I don't understand the function of LEDs on keyboards. Is it purely aesthetic ? How much cost does the LED add to an already expensive split keyboard? Think of the engineering and coding that could be saved without the LEDs.
The sales copy touts: "The LEDs can serve as visual support for your changes. Use different lighting for different layers, or use them to improve your touch-typing."
Do people really use it for that?
I suppose there is a difference between why people buy something (shiny feature) and how they actually use it. If the manufacturer is competing with other keyboards with the LED feature, I suppose they don't want to risk losing a sale.
I just wish I could type comfortably without expensive hardware.
When I had "press button to switch layer permanently", the LEDs indeed made a huge difference. I didn't need to look at the keyboard directly, my peripheral vision would notice that it stopped being blueish and started being redish, which meant I was on Layer 2.
But then layer I switched to "layer 2 is only active when you're actually holding the layer 2 key" mode and now the leds are not as important anymore. Still, they make my keyboard look cool :)
Also, on my configuration Layer 2 keys each have different colors based on what they do (macros are pink, media buttons are blue, arrows are green, etc.). I have now mostly memorized everything, but in the beginning it was good to have them to help me remember.
Anyway, I like LEDs. But I would happily buy a LED-less keyboard if it meant saving $100.
In addition to the sibling comment, some of my keycaps are blank. The LEDs let me group these by category: arrow keys, modifier keys, etc. When you’re playing around with the layout, figuring out what is best for you, this can be pretty useful.
The backlight on my macbook is one of the top features, and I would not ever want a laptop without it, so I don't really see why it is so bad to want backlit for the desktop either.
I'd imagine the colors would be nice for indicating layers, especially the ten keys and arrow keys, when they are active, but I don't know if that is a feature out of the box, or something you have to hack yourself.
I've always heard this about MacBooks but I've never understood it. One of the first things I do when I start using a new MacBook is turn off the backlight. I can touch type, after all; my fingers know where everything is.
For me, backlit keys on a laptop is nice because I'll use a laptop in a dark environment and they layout isn't the same as my desktop keyboard so my touch typing isn't always 100%.
When I'm at my desktop, the room is always brightly lit.
My rant was directed at desktop keyboards that have customizable LEDs. They come with custom software that let you specify the colors on each individual key. And yes, the colors can change based on your current layer.
I was lamenting the cost associated with engineering the LEDs into the keyboard's circuit, and the cost of writing the custom software UI and embedded software on the keyboard to control the LEDs.
I read a bit more about the company Dygma. It appears they started as a gaming keyboard company, and are now entering the ergonomics market. It makes more sense now why they included the LEDs. They have already written the software UI and have the engineering experience.
My personal keyboard is a Kinesis Freestyle Pro. It's a huge improvement from my Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard, but it doesn't completely cure my RSI. The only total cure I've found for that is to not type for a living :( . I've tried a lot ... although I haven't tried diet adjustment yet.
I understood your reference to the rainbow lights. I just thought it was odd/hostile to describe them in the manner which you did. Perhaps you were attempting humor and it missed.
I suspect the ubiquitous rainbow LEDs are just there to be pretty and are unrelated to LBGTQ+ . I suspect the human eye naturally likes rainbows. I know I find them visually appealing.
The sales copy touts: "The LEDs can serve as visual support for your changes. Use different lighting for different layers, or use them to improve your touch-typing."
Do people really use it for that?
I suppose there is a difference between why people buy something (shiny feature) and how they actually use it. If the manufacturer is competing with other keyboards with the LED feature, I suppose they don't want to risk losing a sale.
I just wish I could type comfortably without expensive hardware.
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