Are you struggling to turn your Lenovo laptop’s keyboard on and off? Worry not because we have something for you. Using your laptop in a dark environment can be daunting, especially if you have poor eyesight, so you may want to turn on the backlight keyboard feature to see your keys. However, note that not all Lenovo laptops have this feature. On the other hand, those with it have a backlight icon on the spacebar that is usually easily visible.
Before we help you turn your laptop’s keyboard lights on and off, let’s find out why you should invest in one with such a feature.
Reasons To Get A Laptop With A Backlit Keyboard
Here are some of the reasons why those in the market for new laptops are always advised to go for an option with a backlit keyboard:
1. Convenience
As we mentioned, working in the dark or a dimly lit environment can be challenging; therefore, a little bit of convenience is welcome. Getting a keyboard with a backlit feature will help you avoid typing blindly and get things done even in the darkest environments.
2. Appeal
If you have used a laptop with a backlit keyboard and one without, you definitely know that the former has an improved sense of appeal, especially when paired with other systems. Others even allow you to switch between different color ranges, giving you a chance to adjust your keyboard to fit your preferences.
3. Versatility
We all need some versatility in our lives, and getting a gadget that offers it to you is always a great idea. If you prefer designing your workstation to fit a certain theme, a laptop with a backlit keyboard can allow you to adjust the keyboard lighting to match whatever you want and hence blend with your surroundings easily.
4. Gaming
Every gamer understands the importance of a backlit keyboard. This is because most people prefer gaming in dimly lit environments, and this type of keyboard offers just the necessary amount of convenience. In fact, it is worth mentioning that these types of keyboards have become more popular because of gaming enthusiasts. Therefore, prioritize getting a laptop with a backlit keyboard if you are a gamer and you will be good to go.
However, note that laptops with this feature are often expensive; therefore, you may have to adjust your budget. On the bright side, you can enjoy everything we have discussed above.
Disadvantages Of Backlit Keyboard
Even though a backlit keyboard comes with several advantages, there are certain disadvantages you should be wary of before getting one, as they will dictate your general user experience. Here are a few:
1. Increased Power Usage
Keeping the keyboard lit for longer durations requires lots of power, making such laptops drain quickly. This is because there is extra lighting under the keyboard’s framework. However, this doesn’t have to be a problem since you can turn your keyboard’s light on and off depending on your needs. It is also better to get a laptop with this feature rather than one without.
2. Cost
As we mentioned, laptops with backlit keyboards do not come cheap, which can be a huge setback. This is because they have additional software that must be accounted for in their final pricing. In fact, you will pay even more if your laptop’s backlit keyboard has different colors. Another alternative is adding a backlit keyboard on your laptop, which also costs a dime.
Step-By-Step Guide To Turning Your Laptop’s Keyboard On
Here are the steps to follow if you need to turn your Lenovo Laptop’s Keyboard On:
1. Switch On Your Laptop
Your laptop has to be on if you need to turn on your keyboard’s backlit feature. However, note that this may not be successful (the backlit feature) if your battery is low, so ensure that your battery percentage reads at least 75%. You can also google different ways of increasing your battery longevity if you are having some problems.
2. Identify The Backlit Shortcut Key
Once your laptop is on, locate the backlit shortcut key, mostly on the spacebar. Most Lenovo laptops have an icon resembling a horizontal bracket with ‘rays’ on top as their backlit shortcut key.
3. Turn The Keyboard Backlit Feature On
Once you have located the key, it’s time to turn on your keyboard’s light. Note that pressing the key alone cannot make this happen; therefore, simultaneously press the Fn (or function) key and the backlight shortcut, and your keyboard will light up. You can adjust the brightness of your system’s keyboard by pressing the two keys as many times as possible, depending on what you want.
However, note that this process is different for some laptops, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad Z400. For newer models, the backlight feature is often turned on and off by pressing Fn + Space bar keys. If yours falls in this category, press the FN key and tap the space bar, and you will be good to go.
