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A backlit wireless keyboard is a keyboard that you can use anywhere and any time. That’s why it is our preferred typing option for both gaming and productivity alike. When you are ready to upgrade to a more functional, more portable keyboard, read on below to browse our favorite picks for all uses.
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1. Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro Keyboard
Pros:- Tactile mechanical switches
- 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth support
- Dedicated multimedia keys
- n-Key rollover
Cons:- Mechanical switches are loud
- Heavy and bulky design
- High price tag
Of all the backlit wireless keyboards available, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is easily the most feature-packed option, which makes it a popular pick for personalization geeks as well as gamers looking to get an edge up on the competition. It might even be the best backlit wireless keyboard, depending on how highly you value mechanical switches and customizable RGB lighting.
Mechanical switches do offer varying levels of tactile and clicky feedback depending on which option you go with but they are also considerably louder and more expensive than membrane alternatives. And being able to program the BlackWidow V3 Pro’s LEDs key-by-key can be handy if you are color-coding hotkeys for gaming, but not so much while you are answering emails. But you can still get your money’s worth from this premium keyboard even without using all of its features.
The BlackWidow V3 Pro has thick double-shot ABS keycaps whose legends will never wear off and it sports a full-sized layout. It has dedicated multimedia controls and includes a detachable wrist rest for added ergonomics. It supports both 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth connections, so it works with almost any OS too. Match that with a respectable battery life and you’ve got one impressive backlit wireless keyboard.
Dimensions: 17.7 x 9.8 x 1.7 inches
Switches: Mechanical (Razer Green, Razer Yellow, or Razer Orange)
Layout: Full-sized
Interface: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Max Battery Life: 15 – 192 hours -
2. Logitech MX Keys Keyboard
Pros:- 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth support
- Adaptive backlight
- Long battery life
- Compact and durable
Cons:- Difficult to clean
- Membrane switches lack n-key rollover
- High price tag
The Logitech MX Keys Keyboard might be one of the pricier non-mechanical keyboards out there but it is also one of the best wireless backlit keyboards out there for the user who values portability and ease of use. That’s because it packs smart backlighting, long battery life, and multi-device connectivity into a compact package.
The MX Keys is significantly smaller than the next most popular Logitech keyboard, the K800, while still maintaining a full-size keyboard layout. And, unlike the K800, the MX Keys supports both 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth. It also has a Mac layout version, though both models work fine on every major OS. This keyboard comes with a Logitech Unifying Receiver, which can be programmed to connect multiple Logitech peripherals via one USB port.
The PerfectStroke keys are quite comfortable to use thanks to their contoured surface and they don’t suffer from sideways travel or wiggling, which puts them light years ahead of other membrane keyboards. The most unique feature of these keys, however, is their automatic backlighting, which only turns on when the proximity sensor detects your hands. This helps the MX Keys maintain battery charge for longer than the competition.
There are only a few shortcomings of this keyboard, one of which being the lack of n-key rollover (this is typically only possible with mechanical switches). Another is that the keyboard’s shallow design makes it hard to clean. And, of course, the MX Keys is fairly expensive, as it is Logitech’s premium (non-gaming) keyboard. That said, anyone who uses their computer daily will find that the price difference is worth it for the sheer quality of this keyboard.
Dimensions: 17.9 x 5.7 x 1.7 inches
Switches: Membrane
Layout: Full-sized
Interface: 2.4 GHz / Bluetooth
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Max Battery Life: 5 months without backlight, 10 days with backlight -
3. Anne Pro 2 60% Keyboard
Pros:- Tactile mechanical switches
- Customizable RGB LEDs
- Double shot PBT keycaps
- n-key Rollover
Cons:- Limited key layout
- Mechanical switches are loud
- Poor battery life
The Anne Pro 2 60% Keyboard is a popular choice among wireless backlit keyboards because it offers the reliable performance of a full-on mechanical gaming keyboard with the convenience of a 60% form factor. This way you get tactile typing with n-key rollover without having to sacrifice portability. But rather than tell you things that are true about all mechanical keyboards, let’s focus on some features that specifically allow the Anne Pro 2 to stand out from the pack.
