White vs. Black keyboard on new 'Late 2009 White' MacBook?

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Level 1

35 points

White vs. Black keyboard on new 'Late 2009 White' MacBook?

We are considering adding a new laptop to the family and are going back and forth between the current generation MacBook, and the current generation MacBook Air. I really love the look of the new MacBook (and the $!), with the exception that most of the non-backlit keyboard. Most of the time we are using our laptops, it's in the evening relaxing on the couch on low lighting... so the lit keys on our 17" MBP are awesome.

I was thinking that the non-backlit white keys on the MacBook might be easier to read in low light than the non-backlit black keys?

Does anyone have any experience with this or happen to have both for comparison?

2.53GHz MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.1), iPhone 3GS

Posted on Nov 9, 2009 6:13 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 9, 2009 1:14 PM in response to Jeremy Riga

what exactly is your question? because i'm seeing on the Apple webpage that the current MacBook only comes in white. there is no black option.
my friend has a 4th gen BlackBook and it doesn't really help her seeing the keys in the dark.
i have a 4th gen. White MacBook and the white definitely doesn't make the keys easier to see in low light.
from a dirt point of view, the black keys of a MacBook Air are more appealing (no cleaning), but either way, it's not great for seeing the keys.
i'd recommend that you just learn how to type without looking at the keyboard, memorize the placement of keys and your good to go! 😉 that's what i did (well, actually because in 3rd-6th grade computer class it was forced into our tiny heads 🙂 ).
anyway, it's up to you. neither white or black keys really make a difference.
hope that helps!
-MacDarling55

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Answer 2

Jeremy Riga Author

Level 1

35 points

Nov 9, 2009 2:08 PM in response to MacDarling55

Sorry, should have been more clear in the initial question...

Is the white keyboard on the new MacBook easier to see without back-lighting than the black keyboard on the MacBook Pro (with backlighting tunred off).

I'm asking it in this way since I'm trying to figure out if I'll be able to use the MacBook in low-light conditions without straining my eyes. I use my MBP in my dark-ish TV room all the time, but the backlit keys make it no problem. Turning the back light off makes it very hard to use - not so much on the letter keys, but on the top row of keys and some of the others that aren't memorized.

Sounds like the white keyboard is as hard to see as the black in low light condition... this might really force me to get the 13" Pro or Air when I'd really prefer to save the $$ and get the MacBook.

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Answer 3

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Nov 9, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Jeremy Riga

Hi Jeremy,

I personally don't think the white key cap is a "replacement" for the functionality of the backlit keyboard. Quite frankly, that's been one of the biggest selling features for me of the MacBook Pro since it was introduced. I'm in the same boat, frequently using the machine in low light and I find that the keyboard backlit helps to illuminate the work area (I rarely use it to find the right key). I recently picked up the new MacBook and I definitely prefer the backlit keys, it's a significant account difference and personally... worth the extra $200.

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Answer 4

Jeremy Riga Author

Level 1

35 points

Nov 10, 2009 7:41 PM in response to JasonFear

Thanks for the opinion - I went ahead and ordered the 13" MacBook Pro... gotta have those backlit keys!

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Answer 5

Nov 10, 2009 11:11 PM in response to Jeremy Riga

I just ordered a white Macbook because of the cost savings over the 13" pro. (I also have a 24" 2009 iMac) I was wondering about the non-back lit keyboard myself when i realized my current PC laptop doesn't have a backlit keyboard either. When I use it in low lit of NON-lit areas I just slightly tilt the screen at the keyboard if I need to see the keys while I type. The light from the screen enables me to see the keys. I suspect this low tech method will work just as well with the Macbook as it does with the PC.

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