RGB & Lighting Types


RGB & Lighting Types

(What “RGB” Really Means)

✨RGB lighting can enhance a keyboard’s look and visibility, but not all RGB implementations are the same. Understanding the differences helps set expectations and avoid confusion✨

💡What Is RGB Lighting?

RGB lighting refers to LEDs placed under or around keys that can display colors and lighting effects. How much control you have over those colors depends on the keyboard’s design and software.

🎨True Per-Key RGB

Per-key RGB allows each key to display its own color independently.

⭐What it offers:

  • Full color customization
  • Solid colors, gradients, and effects
  • Individual key control through software

🎯Best for:

  • Users who enjoy customization
  • Clean, themed setups
  • Creative or aesthetic-focused desks

✔️Per-key RGB is typically found on mid-range to premium keyboards.

🌈Preset RGB Lighting

Some keyboards use preset lighting modes rather than full color control.

⭐What it offers:

  • Predefined patterns (rainbow, waves, breathing effects)
  • Adjustable brightness and speed
  • Limited or no solid color selection

🎯Best for:

  • Users who enjoy lighting without customization
  • Budget-friendly keyboards
  • Simple plug-and-play use

✔️While still labeled “RGB,” preset lighting is more limited than true per-key RGB.

🔁South-Facing vs North-Facing LEDs

LED orientation affects how lighting interacts with keycaps.

⬇️South-facing LEDs:

  • Positioned at the bottom of the switch
  • Better compatibility with aftermarket keycaps
  • More even light diffusion with side-printed legends

⬆️North-facing LEDs:

  • Positioned at the top of the switch
  • Brighter legends with shine-through keycaps
  • Can interfere with some custom keycap profiles

✔️Many modern keyboards favor south-facing LEDs for flexibility and customization.

🔋RGB and Battery Life

Lighting impacts battery performance on wireless keyboards.

📌Good to know:

  • Higher brightness uses more power
  • Static colors last longer than dynamic effects
  • Wired mode charges the keyboard while in use

✔️Some users turn RGB off during the day and enable it at night.

✨ Accent / Ambient Lighting

(Non-Key RGB Lighting)

Some keyboards include accent lighting that is separate from the keys themselves. This lighting is built into the case, edges, or underside of the keyboard and is designed to add atmosphere rather than illuminate legends.

🪐Accent lighting is common on design-forward keyboards like Gravastar, where visual impact and desk aesthetics are a major part of the experience.

Do You Need RGB?

👍Choose RGB if you:

  • Like visual customization
  • Type in low-light environments
  • Enjoy expressive desk setups

❌Skip RGB if you:

  • Prefer a minimal look
  • Want maximum battery life
  • Focus purely on function

At SwitchSmiths, we do our best to describe lighting capabilities, so you know what the keyboard offers 💜