Understanding RGB & Lighting

Let’s be honest upfront: RGB lighting doesn’t make you type faster, and it won’t improve your gaming performance. But it does look cool, can be genuinely useful in specific situations, and for many people, makes their keyboard feel more personal and enjoyable to use.

This guide helps you understand what RGB actually offers, when it matters, when it doesn’t, and how to decide if it’s worth paying extra for.

What Is RGB Lighting?

RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue - the three colors that can be combined to create millions of different colors. In keyboards, RGB refers to LEDs that can change colors and patterns, either across the entire keyboard or on individual keys.

There’s often confusion because “RGB” gets used as a blanket term for several different lighting types that work very differently.

Types of Keyboard Lighting

Not all keyboard lighting is created equal. Understanding the differences helps you know what you’re actually getting.

Per-Key RGB

Every single key has its own RGB LED that can be controlled independently. This is what most people mean when they say “RGB keyboard.”

What you can do:

• Make each key a different color
• Create complex lighting patterns and animations
• Set up color-coding for different key groups (WASD for gaming, function keys for work)
• Use reactive effects where keys light up when pressed

Common on: Mid-range to high-end keyboards ($80+)

Worth it if: You want maximum customization and visual effects

Underglow RGB

LEDs mounted underneath or around the edges of the keyboard that shine onto your desk. The keys themselves don’t light up.

What you can do:

• Create ambient lighting effects around your keyboard
• Set colors and patterns, but no per-key control
• Build a color-coordinated desk setup

Common on: Budget to mid-range keyboards ($50-120)

Worth it if: You like the aesthetic but don’t need the keys lit individually

Single-Color Backlighting

All keys light up, but only in one color (usually white, blue, or red). No color customization.

What you can do:

• Turn it on or off
• Adjust brightness
• Sometimes change lighting patterns (breathing, wave effects)

Common on: Budget keyboards and office-oriented models ($40-80)

Worth it if: You just need to see keys in the dark, don’t care about colors

No Lighting

Exactly what it sounds like. No LEDs, no effects, just a keyboard.

What you can do:

• Save money
• Extend battery life on wireless keyboards
• Reduce distractions
• Focus purely on typing feel and sound

Common on: All price ranges - from ultra-budget to premium enthusiast boards

Worth it if: You touch-type or work in well-lit environments

Does RGB Affect Typing Experience?

Short answer: No.

Longer answer: RGB is purely aesthetic and functional for visibility. It doesn’t change how switches feel, how keys sound, or how fast you can type. The LEDs are completely separate from the mechanical components that determine typing feel.

Some people find RGB motivating or enjoyable - that’s valid. But it’s a preference thing, not a performance thing.

When RGB Actually Matters

Let’s look at practical situations where RGB provides real benefits beyond looking nice.

Dark Environment Typing

If you regularly type in low-light conditions (late-night work, dimly lit rooms, gaming with the lights off), backlighting genuinely helps you find keys without turning on lights.

Best lighting type for this: Single-color white backlighting or per-key RGB set to white. You don’t need rainbow effects to see in the dark.

Skip if: You touch-type confidently or always work with adequate lighting.

Visual Layer Indicators

On smaller keyboards (60%, 65%) that use function layers to access arrow keys and other functions, RGB can highlight which layer you’re on or which keys are active.

How it works: Press your function key, and the available shortcuts light up in a different color, so you’re not guessing which key does what.

Best lighting type for this: Per-key RGB with customizable programming.

Skip if: You use a full-size or TKL keyboard with all keys physically present.

Gaming Visual Cues

Some games and software can integrate with keyboard lighting to provide alerts or information.

Examples:

• Health status showing in red/yellow/green
• Cooldown timers lighting up specific keys
• Discord notifications changing keyboard color
• Active ability keys highlighting during gameplay

Reality check: This is mostly a novelty. Most gamers turn it off because it’s distracting during actual gameplay.

Best lighting type for this: Per-key RGB from brands with game integration (Corsair, Razer, Logitech).

Workflow Organization

Color-coding different key groups can help organize complex workflows.

Examples:

• Video editors: Blue for timeline controls, green for playback, red for effects
• Programmers: Different colors for different syntax categories
• Designers: Color-code shortcuts for different tools

Reality check: This sounds more useful than it usually is. Most people set it up once, think it’s cool, then ignore it. But some power users genuinely benefit from visual organization.

Best lighting type for this: Per-key RGB with software that saves profiles.

RGB and Battery Life (Wireless Keyboards)

If you’re considering a wireless keyboard, RGB has a real cost: battery life.

Lighting State	Typical Battery Life
RGB off	3-6 months
RGB on low brightness	2-4 weeks
RGB on medium brightness	1-2 weeks
RGB on full brightness	3-7 days

The trade-off: Beautiful lighting effects vs. frequent charging.

Practical approach: Most wireless RGB keyboard owners use lighting at their desk (plugged in) and turn it off when going portable.

Consider: If battery life is critical, either skip RGB entirely or be realistic about keeping it turned off most of the time.

RGB vs Budget Considerations

RGB adds cost. Here’s the typical price premium you’re paying:

Keyboard Type	Price Without Lighting	Price With RGB	Premium
Budget	$40-50	$55-70	$15-20
Mid-range	$70-90	$90-120	$20-30
High-end	$130-160	$160-200	$30-40

Question to ask yourself: Would you rather have RGB, or put that $20-40 toward better switches, hot-swap capability, or a nicer case?

For your first keyboard, better build quality and hot-swap usually matter more than RGB. You can always get RGB on your second keyboard once you know you actually want it.

