Chromebooks with Backlit Keyboards
Published on by Jim Mendenhall
Typing in low light can be frustrating, whether you’re working late at night, taking notes in a dimly lit lecture hall, or simply browsing the web before bed. A backlit keyboard solves this problem by illuminating the keys, making it easy to see what you’re typing without turning on bright overhead lights. While backlit keyboards were once exclusive to premium laptops, they’ve become increasingly common on mid-range and high-end Chromebooks.
All Chromebooks with Backlit Keyboards
Browse our complete directory of Chromebooks with backlit keyboards, organized by manufacturer. Each model features adjustable keyboard backlighting that lets you type comfortably in any lighting condition.
Showing 36 Chromebooks with backlit keyboards
ASUS (13)
ASUS Chromebook C425
ASUS Chromebook CX9
ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA
ASUS Chromebook Flip C433
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434
ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5 (CM5500)
ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400)
ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601)
ASUS Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip (CM3401)
ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 (CX1505)
ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (CX3402)
ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip
ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus
Acer (13)
Acer Chromebook 15
Acer Chromebook 315
Acer Chromebook 514
Acer Chromebook 514 (ARM)
Acer Chromebook 715
Acer Chromebook Plus 515
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
Acer Chromebook Spin 314
Acer Chromebook Spin 513
Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Acer Chromebook Spin 714
Acer Chromebook Vero 514
Lenovo (4)
Why Backlit Keyboards Matter on Chromebooks
Backlit keyboards have evolved from a luxury feature to an expected convenience on mid-range and premium devices. On Chromebooks, this feature is particularly valuable for several reasons.
Better Productivity in Any Environment
Students frequently use their Chromebooks in lecture halls with dimmed lights, coffee shops with ambient lighting, or libraries where bright screens would disturb others. A backlit keyboard allows you to work productively in these settings without straining to see the keys. The same applies to professionals who travel or work from home offices at odd hours.
Reduced Eye Strain
When you’re working in a dark room, having to lean close to the keyboard or turn on a desk lamp creates harsh contrasts that can strain your eyes. A gentle keyboard backlight provides just enough illumination to see the keys while maintaining a comfortable viewing environment for your screen.
Premium Build Quality Association
Manufacturers typically include backlit keyboards on their better-built Chromebooks. When you see a backlit keyboard listed in the specs, it’s often a sign that the device also has other premium features like better processors, higher-resolution displays, and more robust construction.
How to Control Keyboard Backlight on Chromebooks
Adjusting your Chromebook’s keyboard backlight brightness is straightforward. The standard method works on most models with backlit keyboards.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
To adjust the keyboard backlight on most Chromebooks, use the Alt key combined with the screen brightness keys in the top row. Press Alt + Brightness Up to increase the keyboard backlight intensity, or Alt + Brightness Down to dim it. Continue pressing the combination until you reach your preferred level or turn the backlight off entirely.
The brightness up key typically has a sun icon with rays pointing outward. You’ll find it in the top row of your keyboard, usually near the screen brightness down key.
Alternative Methods
Some Chromebook models have dedicated backlight keys marked with a keyboard icon. These allow you to cycle through brightness levels with a single key press. Check your specific model’s documentation if the standard Alt+brightness shortcut doesn’t work.
You can also access keyboard settings through Chrome OS. Click the time in the bottom right corner, select Settings, and look for keyboard options under Device settings. Some models allow you to customize backlight behavior and even choose colors on RGB-equipped keyboards.
What to Look for in a Backlit Keyboard Chromebook
Not all backlit keyboards are created equal. Here’s what to consider when choosing a Chromebook with this feature.
Adjustable Brightness Levels
The best backlit keyboards offer multiple brightness levels rather than just on/off. This lets you fine-tune the illumination to match your environment and personal preference. Most modern Chromebooks with backlit keyboards provide at least three to five brightness levels.
Key Visibility and Font Style
Well-designed backlit keyboards have legends (the characters on the keys) that allow light to shine through clearly. Look for Chromebooks with clear, easy-to-read fonts and consistent illumination across all keys.
Battery Impact
Keyboard backlighting does consume some battery power, though the impact on modern Chromebooks is minimal. Most devices automatically dim or turn off the backlight when running on battery to conserve power. If battery life is critical for your use case, choose a Chromebook with good overall battery performance.
Manufacturers Offering Backlit Keyboard Chromebooks
Several major manufacturers include backlit keyboards on their Chromebook lineups. Here’s what to expect from each brand.
ASUS offers backlit keyboards across many of their Chromebook Flip and Plus models. Their gaming-focused Vibe series often includes RGB backlighting with customizable colors.
Acer includes backlit keyboards on their Chromebook Spin and Plus lines. The Chromebook 516 GE gaming model features customizable RGB lighting.
HP provides backlit keyboards on models like the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook and various x360 convertibles. Their business-focused Chromebooks typically include this feature.
Lenovo offers backlit keyboards on their Flex series, IdeaPad Chromebook Plus models, and ThinkPad Chromebooks. Their keyboards are known for excellent travel and tactile feedback.
Samsung includes backlit keyboards on their Galaxy Chromebook line, including the premium Galaxy Chromebook and more accessible Galaxy Chromebook 2.
Google pioneered premium Chromebook keyboards with the original Chromebook Pixel. The Pixelbook and Pixelbook Go continued this tradition with excellent backlit keyboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Chromebooks have backlit keyboards?
No, backlit keyboards are not standard on all Chromebooks. You’ll typically find them on mid-range and premium models priced above $400-500. Budget Chromebooks usually omit this feature to keep costs down. Check our comprehensive list above to find models that include backlit keyboards.
How do I turn on the keyboard light on my Chromebook?
On most Chromebooks with backlit keyboards, press and hold the Alt key while tapping the screen brightness up key in the top row. This increases the keyboard backlight brightness. Use Alt + brightness down to dim it. Some models have a dedicated keyboard backlight key instead.
Does keyboard backlighting drain the battery significantly?
Keyboard backlighting has minimal impact on modern Chromebook battery life. The LED lights used in backlit keyboards are very energy-efficient. Most Chromebooks automatically dim or disable the backlight when running on battery to conserve power further.
Can I change the color of my Chromebook’s keyboard backlight?
Most Chromebooks with backlit keyboards have white backlighting only. However, some gaming-oriented models like the ASUS Chromebook Vibe and Acer Chromebook 516 GE feature RGB backlighting with customizable colors that you can adjust through system settings.
Why doesn’t my Chromebook’s keyboard backlight work?
If your Chromebook is supposed to have a backlit keyboard but it’s not working, first try the Alt + brightness key shortcut to ensure it’s not simply turned off. Check your Chromebook’s settings under Device > Keyboard for backlight options. If the feature still doesn’t work, your specific model variant may not include backlighting even though other versions do.
Finding the Right Chromebook with Backlit Keyboard
A backlit keyboard transforms your Chromebook experience in low-light situations. Whether you’re a student working late on assignments, a professional who travels frequently, or someone who enjoys using their laptop in bed, this feature provides practical benefits that justify its presence on mid-range and premium devices.
Use our comprehensive list above to browse all available Chromebooks with backlit keyboards. Filter by manufacturer to find models from your preferred brand, or look for additional features like touchscreens and Chromebook Plus certification to find the perfect device for your needs.