Unlike most of the keyboards we reviewed, the Anne Pro 2 uses Bluetooth 4.0 instead of 2.4 GHz, which means that it can connect to a wider selection of devices since they don’t need to have a USB port. Unfortunately, that does mean you will need a Bluetooth dongle if your computer’s motherboard doesn’t have Bluetooth built-in. Another standout feature is its use of double-shot PBT keycaps, which are ultra-durable and sport a pleasing texture that cheaper ABS keys can’t match.
One negative to note about the Anne Pro 2’s key rollover is that it only supports NKRO in USB mode. Otherwise, it has 6KRO in Bluetooth mode. And, at the risk of stating the obvious, this keyboard isn’t a great choice if you regularly make use of your navigation keys and number pad, as both are omitted on 60% boards. Both of these facts are easy to look past, though, especially when you consider the price and feature set.
The Anne Pro 2 has fully customizable RGB LEDs, which can be color-coded key by key to your liking using the included app. Alternatively, you can just use a preset color combination and focus your customization on nailing the right brightness level. The battery can last up to 4 weeks without light too (compared to about 8 hours on max brightness) so you may even fully disable the LEDs for daytime use.
Dimensions: 11.9 x 3.8 x 1.6 inches
Switches: Mechanical (Gateron Blue, Gateron Brown, Gateron Red, Kailh Brown, Kailh Red, or Kailh White)
Layout: 60%
Interface: Bluetooth
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Max Battery Life: 8 hours to 4 weeks -
4. Logitech K800 Keyboard
Pros:- Full-sized layout
- Adaptive backlight
- Long battery life
Cons:- Membrane switches lack n-key rollover
- Large desk footprint
- Difficult to clean
If you’ve already done some precursory browsing for backlit wireless keyboards, then you may have already come across the Logitech K800. It is one of the most popular keyboard choices all-around because of its buttery-smooth typing experience, clever lighting system, and long battery life. Its PerfectStroke keys are ergonomically contoured and have no wiggle or angular travel when they are depressed. This gives it a premium feel without the need for loud and heavy mechanical switches.
The keys are backlit by a white LED array that uses a proximity sensor as you move your hands towards the keyboard to type. This helps save battery life and minimize distractions while you are working. You can set the keys to be always-on using the included software pack but it is only compatible with Windows machines. The keyboard on its own does work with other OSes but you won’t be able to pair other Logitech devices to its Unifying Receiver on Linux, MacOS, or ChromeOS.
The K800 has an advertised max battery life of 36 months but results can vary significantly depending on your LED brightness settings as well as how often you use it. But even under more realistic conditions, it fares well against the competition. Plus, it recharges painlessly via MicroUSB, making it fairly easy to top off when the battery indicator is on its last bar. As long as you don’t need gaming features like macros and n-key rollover, the Logitech K800 should provide you with everything you need for a solid typing experience.
Dimensions: 8.2 x 2.3 x 18.4 inches
Switches: Membrane
Layout: Full-sized
Interface: 2.4 GHz
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux
Max Battery Life: 36 months -
5. Rii K18 Plus Trackpad Keyboard
Pros:- Built-in trackpad
- 3-color backlight
- Dedicated multimedia keys
Cons:- Limited key layout
- Keys are smaller than normal
- Low battery life
If you are looking for a wireless backlit keyboard that is easy to use on the couch, then consider the Rii K18 Plus. It has a compact form factor and a built-in touchpad that eliminates the need to plug in a separate mouse. Now, if you plan to use this for everyday productivity, I would highly suggest using a mouse over this touchpad, but this keyboard is clearly designed for use with a home theater PC. This is obvious from its smaller-than-average keys and dedicated media playback hotkeys. But despite its more limited application, it is still a solid keyboard.
Its chiclet-style membrane keys are responsive and fully backlit for easier use at night. The LED array can be programmed for red, blue, or green and it is brightness-adjustable. The touchpad is quite large and supports multi-point functions like zooming and scrolling. The one shortcoming of this keyboard is that its battery life pales in comparison to other options. Its rechargeable battery will last at most 16 hours, which means that you will have to charge this every day or maybe every other day.
