Do you like to work on your laptop in the dark? You probably do! Being in your little bubble while everyone snoozes feels so nice and cozy. But there’s one problem: you’re able to’t see the keys!

That may be why you own an HP laptop with a keyboard backlight. It’s a game-changer when you want to type something in the wee hours of the night. But how do you turn it on or off?

HP Elitebook with Keyboard Light On

How to Turn On and Turn Off Your HP Laptop’s Keyboard Light

Whatever your reason, you may easily turn on or off the keyboard backlight on your HP laptop with a few simple steps. Locate the f9 key on your keyboard or any function keys with three linear square boxes and a sun ray next to it.

Press the key to cycle through different brightness levels until the keyboard backlight is off. Press the key again to turn the lighting back on.

A man coding on a hp laptop

Enjoy your illuminated or dimmed keyboard!

Some HP laptops may have a different key combination to control the keyboard lighting. Check your user manual or online support for more information. Also, not all HP laptop keyboards light up. You can confirm whether yours lights up by reading your manual or product information onHP Support.

Why It’s a Good Idea to Turn On Your HP Laptop’s Keyboard Light

You may wonder why you need to keep your keyboard light on.

1. Increased Productivity

With the aid of a keyboard light, you can maintain optimum productivity. This is because being in a dimly lit environment affects your work.

So, whether you’re up late working on an essay, traveling on the night bus, or just trying to get some work in without disturbing your partner, a lit keyboard can help save you from jeopardizing your productivity.

2. Improved Visibility

The primary function of any lighting is to improve visibility. Likewise, a major benefit of turning on your keyboard lights is enhancing visibility, as working in low or dimly lit spaces reduces strain on your eyes.

3. Style and Personalization

Who says laptops can’t have fun? You can spice up your typing experience and show off your personality, especially with RGB lighting keyboards.

So, if you like a rainbow vibe, a cool blue, or a fiery red, you can customize your keyboard light to suit your mood.

2 Reasons You Shouldn’t Turn On Your HP Laptop’s Keyboard Light

If you are considering using a backlit keyboard, these are the major drawbacks you should be aware of:

1. Higher Battery Usage

LED or RGB lights are powered by your laptop’s battery, just like everything else. That little light might look cool and help you see the keys better, but it’s also sucking up juice from your laptop.

So, unless you really need it, keep that keyboard light off toextend your laptop battery life. Trust me; your laptop will thank you for it.

2. Performance

The keyboard light can also affect the performance of your laptop. How? Well, because light generates heat, and heat is bad for electronics. The more heat your laptop produces, the more it has to cool itself down with fans and vents.

Those fans and vents can get clogged with dust and dirt over time, which makes them less effective.That can lead to overheating, potentially damaging your laptop’s components and making it slower or even crash.

Keyboards: To Light or Not to Light

Backlit keyboards are not necessary for everyone but can be beneficial in certain situations. They are a great source of convenience in low-light environments, making it easier for you to see and use your keys accurately.

They can be particularly useful for gamers, programmers, or people who work in dimly lit spaces. However, they can also be distracting, cause eye strain, and consume additional power.

Whether a backlit keyboard is necessary depends on your preferences, work environment, and usage patterns. While not essential, they can enhance your experience and productivity in specific scenarios where visibility and ease of use are crucial.