaceable cable

The Rapid-i's comes with a long 1.8 m braided cable, which makes it more durable and aesthetically pleasant than common cables. It's detachable and, therefore, easily replaceable by a shorter/longer cable. This also means that, in case the cable breaks, it's easy to fix it and there's no need to replace the entire keyboard. See More

SteelSeries Apex M800

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Top Pro

Impressive backlighting options with practical use

This Apex keyboard has virtually limitless backlighting options that can be very useful. Each key’s LED is individually configurable with options like color, brightness or patterns. This enables users to do things like configure certain keys to light up when certain in-game commands are ready to be used. SteelSeries takes backlighting so seriously the M800 even has a second processor just for handling lighting effects, while the main one deals exclusively with inputs. See More

Top Con

Layout isn't changeable

This keyboard's layout can’t be changed at all, since alternative keycaps don’t exist. See More

Top Pro

Easily disable the Windows key

There is a way to easily turn off the keyboard's Windows key by holding the SteelSeries function key and then tapping the Windows key. This can be used to avoid unwanted interruptions during games when this key is accidentally pressed. See More

Top Con

Not very portable

This Apex keyboard isn’t very portable, since it’s neither light nor compact. It weighs 3 pounds (1.4 kg) and measures 6.8’’ x 20.1’’ x 1.6’’ (173 x 511 x 41 mm). It also misses a detachable cable. See More

Top Pro

Highly programmable keys

Key functionality is highly adjustable in this keyboard. For example, key mapping can be altered, assigning new characters to keys or even giving them mouse functions or media commands. In addition, complex macros can be created and assigned to dedicated macro keys. Adjustments are made via the SteelSeries Engine 3 companion software, whose macro edition options are impressive. A high level of macro complexity is possible, allowing for any custom combinations of keys and time delays between key presses. See More

Top Con

Expensive

The M800 keyboard has a retail price of $199.99, meaning that this is by no means a low-cost keyboard. This makes it a good option only for those looking for the most advanced gaming features. See More

Top Pro

Powered USB hub

This keyboard has two powered USB 2.0 ports for external devices. See More

Top Con

Plastic surface gets filthy easily

Except for the keycaps, this keyboard's plastic surface is uncoated, so it gets a dirtied look really quick. See More

Top Pro

Silent, low-profile mechanical switches

This keyboard uses QS1 mechanical switches, custom-made by SteelSeries. Those are one of the quieter mechanical switches currently on the market and they have a very low profile. Their travel distance is 3 mm and the actuation distance is 1.5 mm (0.5 mm shorter than the most common Cherry MX switches). This means the keys register earlier than on other keyboards, facilitating fast typing. See More

Top Con

Space bar inconvenient for typing

This keyboard’s space bar is much bigger than usual and has a slightly curved surface for quick and easy actuation. This makes sense for gaming, but for typing it can become inconvenient since it’s easy to press it unintentionally. See More

Top Pro

Very stable during use

The M800 keyboard remains stable during energetic gaming. Thanks to its removable rubber feet and hefty build, it always maintains a good hold on the desk. See More

Top Con

Overall build quality could be much better

The overall build quality of the M800 is good, but it could be more durable and feel more solid. The plastic keycaps feel somewhat cheap and easily breakable. See More

Specs

Weight:1.4 kg / 3 pounds

Dimensions:173 x 511 x 41 mm / 6.8’’ x 20.1’’ x 1.6’’

Available Switches:QS1 mechanical switches (custom-made by SteelSeries)

See All Specs >

MagicForce 68

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Top Pro

Compact layout

With no numpad and no function row, all functions are executed using the same compact set of keys. This reduces hand movement and increases efficiency. See More

Top Con

Ugly keycaps

The typeface on the stock keycaps leaves a lot to be desired. See More

Top Pro

Allows for the mouse to be kept closer

Because this keyboard has no numpad, it allows keeping the mouse ergonomically closer. See More

Top Pro

Gateron switches

This keyboard uses Gateron keyswitches, which are clones of the Cherry design. Not only are they a bit cheaper (resulting in a cheaper keyboard overall), they are considered by keyboard enthusiasts to exceed Cherry switches in many respects (e.g. smoothness). See More

SADES K10

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Top Pro

Backlighting

The K10 has interesting backlighting features. Even though it doesn't use RGB LEDs ( here, each LED is a single color - there is no way to change the colors from their rainbow configuration), there are different adjustments that can be made. There are 3 brightness levels, and 6 different modes (breathing, two reactive modes, and a couple of others). See More

Top Con

No switch choice

This keyboard is only available with Cherry MX Blue switches (tactile bump with and audible click at the actuation point). See More

Top Pro

Comfortable to type with

The keys are concave on top, helping guide your fingers to the center of the keys and preventing your hand position from changing. There are grips on the bottom of the keyboard to ensure that it doesn't slide around the desk while it's being used. See More

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