In the end, the Rii K18 Plus will serve some uses incredibly well but it is otherwise outclassed by the competition. As a side note, this keyboard is also featured on our list of the best wireless keyboards with a trackpad, which may better serve you if you plan to actually use your keyboard on the coach.
Dimensions: 14.1 x 1.8 x 7.4 inches
Switches: Membrane
Layout: 60%
Interface: 2.4 GHz
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux
Max Battery Life: Up to 16 hours -
6. Redragon K599 65% Keyboard
Pros:- Tactile mechanical switches
- Customizable RGB LEDs
- n-Key rollover
Cons:- Limited key layout
- Mechanical switches are loud
- Slight key wobble
The Redragon K599 boasts all of the premium features that a mechanical gaming keyboard offers but in a desk-friendly 65% form factor. This makes it a high-performance option for those who don’t need number pad but still like to have navigational arrow keys. It has Otemu Red mechanical switches under each of its 70 keys, which gives them a tactile yet linear travel at the cost of being louder and heavier than its membrane counterparts.
Though mechanical switches are mostly desired for fast-paced gaming use, they do confer the benefit of n-key rollover, which has applications beyond gaming. After all, if you type fast, you definitely want the assurance that your keyboard can handle multiple inputs at once. The keys are backlit by color-changing RGB lights, and though the K599 doesn’t have crazy adaptive light patterns built-in like the Razer BackWidow v3 Pro does, you still get 18 different light combinations to cycle through using Fn + Ins.
The K599 offers a fairly solid battery life but expect it to be roughly halved if you plan to always keep the LEDs when you are at your computer. It recharges via USB-C and can also operate while charging, so it also situationally works as a wired keyboard. As long as you don’t mind the 65% layout or having clicky mechanical keys, the Redragon K599 is an absolute beast.
Dimensions: 14.3 x 6.0 x 1.5 inches
Switches: Mechanical Otemu Reds
Layout: 65%
Interface: 2.4 GHz
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux
Max Battery Life: 60 hours with LEDs off, 30 hours with LEDs on -
7. Corsair K57 Gaming Keyboard
Pros:- Customizable RGB LEDs
- 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth support
- Dedicated multimedia keys
Cons:- Membrane switches lack n-key rollover
- Attracts fingerprints easily
- Large desk footprint
Believe it or not, you don’t have to commit to the empathic clickety-clack of a mechanical keyboard to have a solid PC gaming experience, and the Corsair K57 Gaming Keyboard is proof. This membrane keyboard packs all of the key features that the discerning PC gamer needs into a form factor that is forgiving to roommates and family members.
The first thing you’re likely to notice about the K57 is its fully customizable LED array, which can be programmed key-by-key to match any color on the RGB color model. The second thing you’re likely to notice is the extra row of G keys on the left side of the keyboard. These are macro keys designed to carry multi-key inputs for fast-paced online games. Both of these features can be programmed via Corsair’s iCue software, which is available for Windows and Mac. The keyboard will work with other operating systems too but features will be limited.
One of the coolest features of this keyboard is that it supports both Bluetooth and Slipstream Wireless (Corsair’s proprietary version of 2.4 GHz). The latter of the two supports sub-1ms latency, which makes it ideal for gaming, but the addition of Bluetooth allows you to connect this to mobile devices, which has its own merits. It may not provide the tactical experience or NKRO of a mechanical keyboard but it is still an impressive wireless backlit keyboard.
Dimensions: 18.9 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches
Switches: Membrane
Layout: Full-sized
Interface: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Max Battery Life: 35 – 175 hours -
8. Seenda Wireless Backlit Keyboard
Pros:- Full-sized layout
- Multimedia shortcut keys
- Long battery life
Cons:- Only 3 brightness settings
- Difficult to clean
- Scissor switches lack n-key rollover
The Seenda Wireless Backlit Keyboard is a simple and compact keyboard that provides a solid typing experience without overcomplicating the core formula. If you don’t value features like mechanical keys, customizable lighting, or Bluetooth support, then this Seenda keyboard represents some of the best bang for your buck.
