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White Vs. Black Keyboard (Pros, Cons, Differences)

Avatar photoBy Casper Feeney February 4, 2023

Top view white keyboard and mouse on black background`

 

Getting a keyboard that suits your purposes and needs can be challenging, especially with the massive selection of products on the market.

After weighing everything and considering every aspect, your final dilemma can be the color.

White and black are the most common colors, and you probably restrict your options to these two.

However, choosing between white and black can be a big challenge if you don’t have a favorite color.

Is one better than the other?

 

White Vs. Black Keyboard (Pros, Cons, Differences)

 

White Keyboards Pros

Female hands typing on white computer keyboard

 

White keyboards generally don’t have technical advantages over black keyboards.

However, they have some positive features that help you decide better.

 

1. White Keyboards Look Good

One of the biggest reasons most people lean toward a white keyboard is that white is aesthetically pleasing.

Most people have had black keyboards at least once because they’re older.

Going for a white keyboard can be a pleasant change, especially because it gives your desk space and room a clean and sleek look.

White can brighten up your mood and gives you a feeling of freshness whenever you look at your keyboard.

 

2. White Goes With Everything

White is a great complementary color that matches any color combination.

If your office has a white theme, a white keyboard is a perfect addition to it.

That’s particularly the case if your monitor, mouse, and other peripherals are white, too.

You can also get creative and replace some keycaps with other colors to give it more variety.

The good point is that white goes with any color, so you can use any color keycaps you like.

 

3. It Reflects Light Better

Most people like gaming in low-light conditions and dark rooms.

Although it can be difficult on the eye, many gamers prefer it.

In other cases, your room may not have enough ambient light optimal for typing.

Regardless, a white keyboard can be a good option because white reflects light more effectively.

You can have more visibility, especially since most white keyboards have backlights.

 

White Keyboard Cons

Keyboard and mouse on a white background, close-up

 

Consider the following disadvantages and weigh them against your personal preferences to make a better decision.

 

1. White Accumulates Dirt

One of the biggest disadvantages of white keyboards is that it requires regular cleaning because it accumulates dirt and grime.

It may be the same for black keyboards, but it’s not visible.

White keyboards can show the slightest amount of grime.

If you eat while typing or gaming, a white keyboard is a definite no-no because you must constantly clean it.

 

2. It Turns Yellow Over Time

Even if you clean your keyboard regularly to prevent dirt buildup, there’s another issue that doesn’t go away with cleaning.

White keyboards turn yellow after some time because of the UV light.

No matter how much you clean it, you can’t prevent it.

This can make your keyboard look old and dirty, removing the sleek and beautiful look it gives to your setup.

However, it takes time for the white color to turn yellow.

Your keyboard may well live until you need to replace it for other reasons.

However, if you want to keep it for a long time, you should consider this possibility.

 

3. The Backlight Can Be Disturbing

One of the pleasant features of some white keyboards is that they have backlighting that makes them more visible in dim conditions.

However, some users have complained about this feature because it has the opposite results.

If the backlighting is white, it doesn’t go well with the keycaps’ color and reduces visibility, especially in low-light conditions that make the backlit letters blend into the keycaps.

That’s particularly problematic for people with weak vision.

In addition, some white keyboards are side-lit, which means the lighting in the center of the keyboard is weaker than the sides.

That can be unpleasant and distracting, especially if the backlighting is white.

Blue or colorful backlighting may be easier on the eyes and less distracting.

 

4. RGB Lighting Doesn’t Go Well With White

If you like keyboards with RGB lighting, white may not be a good color for your keyboard.

Although it depends on the type of lighting, the white color of keycaps can overpower the RGB lighting, making it look less pronounced.

That’s even worse if the keycaps have white backlighting.

 

5. Color Matching Problems

Although white goes with every color, making it a perfect match with your office décor, it doesn’t go with its own shades.

That’s right! We have different shades of white, such as eggshell or bone.

Electronics can be of different kinds of white, making them difficult to match.

If the white colors aren’t the same shade, it will be unsightly, which won’t happen with black.

 

Black Keyboards Pros

Keyboard mouse from computer on white wooden background isolation

 

1. Black Is Also Aesthetically Pleasing

Here’s what makes choosing between black and white difficult.

A white keyboard looks beautiful on your desk, but so does black

It also goes well with most office color schemes.

It’s a classic color that you can never go wrong with.

In addition, you won’t have difficulty finding other peripherals that match its color because every peripheral is available in black.

 

2. No Color Clashes

Black, like white, is a neutral color that goes with everything.

However, many users admit that black is “more neutral.”

There aren’t different shades of black, so you don’t need to worry about your black keyboard not matching other shades.

In addition, if you want to add keycaps of different colors to your black keyboard, you can do it safely.

Black matches other colors better than white and makes the new colors pop, making your keyboard more visually pleasing.

