Backlit keyboard for daytime use?

[PLAfiller]

Sup everyone?

I have a question to people with backlit keyboards, since I've never had one. I want to get my mom a cheapo backlit keyboard, since her eyesight is getting worse. This is one of the candidates: Trust Elid . She types a lot as a job. However, I have a concern about how bright will be the lighting during the day ? Without the lighting the letters on the keyboard seem to me, not very visible. (she can't type without looking at the keyboard). Also, is the lighting going to fade/ get dimmer with prolonged use ? If anyone can share some thoughts on this, I'd be grateful. Most reviewers turn off the lights in the room to show how bright it is, but that's not always how you use the keyboard. How about a bright sunny day?

 

[Fourstaff]

Consider finding a keyboard with big lettering instead?

 

[Devon68]

I have a Genius KB-G255. The keys are visible even at daytime the only thing that bothers me is that in time the most used keys wear out and become transparent so i would not recommend this keyboard. Maybe something like Fourstaff recommended would be better.

 

[PLAfiller]

Consider finding a keyboard with big lettering instead?

I have a Genius KB-G255. The keys are visible even at daytime the only thing that bothers me is that in time the most used keys wear out and become transparent so i would not recommend this keyboard. Maybe something like Fourstaff recommended would be better.

That's some grounded suggestions. Ok, then I'll look into some fine printed keyboard+ a decent desk lamp for when the night comes. Thanks guys.

 

[Mussels]

black widow ultimate. bright enough during the day - i keep it at the 'medium' brightness and even during daylight they appear *blue* which helps them stand out regardless of lighting.

that said it has a unique font for the keys (and a high price) which may make this particular model no good for her.

 

[manofthem]

"Keys-U-See is a large print keyboard from AbleNet that has been designed specifically for those with conditions that cause visual impairment or low vision...."

 

[Bill_Bright]

I have a couple elderly clients who tried backlit keyboards and they did not like them. They complained the brightness of the backlighting washed out the key labels somewhat making them even harder to see. One is a bit actor in the local Little Theater and said it was like trying to see the audience past the stage lights. The other said it was like tying to see the face of someone who had the sun behind them.

So I agree with the suggestions to get a high contrasting keyboard with big letters instead. Those two elderly folks got the EZsee Large Print Keyboard and like it so that might be a good option for your mom. It comes in a yellow key with black lettering version and a black key with white lettering version. Both thought the yellow version was for a younger crowd and not them. There is a wireless version too. In addition to being able to see the letters, they both liked the feel of the keyboard when typing. And that can be important for someone who types all day.

There are also some keyboards that have illuminated lettering on the keys (not backlighting) but I think aging eyes would prefer large letters (at least my 63 year old eyes do).

 

[Solaris17]

I have a couple elderly clients who tried backlit keyboards and they did not like them. They complained the brightness of the backlighting washed out the key labels somewhat making them even harder to see. One is a bit actor in the local Little Theater and said it was like trying to see the audience past the stage lights. The other said it was like tying to see the face of someone who had the sun behind them.

So I agree with the suggestions to get a high contrasting keyboard with big letters instead. Those two elderly folks got the EZsee Large Print Keyboard and like it so that might be a good option for your mom. It comes in a yellow key with black lettering version and a black key with white lettering version. Both thought the yellow version was for a younger crowd and not them. There is a wireless version too. In addition to being able to see the letters, they both liked the feel of the keyboard when typing. And that can be important for someone who types all day.

There are also some keyboards that have illuminated lettering on the keys (not backlighting) but I think aging eyes would prefer large letters (at least my 63 year old eyes do).

This^ If someones eyes are starting to go you have to think of how things "look" to them. It might not be a simple out of focus, the light may actually make it worse since things are likely to have a "bleeding" effect.

 

[rtwjunkie]

"Keys-U-See is a large print keyboard from AbleNet that has been designed specifically for those with conditions that cause visual impairment or low vision...."

Great find! That looks like a great, easy to see keyboard that doesn't seem to have skimped on too many features either.

 

[Norton]

I use this $25 Thermaltake backlit keyboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162033

It's a bit gaudy since it's a "gaming style" kb but I love the adjustable backlighting and it works well in daylight or night with my gradually worsening eyesight.

 

[NightOfChrist]

@lZKoce I am not sure if I can recommend my keyboards to elders. I have poor vision and wear spectacles on daily basis and use Corsair K95 and G510s and both have great lighting in day and night, but the price might be too steep and also I use them because they have many macro keys I can use with Photoshop and Lightroom. But if you want to find the right keyboard for your mother, perhaps the keyboard part of PCPartPicker could help?

PCPartPicker - Choose A Keyboard

I suppose you could also browse together with your mother and ask her if she fancy certain keyboard from that list.

Good luck with your search. I hope you and your mother find the most suitable keyboard.

 

[Bill_Bright]

It might not be a simple out of focus, the light may actually make it worse since things are likely to have a "bleeding" effect.

Excellent point. I know folks who have had replacement lens surgeries for cataracts and such and now lights create a glare for them - some to the point they cannot drive at night because street lights and on-coming headlights are like starbursts coming at them.

 

[ThE_MaD_ShOt]

Also if she is using this keyboard for her job and types alot, cheaper may not be better. You will want something that will last and be durable. Yet fit her needs.

 

[erixx]

i would suggest a Corsair nonmechanical (for the price) LED keyboard. I type all day on the K70 and it is much better then old Logitech G-15 etc in Tageslicht.

 

[sneekypeet]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CXTX7S/?tag=tec06d-20

has larger font and a trio of color options. Also is not day-glow yellow Oh shit, Bulgaria?
http://www.aziocorp.com/en/keyboards/14-large-print-3-color-backlit-keyboard.html

 

[PLAfiller]

Also if she is using this keyboard for her job and types alot, cheaper may not be better. You will want something that will last and be durable. Yet fit her needs.

You have a point to be fair. I might reconsider the budget eventually.

Oh shit, Bulgaria?

Ahahaha, let's say I am resourceful . Problem is not so much finding a specific model of keyboard. More like, when I import it from outside it won't have the Cyrillic alphabet on it, but I might find a way around it. I still received very valuable feedback from the people here and definitely made me reconsider my original course of action.

 

[Frag_Maniac]

I would go with a large font backlit, for two reasons. Obviously large fonts are easier to see, plus you can get large font backlit ones that have translucent fonts, which cannot rub off over time like painted on ones.

Plus you can get them for cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HQ2ZWQ/?tag=tec06d-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CXTX7S/?tag=tec06d-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ERV026K/?tag=tec06d-20

That said, for all I know, the above could all be made by the same manufacturer with a different name on it. I'd probably trust the Azio the most though. It averages a 4 out of 5 star rating with over 2500 reviews.

 

[AsRock]

black widow ultimate. bright enough during the day - i keep it at the 'medium' brightness and even during daylight they appear *blue* which helps them stand out regardless of lighting.

that said it has a unique font for the keys (and a high price) which may make this particular model no good for her.

Lettering on the BW are rubbish but i guess everyone to their own.

Depending on how much your mother looks at the keys for typing you might want to think about the newer lighting methods as the older way don't light the keys evenly.