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page title icon The Best Cheap Laptops with Backlit Keyboard: Buying Guide

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| Updated on March 1, 2023

Backlit keyboards aren’t always on premium laptops. Here’s everything you need to know about the best cheap laptops with backlit keyboards today.

Whether you want to have more light in the dark or want to add to your overall aesthetic, having a backlit keyboard on your laptop can help you work in any environment.

While it used to be a feature exclusive to luxury laptops, more manufacturers have added these to make them more accessible, even for those on a budget.

I’ve gathered the best, cheapest laptops with backlit keyboards available commercially.

The 5 Cheapest Laptops with Backlit Keyboards on the Market

The 5 Cheapest Laptops with Backlit Keyboards on the Market:
Image feature: Lenovo; Asus

Having a backlight on a keyboard doesn’t have to cost much. You also don’t need to sacrifice many features to get a laptop of great quality.

These are the best, cheapest laptops with backlit keyboards you can look into when shopping for a new laptop.

1) No products found. – Best Overall

No products found.

No products found.

Features

  • Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U
  • Graphics Processor: AMD
  • RAM: 12 GB
  • Hard Drive: ‎128 GB SSD
  • Battery Life: 8 hours 
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • Weight: 3.9 lbs

While it’s one of Acer’s cheapest laptops, the Asus Aspire 5 is the best choice if you’re looking for a reliable laptop with a backlit keyboard.

Its backlit keyboard offers the best feedback despite its price, allowing you to type comfortably. While there might be a little jitter, you’re still guaranteed to get an excellent performance.

Acer is also best known for the durability of its laptops. While they don’t have an ultra-thin bezel design, it’s still slim enough to be easily brought around or stuffed into your go-bag.

It has USB-A and USB-C ports for external storage. However, one downside of this laptop is that the USB-C port is only for data and can’t recharge your laptop.

This Acer Aspire could be the one for you since it’s one of the best, cheapest laptops with backlit keyboards.

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Pros

  • Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
  • Great for daily use
  • Rugged build
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Cramped keypad
  • Weak speakers
  • Can’t charge with USB-C

2) ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 – Best Value for Money

ASUS Chromebook Flip C302

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Features

  • Processor: Intel Core 1.1 GHz core M
  • Graphics Processor: Intel HD Graphics
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Hard Drive: 64 GB EMMC flash storage
  • Battery Life: 10 hours
  • Screen Size: 12.5 inches
  • Weight: 2.65 lbs

This ASUS Chromebook can easily compete with other entry-level Windows laptops in the market. What makes it better is how much more affordable it is compared to others.

Its backlit keyboard is comfortable and easy to use, making it one of the top options among these budget laptops.

It also has an attractive design, featuring a metal body for aesthetics and durability. The HD touch-screen supports multitouch commands and features a wide-angle view, making it easy to use, especially as a tablet.

This Chromebook is also one of the lightest, making it easy to carry around. It comes with an included AC adapter for power and two USB-C ports for additional memory.

A disadvantage is its lower processor, an Intel Core 1.1, which is extremely low compared to a regular laptop. It also needs adaptors since it lacks an HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA port.

This Chromebook is a great budget alternative to the MacBook Air, in particular, thanks to its features and functionality.

ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 2-In-1 Laptop-...
  • The flexible 360 Degree hinge and 12.5" full HD touchscreen lets you use the...
  • Intel Core Processor with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM for fast and efficient...
  • Extremely lightweight at 2.65 pounds with the protection of a sleek aluminum...

Pros

  • Full HD display
  • High-quality design
  • Bright and clear display
  • Tablet mode
  • MicroSD card slot

Cons

  • A bit pricey
  • Legacy connections need adapters

3) ASUS VivoBook 15 – Best Budget Laptop

ASUS VivoBook 15

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Features

  • Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1
  • Graphics Processor: Intel UHD Graphics
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Hard Drive: 128 GB
  • Battery Life: 8 hours
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • Weight: 3.75 lbs

The ASUS VivoBook 15 is the cheapest laptop on this list. However, it’s also got one of the most comfortable backlit keyboards you could work with.

Since ASUS is well-known for its gaming laptops, this laptop can easily sustain heavy-use programs compared to the other laptops on this list.

Despite having an Intel Core i3 processor, its performance is quite decent, given its price and the performance of similar products with that kind of processor. It’s a powerful laptop that can support many functions.

