Can someone verify that this is normal with the 16” MacBook Pro? There is quite a bit of light leakage around the keys, sort of like the older 2015 and below. I don’t mind it but just waned to make sure what I was seeing is normal. Thanks!

Maybe they will fix it in 2020...The low light leakage was a point they highlighted in the keynote when they first introduced the butterfly design.
“FileVault” is what is preventing the keyboard illumination before logging in. If you turn FileVault off the keyboard backlight will function from system boot. Your decision. I often work in subdued lighting and trying to sign in with the keyboard not lit was unacceptable. I turned FileVault off.As an aside to this, I am now reminded of my biggest and single most irritating gripe with my MacBook Pro (2017 15" if it matters). When I power on or restart the machine - not wake from sleep - why does the keyboard backlight not function until after logging in? It's all very well being able to use your computer in low light, but it's seriously annoying when the keyboard is a sea of blackness when trying to type in the login credentials. It continues to infuriate me that a company like Apple doesn't see an issue with this. Perhaps there is a technical limitation that prevents illumination before logging in at power-up, but I find it difficult to believe that it couldn't be overcome even if this were the case.
Sorry for the off-topic rambling...
“FileVault” is what is preventing the keyboard illumination before logging in. If you turn FileVault off the keyboard backlight will function from system boot. Your decision. I often work in subdued lighting and trying to sign in with the keyboard not lit was unacceptable. I turned FileVault off.
Is there a way to completely disable the backlight?