Step-To-Step Guide To Your Guide To Turning Your Laptop’s Think light On
Here are the steps to follow if you need to turn on your Lenovo laptop’s ThinkLight:
1. Switch Your Laptop On
Like the previous process, your laptop must be on to turn on this feature. Make sure that it is well charged, and the battery is at least 75%.
2. Find The Think light Shortcut Key
Most Lenovo laptops have their ThinkLight Shortcut key on their Page Up button. Keenly look at your laptop’s keyboard and locate the PgUp key, which generally looks like a half circle with rays below it.
3. Press Fn+Thinklight
At a closer look, you will realize that this process is similar to the one we discussed above. Your ThinkLight will turn on once you press these keys. However, turning off the ThinkLight is a bit different since you only need to press the two aforementioned keys and not follow the entire process we discussed in the previous section.
How To Troubleshoot Your Keyboard’s Backlight Feature
Are you having trouble with your laptop’s keyboard backlight feature? Worry not. Here are some of the things you can do, and you will be good to go:
Use Lenovo Vantage
Lenovo has an in-built app known as Vantage that helps you ascertain if your laptop is working properly. To access the app, open your taskbar and search for it. Thereafter, click on device, input, and accessories and confirm if your keyboard backlight is activated.
Alternatively, you can power-drain your battery, even if your laptop has an in-built battery. All you need to do is unplug the AC adapter, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, reconnect the AC adapter, and then turn your device on. For a detachable battery, which is common in old laptops, unplug your AC adapter, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then install the battery. The last steps are to reconnect the device and turn on the adapter.
Factors To Consider Before Getting A Backlit Keyboard
1. Brightness
The main reason why people get laptops with backlit keyboards is to work in dimly lit rooms. Therefore, ensure that your choice has enough brightness to serve the abovementioned purpose.
2. Price
Price is one of the biggest determinants when getting any electronic equipment. Note that laptops with backlit keyboards have a higher price tag, meaning that before getting one, ensure that it will give you the type of experience you want. If you don’t regularly work in a dimly lit environment, one without this future will serve you just fine.
3. Longevity
Getting a laptop with a backlit keyboard may not be the best idea if your work requires a laptop that doesn’t drain fast. A backlit keyboard means additional lighting, translating into more power usage. Unless you don’t have a problem with keeping your laptop plugged in most of the time, passing on this feature may be a great idea. Alternatively, you can switch it off if you don’t need it.
4. RGB
Gamers appreciate the RGB feature in their laptops since it makes their systems adapt to their environment by shifting between different color ranges. If you have the money or are willing to go the extra mile, get the best option in the market by settling for a laptop with an RGB keyboard. It may be costly, but you will appreciate it in the long run, especially if you are into gaming. It’s worth mentioning that this feature was introduced following the increasing demand for backlit keyboards.
Conclusion
We hope the solutions we discussed will help you fix your laptop keyboard issue. Feel free to refer to our article if you run into a problem.
FAQ’S
1. Can Update My Keyboard Drivers Fix My Laptop’s Backlight Issues?
Yes. One of the most recommended ways of fixing your laptop’s backlight issue is to update your keyboard driver. This normally applies to sensor-activated keyboards given the possibility that your laptop’s keyboard drivers may be corrupted. Right-click on the start button and then select the device manager. Next, expand the keyboard menu, right-click the keyboard driver and then choose the update driver option. It should work perfectly.
2. What Are Some Other Ways I Can Fix The Backlight Issue On My Laptop?
There are several ways to fix your laptop’s backlight issue if the ones discussed above fail to work. You can run the keyboard troubleshooter and use some recommended applications. Alternatively, you can take it to a laptop specialist.
3. What Are The Advantages Of Buying A Laptop With A Backlit Keyboard?
Buying a laptop with a backlit keyboard has three main advantages: convenience, versatility, and an improved sense of appeal.
