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Why isn't the Apple keyboard backlit?

L

lil666jrkatz

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 15, 2008
30
1
I'm sorry, but I cannot comprehend why Apple would make their standard keyboard (wired or wireless) backlit. If it can be done in the MBP and MBA, why not their stand-alone keyboard? Has anyone ever heard of a company which makes such a thing? This would seem like a real plus....

thanks
 
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it would be cool to have a backlit wireless keyboard.. im not sure what the limitations are, but its a cool idea I wish would see the light of day :)
 
Not everyone likes backlit keyboards. I hate them. If I bought a new iMac and it came with a backlight on the otherwise perfect and beautiful (I have a crush on them) wired keyboard, I'd be pissed. I don't get the point of them. They look tacky and I never actually look at it to find keys.
 
Because when you have a standard keyboard, you can turn on the light if you need it. When you have your laptop with you, your surroundings aren't always controllable.
 
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I suppose Apple figures if you can afford a computer you could also afford a lamp.

...Really, desktops are almost always going to be located in a well lit room; if it's dark you need not do more than flip a light switch. On the other hand, it isn't uncommon to use a notebook in a dark room at a time when the lights could not be turned on, such as during a presentation.
 
lil666jrkatz said:
I'm sorry, but I cannot comprehend why Apple would make their standard keyboard (wired or wireless) backlit. If it can be done in the MBP and MBA, why not their stand-alone keyboard? Has anyone ever heard of a company which makes such a thing? This would seem like a real plus....

thanks
Click to expand...

Backlit keyboards for a desktop machine..? Don't you have lights in your house/workplace?

A backlit keyboard is only required for portables, just like the MBP/MBA, where you might be on a plane/train or other dark place...
 
I could see where someone would find it beneficials. I know from experience maybe an edit suite (often times are dark) or in a dorm room. Other then that I think it would look cool if it doesn't use too much power/and isn't to costly.
 
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There are many situations where you'd have the lights off or at a low level and so a backlit keyboard on a desktop would come in useful:

  • Immersing yourself in a game
  • Watching a film
  • Presentation
  • Video editing
  • Light bulb fused
  • Power outtage*
  • Someone else trying to sleep in the same room
  • Playing hide and seek / murder in the dark
  • Medical condition against light
  • Bad eyesight
  • Saving electricity costs / cutting down on C02 emissions
  • In the middle of sex
  • Vampire

The list is endless ... :D

*Assumed UPS conneted to desktop.
 
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Neutral Gamer said:
There are many situations where you'd have the lights off or at a low level and so a backlit keyboard on a desktop would come in useful:

  • Immersing yourself in a game
  • Watching a film
  • Presentation
  • Video editing
  • Light bulb fused
  • Power outtage*
  • Someone else trying to sleep in the same room
  • Playing hide and seek / murder in the dark
  • Medical condition against light
  • Bad eyesight
  • Saving electricity costs / cutting down on C02 emissions
  • In the middle of sex
  • Vampire

The list is endless ... :D

*Assumed UPS conneted to desktop.
Click to expand...

I was just about to point that out :(. I would love to be able to turn off the lights during a movie and still be able to see my keyboard. For those of you who hate backlit keyboards... There is a magic button that can turn it off. :eek:
 
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When apple makes a back lit keyboard the keys will have to be black and the glow will have to be green.
 
lil666jrkatz said:
I'm sorry, but I cannot comprehend why Apple would make their standard keyboard (wired or wireless) backlit. If it can be done in the MBP and MBA, why not their stand-alone keyboard? Has anyone ever heard of a company which makes such a thing? This would seem like a real plus....

thanks
Click to expand...

You have 3 options really...


. Learn to type..
. Buy a lamp.
. Buy one of those, i'm pretty sure the keys 'glow'
 
I dunno. I have an Apple Keyboard with my MBP and sometimes I'm up late into the night writing papers and my roommate is sleeping so I have the lights off. It'd be nice if it were backlit.:)
 
I would love to have a backlite keyboard for my MB or G5. I wish apple would have done this too.
 
A Good Point!

I agree 110%!! I really wish these things were backlit! Who knows why apple doesn't make it standard? My thinking is it will come to the macbook eventually but not to the usb keyboards for desktops. Its ashame because apple makes sweet backlit keyboards!!

If anyone has seen my other thread:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/433411/

I am interested in buying myself a powerbook just for basic internet, music,etc. ( I am of corse going for the 15" PowerBook over a iBook because the powerbooks were backlit!!)

If anyone is interested Logitech makes this crazy gaming keyboard that is backlit and looks pretty nice. Its called the G15 and I actually have one im trying to get rid of! Shout out a fair number if your interested and we will deal!
 
An Expert Speaks ...

brand said:
With who, yourself?

I can't think of a good reason why you would need a backlit keyboard if you were having sex with another person.
Click to expand...

Using the resources of the internet can help liven up and create a more gratifying and whole experience of sexual intercourse for you and your partner. Whether it's "tutorial" style videos or Karma Sutra style photos and descriptions the internet can only enlighten the experience of lovemaking. A backlit keyboard would help while navigating these vital pieces of education while in the act.

The Internet.™ Helping us all get it on.™

Regards, Neutral Gamer
Sexual Therapist for hire
Specialising in Mac on Mac, Mac on top of Windows and Mac-Windows does Linux tag team action. Oooh, hardcore baby!

P.S.

brand said:
Sex with yourself and the Internet is the only thing I can come up with.
Click to expand...

While I myself am clearly not and have never been privy to such behaviour (*cough*) I accept that your evaluation is no doubt true for most cases. :D
 
I wish the Apple keyboard's were backlit. My desktop is in the bedroom and I like to work in the dark for some reason, mostly because I work more efficiently (don't ask, I can't explain - I also work much better between the hours of 2am - 6am; must be less distractions & more motivation to work efficiently).
 
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