Thinkpads Forum

Configuring a new T530 machine. Was definitely going to order a backlit keyboard, not so much because I need the functionality (I've rarely used the Thinklight on my T60), but, admittedly, more because it just seems like a cool feature. Plus, who knows...maybe it'll come in handy some day.

That being said, I've read one online review that says the keys on the regular keyboard have better grip than the keys on the backlit version, and that's the reason to get the former. But other reviews of the T series Thinkpads are silent on the issue or indicate that the backlight is a positive.

I'd love to get feedback from forum members. If you have a backlit keyboard, are you happy you made that choice? Is the tactile feel and response on the backlit keyboard the same as the non-backlit version? Any other reason to backlight, or not to backlight?

Thanks in advance.

I'm trying to imagine what scenarios it would be useful for. Like you, I rarely use the think light, and then only because it was there. The great thing about the T-series is the solid keyboard. If the back lit board is tinny then I'd say no. Might be a power drain too. Otherwise, yeah, it would be cool.

i would say absolutely get the backlit keyboard. You only have to turn it on when you need it so it does not draw power all the time.

Why do you want it? Ever fly on a night flight? Invaluable. Ever sit on the coach watching TV in a semi-lit room? Very handy.

My T530 has the backly keyboard and the ThinkLight. I never use the latter but use the former often. The keyboard is much less intrusive than the ThinkLight.

the backlit keyboard is painted on (Im assuming clear keys) whereas the non-backlit is black plastic throughout. Because its painted on, the lettering for the keys are essentially flush or built into the key as opposed to the non-backlit which has stickers for all the keys. Im used to the non-backlit as its how all my thinkpads have been, but the backlit is definitely the looker of the bunch... the stickers on the non-backlit keys do seem a bit mis-matched color-wise or something because they do stand out prominently. They feel about the same to me, but the non-backlit will wear with the traditional glossy spots. I havent had a backlit keyboard long enough to see how it will fare over time.