 

3. Easy To Keep Clean

Unlike white, black keyboards are easy to maintain and clean.

You just need a damp towel to keep it spotless.

It doesn’t attract hand grime and dirt, so it’s perfect for those who eat and game or sweat a lot while gaming and typing.

In addition, even if it does get dirty, it doesn’t change color and turns yellow after some time.

 

4. Goes Better With Backlighting

Black keycaps show backlighting more vibrantly because of the sharp contrast between white and black.

That’s a great advantage over white keyboards that subdue bright backlight colors.

In addition, your eyes get used to white backlighting sooner than white keyboards.

The same is true for RGB lights.

They look much better and more vibrant against black keycaps.

Even if black seems boring because everything is the same color, you can add more variety and make your setup visually appealing by adding RGB-lit keyboards and peripherals.

 

Black Keyboard Cons

RGB gaming keyboard

 

1. They Also Get Dirty

Although white keyboards are prone to grime and dirt buildup, black keyboards attract other kinds of dirt.

Black surfaces show dust more prominently, which is true for black keyboards.

However, as mentioned, cleaning them up with a damp towel is easy.

Another problem that’s not as easy to manage is grease from fingers.

As you type, the black keyboard accumulates grease from your fingers, making it shiny in the long run.

What’s worse, once the keycaps get shiny, there’s no going back.

 

2. Low Visibility In Dim Rooms

Although the backlighting pops out more on black keyboards, they offer less visibility in low-light conditions.

If your room is dark or you work on your computer at night, you may not be able to see your keyboard.

You’ll need to add more light to the setup to avoid straining your eyes.

 

Differences Between White And Black Keyboards

Old yellow colored dirty keyboard isolated on white background

 

After reading about the pros and cons of black and white keyboards, it is easier to see their differences.

The only difference is their appearance since they have the same functionalities.

The final decision between the two depends entirely on your taste and interests.

For some users, white looks boring while it’s contemporary and chic for others.

If you don’t like the hassle of cleaning your keyboard, white isn’t for you.

Both colors are neutral, go with every color, and never go out of style.

They also cost the same, so price shouldn’t be an issue.

To make the ultimate decision, you should consider your room décor and desk setup.

If all your devices are black, it’s better to go with a black keyboard because a white keyboard in a black setup would feel off.

That said, it all comes down to your personal preferences and how much maintenance care you give your electronics.

 

How To Keep Your Keyboard Clean

The man cleaning his computer keyboard. Grimy, more bacteria on keyboard.

 

Black and white keyboards need regular cleaning and maintenance if you want to keep them pristine for longer.

Here’s what to do to prevent such problems:

 

1. Keep The Keyboard Away From Dirt And Debris

The first step in keeping your keyboard clean is preventing it from getting dirty in the first place.

It is more difficult if you live or work in a dusty environment because dust buildup is inevitable.

It’s also essential to avoid eating while working on your computer.

Not only can it lead to grime buildup, but it’s also dangerous if you spill liquids on the keyboard.

If you have to eat at your desk, move the keyboard away or close your laptop’s lid to keep food crumbs away.

You can also use covers that protect your keyboard from dirt, debris, and spills.

However, these covers can make typing and gaming awkward.

If so, only cover your keyboard when not in use to prevent dust buildup.

 

2. Keep Your Pets Away From Your Keyboard

Living with pets means you have pet hair everywhere, including on your keyboard.

While having some hair around the keyboard is inevitable, you can manage it by keeping your pets away from your desk.

This way, you can minimize hair or fur buildup inside your keyboards, which can damage them.

 

3. Wash Your Hands Before Using The Keyboard

Eating while typing on the keyboard is one of the worst things you can do if you care about your keyboard’s appearance.

No matter how careful you are to prevent food crumbs from getting under the keycaps, your finger oil can make the keys greasy.

In addition, wash your hands after eating to minimize finger oil on the keycaps.

 

4. Clean Your Keyboards Regularly

Depending on your keyboard type, habits, and computer use, you may want to clean your keyboard more or less frequently.

If you live and work in a dusty environment, you may need to clean your keyboard twice a week to prevent dust buildup.

If your keyboard is washable, it’s easier to clean because you can wash away all dust and gunk with water.

Otherwise, you can use canned air, Q-tips dipped in rubbing alcohol, and a damp microfiber cloth to clean your keyboard.

Cleaning putty gel is also a good tool to clean caked-on grime and dust buildup between the keys.

However, never remove the keycaps to clean hard-to-reach areas if your keyboard doesn’t have a removable keycap design.

Filed Under: PC's

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About Casper Feeney

I've always had a passion for everything related to technology and innovation. I have a bachelor's degree in Information technology, and I built my first PC when I was 12. I enjoy riding my bike, cooking, and reading business books.

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