Customizing Lighting Effects

If you do get RGB, here’s what you can actually do with it:

Static Colors

Every key stays one color. Simple, clean, low-distraction.

Good for: Work environments, minimalist setups, when you want subtle lighting.

Reactive Effects

Keys light up when you press them, then fade out.

Types:

• Ripple: Lighting spreads from pressed keys like water
• Reactive: Pressed keys light up briefly
• Fireworks: Explosive effect from keypresses

Good for: Visual satisfaction, gaming streams, showing off.

Animated Patterns

Lighting changes over time without your input.

Types:

• Rainbow wave: Colors cycle across the keyboard
• Breathing: Brightness pulses in and out
• Spectrum cycling: All keys change through color spectrum together
• Custom animations: If you’re willing to program them

Good for: Aesthetics, ambiance, desk setup videos.

Custom Profiles

Save different lighting configurations for different tasks.

Examples:

• Work mode: Subtle white backlight
• Gaming mode: WASD and common keys highlighted
• Creative mode: Tool-specific color coding
• Night mode: Red lighting (easier on eyes in dark)

Requires: Software support (QMK/VIA for custom boards, brand software for gaming keyboards).

Software Control Options

How you control RGB depends on your keyboard type:

QMK/VIA Keyboards (Custom/Enthusiast)

Pros:

• Deep customization with open-source firmware
• Works on any computer without installing software
• Can create complex per-layer lighting
• Settings saved on the keyboard itself

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve
• Requires some technical comfort
• Less plug-and-play than commercial software

Best for: Enthusiasts who want full control and don’t mind learning.

Brand-Specific Software (Gaming Keyboards)

Examples: Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE, Logitech G Hub

Pros:

• User-friendly interfaces
• Game integrations and pre-built effects
• Easy profile switching
• Synchronization with other RGB peripherals

Cons:

• Requires software installation
• Can be resource-heavy
• Sometimes buggy or bloated
• Settings may not work on other computers

Best for: Gamers who want easy setup and game integrations.

Onboard Controls (Budget Keyboards)

Some keyboards let you cycle through pre-set effects using key combinations (usually Fn + arrow keys).

Pros:

• No software needed
• Works on any computer immediately
• Simple and reliable

Cons:

• Limited customization
• Can’t create custom effects
• Fewer options than software control

Best for: Simple needs, plug-and-play setups, people who don’t want to tinker.

When RGB Doesn’t Matter

Let’s be clear about situations where RGB adds no value:

You’re a proficient touch typist: If you rarely look at your keyboard, lighting provides no functional benefit.

You work in bright environments: Backlighting is invisible under office lighting or daylight.

You prefer minimalism: Some people find RGB distracting or visually cluttered.

You’re on a tight budget: That $20-30 RGB premium is better spent on hot-swap capability or better switches.

Battery life is critical: RGB significantly reduces wireless keyboard battery life.

You’re building a professional/office setup: Many workplace environments prefer understated equipment.

When RGB Is Worth It

Conversely, RGB makes sense if:

You work in dark environments: Late-night coding, gaming, or creative work benefits from key visibility.

You enjoy customization: RGB is another layer of personalization for your setup.

You use complex layers: Visual feedback helps navigate function layers on compact keyboards.

You create content: RGB looks great on camera for streams, videos, or photos.

You value aesthetics: Sometimes looking cool is reason enough - and that’s fine.

It’s included anyway: If the keyboard you want for other reasons has RGB, enjoy it. Just don’t pay extra if you won’t use it.

Making Your Decision

Here’s a straightforward decision tree:

Do you regularly type in dark environments?

• Yes → Some form of backlighting (at least single-color) is genuinely useful
• No → Skip to next question

Do you enjoy customizing your setup and workspace aesthetics?

• Yes → RGB might genuinely bring you satisfaction
• No → Skip to next question

Would you rather spend the RGB budget premium on better build quality or features?

• Yes → Skip RGB, get better switches, hot-swap, or build quality
• No → If it fits your budget, go for RGB

Does the keyboard you want for other reasons happen to include RGB?

• Yes → Great! Enjoy it, even if you don’t use all the features
• No → Don’t compromise on more important features just to get RGB

The Honest Truth About RGB

RGB lighting is the mechanical keyboard equivalent of a spoiler on a car. It doesn’t make it go faster, but some people love the look, and that’s perfectly valid.

For practical purposes, basic backlighting (even just white) provides the same visibility benefits as full RGB in dark environments. The rainbow effects, animations, and per-key customization are entirely about personal enjoyment and aesthetics.

There’s no “wrong” choice here:

• Choosing RGB doesn’t make you frivolous
• Skipping RGB doesn’t make you boring
• Using it for pure aesthetics is completely legitimate
• Wanting it just because it looks cool is reason enough

The key is being honest with yourself about whether you’ll actually use it, and whether it’s worth the cost premium in your specific budget and use case.

RGB Isn’t a Deal-Maker or Deal-Breaker

When choosing your keyboard, prioritize in this order:

1. Layout/Size: Does it have the keys you need?
2. Switch Type: Will it feel good to type on?
3. Build Quality: Will it last and feel solid?
4. Hot-Swap: Can you change switches later?
5. Budget: Does it fit your financial comfort zone?
6. RGB/Aesthetics: Does it look how you want?

If RGB is the deciding factor between two otherwise equal keyboards, let it be the tiebreaker. But don’t sacrifice practical features or build quality just to get lighting effects.

Your keyboard is a tool first, and decoration second. Make sure it works excellently for your needs, then enjoy whatever aesthetic features it happens to have.

RGB doesn’t define your keyboard. It’s just one feature among many - and one that you can completely ignore if you choose to.