If you want to improve its performance, you can upgrade the RAM and SSD for an additional price.

It has a USB type-C port, making it great for connecting with more modern technology. Its HDMI port also allows you to connect to an external monitor, especially if you’re using it as a gaming laptop.

This is the one for you if you’re looking for an affordable laptop with a backlit keyboard.

ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light 15.6”...
  • 【11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 】3 GHz base frequency, up to 4.1 GHz with...
  • 【15.6” FHD Display】15.6 inch Full HD NanoEdge bezel display with stunning...
  • 【Upgraded to 12GB RAM】Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your...

Pros

  • Superior performance
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Has number pad
  • Fingerprint reader

Cons

  • Restrictive capacity
  • Quiet speakers
  • Slow SSD

4) No products found. – Best For Daily Use

No products found.

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Features

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 8250U
  • Graphics Processor: Intel UHD Graphics
  • RAM: 12 GB
  • Hard Drive: 256 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
  • Battery Life: 7 hours
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • Weight: 4.9 lbs

I recommend this one if you’re looking for a laptop to use daily, especially if you’re a student or a professional. It’s also great for light gaming.

Its keyboard design is iconic and strategically designed to have gaps, making typing more comfortable. It also comes with an accurate touchpad, making it easier to navigate your PC.

Its body is made of aluminum, making it resistant to corrosion. It also gives a more sleek appearance for aesthetics.

Its build is also less likely to attract dirt, which is an excellent feat, especially when it comes to the gaps between the keys.

It features a turbo boost core frequency that lets it perform as great as the more high-end laptops. It also comes with a network port, USB ports for type-A and type-C, HDMI, and a headset or microphone jack.

That said, it’s one of the heaviest laptops on this list, weighing almost 5 lbs. This has to be the biggest downside, especially if you’re the type to bring your laptop around.

The Dell Inspiron makes for an excellent investment, especially with its functions and affordability.

No products found.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Affordable
  • Large HD display
  • SD memory reader

Cons

  • Weak speakers
  • Stiff hinges

5) Lenovo ThinkPad E15 – Best For Web Browsing

Lenovo ThinkPad E15

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Features

  • Processor: Ryzen 5 4500U
  • Graphics Processor: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Hard Drive: 256 GB
  • Battery Life: 5 hours
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • Weight: 3.70 lbs

The Lenovo ThinkPad is great if you’re looking for the essential functions of a laptop. It’s guaranteed to work perfectly in any environment to help you be productive with your tasks.

This version has one of the best keyboards among the ThinkPad models, especially since it’s one of the few with a backlight feature.

These keyboards are also spill-resistant, preventing major damage in case of accidents with water.

Its processor allows you to easily access multiple tabs without worrying about your laptop lagging.

Another great thing about this laptop is its upgradability. You can improve its performance by upgrading its RAM and hard drive capacity, adding to its already excellent performance.

ThinkPads are also best known for their durability. You’re sure to have this as a long-term investment, especially if you’re looking for a reliable work laptop.

However, this laptop is a bit expensive for a budget option. Its upgrades would also cost extra, depending on what you’ll need to achieve better performance.

Lenovo ThinkPad E15 (20T80005US) Laptop,...
  • 15.6-Inch Full HD (1920x1080) Display with Front Facing HD Webcam, AMD Ryzen 5...
  • Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, RAM: 8GB DDR4 RAM
  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac); Dual-Band (2.4 & 5 GHz) + Bluetooth 5.0 Combo, HD Webcam,...

Pros

  • Upgradability
  • Spill-resistant keyboard
  • Fingerprint recognition
  • Excellent performance

Cons

  • Slow USB ports
  • Pricey

What is a Backlit Keyboard?

A backlit keyboard is a feature being added to most laptops that lets your keys light up in a dark environment.

This feature makes it easier to type at night or in places with low light. It also helps improve typing accuracy and typing speed, thanks to the light that allows keys to be more visible to the user.

It connects to the laptop battery, so it doesn’t need extra power. Laptops with this kind of keyboard usually have a greater battery strength to sustain their features.

A Keyboard backlight is more common with expensive laptops. You may have to pay extra if it’s not yet built into the laptop.

However, as shown above, some manufacturers have made this feature more accessible by including it with affordable options.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Laptops with Backlit Keyboards

When looking for the best cheapest laptops, it’s important to look for specific features that make them stand out from the rest. It’s not easy to make a backlit keyboard that looks and functions well.

