Turning Off Backlit Keyboard on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
The backlit keyboard on Macs has become a standard feature in recent years, providing a convenient and stylish way to type in low-light environments. However, for some users, the backlit keyboard can be a nuisance, especially when trying to focus or work in quiet environments. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to turn off the backlit keyboard on Mac.
Why Turn Off Backlit Keyboard?
Before we dive into the solution, let’s consider why turning off the backlit keyboard might be necessary. Some reasons include:
- Noise disturbance: The backlit keyboard can be distracting, especially when trying to focus or work in quiet environments.
- Battery drain: The backlit keyboard can consume more power than the standard keyboard, which can lead to battery drain and reduced battery life.
- Environmental concerns: The backlit keyboard can be a source of light pollution, contributing to environmental concerns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Off Backlit Keyboard on Mac
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn off the backlit keyboard on Mac:
Method 1: Using the Keyboard Preferences
- Open the Keyboard preferences by clicking on Apple Menu > Keyboard.
- Click on the Keyboard tab.
- In the Keyboard preferences, click on the Backlight tab.
- Select Turn off backlight from the dropdown menu.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Method 2: Using the System Preferences
- Open the System Preferences by clicking on Apple Menu > System Preferences.
- Click on Displays.
- Click on the Keyboard tab.
- In the Keyboard preferences, click on the Backlight tab.
- Select Turn off backlight from the dropdown menu.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Method 3: Using the Terminal
- Open the Terminal app by clicking on Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
defaults write com.apple.keyboard backlit -bool false - Press Enter to save the changes.
Method 4: Using the Command Line
- Open the Terminal app by clicking on Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
osascript -e 'tell application "Keyboard" to set backlit to false' - Press Enter to save the changes.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Battery Life: If you’re concerned about battery life, you can also try disabling the backlit keyboard by going to System Preferences > Displays > Keyboard > Backlight and selecting Turn off backlight.
- Customization: You can also customize the backlight settings by going to System Preferences > Displays > Keyboard > Backlight and selecting Customize.
- Compatibility: The backlit keyboard is only compatible with Macs running macOS 10.9 or later.
Conclusion
Turning off the backlit keyboard on Mac is a simple process that can be done using various methods. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable the backlit keyboard and enjoy a more quiet and distraction-free work environment.