Rather than tacking on gamer gimmicks, Seenda has focused on manufacturing a keyboard with a smooth typing experience and decent battery life. This keyboard has a rather small form factor so you can keep a full keyboard layout at your disposal without eating away too much desk space. The board is decently built, even though it is impossible to remove the scissor keys to clean underneath. The white LED backlight provides some added utility even though I wish it had more than three brightness levels.
The Seenda keyboard gets about 18 hours of battery life with the backlight on high and about 800 hours with it off, so depending on your use you might have to charge this keyboard as often as every other day. Thankfully, it charges quickly and easily via USB-C. Added Bluetooth support would have truly sealed the deal but that said, this is still a solid choice.
Dimensions: 16.8 x 4.8 x 0.5 inches
Switches: Scissor
Layout: Full-sized
Interface: 2.4 GHz
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux
Max Battery Life: 18 hours with backlight, 800 hours without backlight -
9. Jelly Comb Keyboard + Mouse Combo
Pros:- Included wireless mouse
- Full-sized layout
- Multimedia shortcut keys
Cons:- Limited key layout
- Scissor switches lack n-key rollover
- Difficult to clean
A wireless keyboard can untether you from your desk and grant you the freedom to work wherever you want but only if you also have a wireless mouse. If you don’t yet have either of these peripherals, then the Jelly Comb Keyboard + Mouse Combo is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. This bundle comes with a wireless backlit keyboard and a wireless mouse, both of which work over Bluetooth. Since this is one of the only keyboards we reviewed with a MacOS-specific version, we have chosen to highlight that. There is also a Windows layout version available but both are technically cross-compatible anyway. It’s simply a matter of having the right icon for your Command button.
As for the typing experience, the Jelly Comb is fairly comfortable to use thanks to its shallow chiclet-style keys. Each key requires very little force to actuate and the 60% layout uses standard key sizes and spacings. The keys are backlit and you can cycle between seven different colors as well as three brightness levels. The keyboard has a decent rechargeable battery inside but the mouse requires an AA battery.
Two things that set the Jelly Comb keyboard apart from other options at its price point are its numerous multimedia shortcuts and its raised back end. Compare this keyboard to the Seenda Wireless Backlit keyboard and you’ll find that the Jelly Comb keyboard has more shortcuts on its function row as well as a more ergonomic angle when it rests on a flat surface. Then there is also the included mouse. All in all, it is a solid package.
Dimensions: 11.2 x 5.2 x 2.3 inches
Switches: Scissor
Layout: 60%
Interface: Bluetooth
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Max Battery Life: 220 hours (AA battery required)
What Are the Best Backlit Wireless Keyboards for Gaming?
If you've already browsed some of our picks, you may have noticed that a major price factor on wireless backlit keyboards is whether or not they have real mechanical switches. Many gamers consider mech switches a must-have feature for hardcore gaming because they provide tactile feedback and all for n-key rollover.
With that in mind, you should definitely consider a keyboard with mechanical switches if you are shopping for a keyboard that will be used for gaming. Our favorite choice is the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro but you can always opt for a more compact choice like the Anne Pro 2 or the Redragon K599 if the BlackWidow feels like overkill.
And to avoid sounding elitist, I should also point out that there are plenty of gaming-viable options that don't use mech switches, so there is no shame in opting for the Corsair K57, especially if you are worried about how noisy mechanical switches can be.
What Are the Best Backlit Wireless Keyboards for Media?
If you are using your wireless backlit keyboard to control a media device like an HTPC from the couch, then you may value a compact form factor over additional keys (like a number pad).
The best option for this would be something with a trackpad such as the Rii K18 Plus since you can more easily navigate app menus. That said, you could also get by with something that has a lot of multimedia keys like the Jelly Comb Keyboard + Mouse Combo. If you want to see even more options, then you should also browse our roundup of the best multimedia keyboards.
See Also
15 Best Cheap Mechanical Keyboards