RGB is the name of a color model and refers to the primary colors red, green, blue. Colored backlight effects of gaming accessories are becoming more and more popular. Meanwhile, there are not only cool backlit keyboards but also backlit computer chassis, fans, backlit water cooling systems, even RGB backlit gaming chairs. But what does RGB stand for in gaming?
Without a doubt, features such as fast keys, tactile feedback, key assignments for macros, anti-ghosting, etc, are important for good gaming keyboards, but aesthetics and lighting should not be neglected either.
So you’ll soon come across backlit RGB keyboards, as it’s clearly one of the most advertised features among gaming keyboards. Understanding what RGB really means and how it will affect your gaming experience is important.
What Does RGB Mean?
- RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. It is based on the three-color theory by Young and Helmholtz, which describes the color vision of humans. It’s is also a term used to describe the type of display of a television, but it can also be used with any type of item that requires the use of the colors red, green, and blue, especially keyboard backlighting.
- Nearly all colors that the human eye perceives can be displayed with the three primary colors red, green, and blue.
- Over 16 million colors can be replicated depending on the ratio of how the 3 basic colors are mixed.
So what does RGB Keyboard mean?
Now that you have a clear understanding of what RGB is in the first place, you might be wondering, how does this relate to a traditional keyboard? Any time you see a gaming keyboard that advertises alternating lights or breathing LED light, it will incorporate RGB technology.
A backlit keyboard contains LED lights underneath the keys.
It means that the keyboard lights up in several different colors in a specific repeating pattern such as red, orange, yellow, blue, green, cyan, and even violet. Depending on the type of keyboard you’re interested in, you might be able to stop the RGB lighting on a specific color, choose the speed of the alternating colors, or turn the LEDs off altogether.
Backlighting is what can make the high-quality appearance of a specific gaming keyboard, as the majority of high-end models do include RGB lighting, whereas the lower quality models do not.
The Benefits of an RGB Keyboard
Instead of wondering, what is RGB keyboard is, it’s time to think about its benefits and how it can transform the way you game and the way that you use a traditional keyboard and mouse set. The RGB backlight illuminates the keys so they are better visible in low-light environments and it also looks really cool.
Nighttime Use
The first and most obvious benefit of a backlit keyboard with RGB lighting is the fact that you can use it at night. However, it’s important that you find a model that offers “backlighting” through the keys, rather than through the base of the keyboard. This is because lights on the bottom of the unit aren’t going to help you when it comes to being able to see the keys in a completely dark room. Though it will put off a brilliant display of colors on the top of your desk, it’s simply not necessary.
Imagine having the ability to boot up your computer in the middle of the night and get into the perfect horror adventure game without having to turn on the lights. A backlit keyboard is an essential partner for working in low-light situations. Even for individuals who find it difficult to see the printing or laser engraving of key markers, having backlighting gives you the ability to be able to see what you’re typing on a regular basis.
Higher Quality Build
Although this theory may not apply to every piece of technology, it’s certainly applicable to keyboards. A company that is willing to add more to their products is willing to charge more, and as a result, they have to provide customers with a higher quality product than ever before. As mentioned, low-quality gaming keyboards aren’t going to worry about bells and whistles, as they’ll be too focused on creating a functional product for a cheap price.
However, a top keyboard from more prestigious brands is not only going to offer a phenomenal base model but a model that also offers a variety of aesthetic features, such as RGB lighting. It’s always better to opt for a design that you’re going to be able to use for years to come, instead of choosing the less expensive option that’s only going to wear out in the coming months.
Brilliant Aesthetics
Above all else, RGB keyboards look so much cooler than regular keyboards. If you’re looking to put together the perfect gaming setup that you can share with your friends and family, you’re going to need the perfect pieces to go together. There’s nothing quite like having a brilliant display of colors shoot across your desk and up through the keys on your keyboard, it simply helps it to look more modern and high-tech than traditional designs.
Finding an RGB Keyboard
For the next step of learning what an RGB keyboard is, you need to look at more features a good keyboard has. You can browse our guide of some of the most popular keyboards to find the perfect one for your needs. With the help of an RGB keyboard, you’re going to be able to elevate your gaming one step at a time.