The overall keyboard quality is important to consider, especially since it’s part of the laptop that’s commonly used. You can look into the following features:

  • Key Travel: It’s the distance the key travels for your laptop to register what you’ve tapped on. Low-key travel keyboards usually have a slower response unless you’re looking into buying a premium ultrabook.
  • Backlit Bleeding: It’s the keyboard’s ability to reduce the amount of backlight going through the keys, which can be difficult to have, given a laptop’s design. These are easier to achieve with more expensive models.

Some laptops with backlit keyboards can also add additional keyboard features that enhance their performance and aesthetic. You can look into these additional features when assessing the laptop’s specs:

  • Sensor: This feature helps your laptop automatically adjust the backlight brightness based on your surroundings. It’s common for ultrabooks and is usually adjustable or easily disabled.
  • Programmable Lighting: This feature is mostly for aesthetic purposes, letting the user change the colors of the light. It’s more common in gaming brands like MSI and ASUS, which usually has users separating the WASD keys for gaming.
  • Backlit Brightness: This feature lets you adjust the brightness of your backlight according to your environment, helping you conserve battery.

The overall layout is also important to ensure you’re comfortable typing on your backlit keyboard. An island layout is great if you’re only going for aesthetic.

However, a conventional design is best if you’re looking for ergonomics.

Other than that, look into the specs and features of the laptop itself. Look into features like connection interfaces, an HD webcam, a headphone jack, and their ability to connect to external monitors.

These features further improve performance.

Security features, such as a security lock slot and privacy shutter, will also make it safer for you to use your PC, especially when browsing the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You may have a few more questions about laptops with backlit keyboards.

I’ve gathered the most common questions to help you with your research.

What Types of Laptops Use Backlit Keyboards?

Only a select number of laptops come with a backlit feature. It usually contributes to the cost of the laptop, making it a luxury for some brands.

When comparing different backlit keyboards in laptops, you can consider the following types of laptops:

  • Gaming Laptops: These are usually the high-tier ones with high-end GPUs from well-known brands like ASUS and MSI. They typically feature an RGB backlit keyboard connected to software to change colors.
  • Ultrabooks: These are ultra-lightweight and thin laptops that tend to have a backlit feature. If you’re considering this kind, it’s best to look into the other keyboard and laptop features. Common examples of ultrabooks are the HP Envy and the ASUS ZenBook.
  • Premium Laptops: These are the most expensive laptops in the market that use LED illumination, ranging from $700 to $1000. The best one would be the MacBook Pro, which cost around $1000 to $1500, depending on the features and add-ons.
  • Budget Laptops: These are the more affordable laptops that cost around $350 to $600. While they may have backlit keyboards, they can have a more limited CPU and RAM to make the laptop more affordable.

When choosing between these laptops, it’s best to consider how much you’re willing to pay and the features you’ll need for your portable laptop.

My Top Picks

Seeing laptops with backlit keyboards has become more common over the years. However, the best laptop offers a great balance between this luxury and the functions you need.

Here’s a recap of my top picks for the best laptops with backlit keyboards.

Best Budget Laptop – ASUS VivoBook 15

ASUS VivoBook 15

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Play games and get work done without having to spend a lot, thanks to the ASUS Vivobook!

It’s one of the cheapest laptops on the market, making it great for those on a budget.

Thanks to the reliable processor and overall specs, it can also function as a gaming laptop.

Best Value for Money – ASUS Chromebook Flip C302

ASUS Chromebook Flip C302

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This ASUS Chromebook is a versatile laptop at a reasonable price. It has a large screen, letting you

This Chromebook is so great that it can easily compete with most Windows laptops, guaranteeing the best performance.

If you want to watch movies, take your work outdoors, and enjoy a reliable backlit keyboard, this is the one for you.

Best Overall – Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

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No products found.

This slim laptop from ASUS is the best when it comes to the cheapest laptops with backlit keyboards.

It’s reliable for your daily needs and can help you work anywhere, regardless of the light in your environment.

Its crowning jewel is its reliable backlit keyboard, which will light up those darker workplaces and help you work in any condition.

Conclusion

Dim environments shouldn’t stop you from being productive or enjoying your laptop’s features.

Laptops with backlit keyboards are something to consider if you’re looking for a versatile portable computer.

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