As the growing richness in keyboard design, the roller, nameplate, weight plate, or the LCD/TFT screen is added to make the keyboard unique now. In this article, let’s discuss what the LCD screen is, why it is getting popular in mechanical keyboard.
What is the LCD Screen
LCD is short for liquid crystal display. It can be a display screen or the electronically modulated device. The information on the LCD is shown by the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals and polarizers. The liquid crystals do not emit light directly, but instead use a backlight or reflector to produce images in color or monochrome.
LCDs are used in a wide range of devices, including LCD televisions, computer monitors, instrument panels, aircraft cockpit displays, and indoor and outdoor signage. Small LCD screens are common in LCD projectors and portable consumer devices such as digital cameras, watches, calculators, and mobile telephones, including smart phones.
What is the TFT Screen?
A TFT screen is named for Thin Film Transistor screen. It is a type of LCD screen that uses thin-film transistors to control individual pixels, offering enhanced image quality and performance. TFT screens are also widely used in keyboards due to their ability to produce vibrant colors, high contrast ratios, and wide viewing angles.
What’s the difference between LCD screen and LED screen in keyboard?
Color: Can only display a single color (depending on the color of the installed LED). It can only display very simple graphics or characters.
Content: Suitable for displaying simple status information, such as keyboard connection mode (Bluetooth/wired), battery power (indicated by icons or percentage numbers), caps lock status, , simple preset animations (pixel style), etc.
Why the screen is popular on keyboard?
Keyboards with LCD screens are becoming more and more popular, offering both function and style. It is the place to display information(like date, time connection mode, etc.), control functions, or personalize typing experience. These screens can range from simple status displays to customizable interfaces for macros and more.
Types of LCD Screens function on Keyboards:
Status Displays:
Some keyboards use small LCD screens to show basic information like the current time, date, battery level (if wireless), and connection status.
Customizable Displays:
Other keyboards offer screens that can be customized with user-defined images, animations, or even run simple applications.
Key-Specific Displays:
The Optimus Maximus keyboard famously used individual LCD screens on each key, allowing for dynamic keycap displays and function changes.
Numpad Replacement:
Some keyboards, like the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, replace the numpad with a larger LCD screen for various functions. Apart from the numpad, the keyboard with touch screen can also be a calculator.
Other Functions and Use Cases:
System Monitoring: Displaying CPU usage, RAM usage, or other system stats. Or displayGPU and CPU temperatures at fingertips when gaming
Media Controls: Controlling volume, playback, and other media functions. Or RGB effect and lightness adjustment.
Macro Execution: Triggering complex actions or commands with a single key press.
Gaming Information: Displaying in-game information like health, ammo, or map details.
Customization: Displaying custom images, animations, or even running small applications.
Ergonomic Aids: Showing active keyboard layers, or providing feedback on keypresses, particularly on split or ergonomic keyboards.
Touch Screen: touch it gently to the brand official website or the driver download page. Like RK L75 keyboard.
Kzzi Keyboards with LCD Screens:
Kzzi Z98 keyboard with screen
The first kzzi keyboard with a TFT screen is Z98 lcd screen keyboard. As a member of Z series of Kzzi, Z98 adopts with retro and stylish design. In the right corner, apart from the keyboard screen, there is also a button with Kzzi logo and a lever. The interaction between 3 accessories makes the keyboard interesting. We can use it to adjust the connection mode, adjust the keyboard rgb effect or computer volume. Uploading the exclusive gif becomes easy, our favorite pet or anime can accompany with our creative working time.
Kzzi K75Pro Retro 75 keyboard with screen
The next one is the K75pro, a 75 keyboard with screen. It is different from the Z98. K75pro is made with classic kzzi retro design, the screen on the keyboard is simple. It is used to show the battery level from 1%-100%. So that we can know how much the battery left exactly, and charge it in time. This help us to relief the anxious of low battery of keyboard. As for other Kzzi keyboard model, if there is no screen on the keyboard, the method to check the battery level is the combination of FN+ENTER. The light of number key will light up from 1-0, which means the battery level from 10%-100%.
K98 Thicken Case 98 key mechanical keyboard
Then the keyboard with a screen is K98 or K98pro. It is even smaller than the one of K75pro. The screen is also interacted with the roller on the right. But this time, it is not used to check battery. The true function is to show the connection mode, like wired, 2.4G or bluetooth. The tiny screen and roller becomes the exclusive design of this 98 key mechanical keyboard. This innovative feature enhances user experience by providing quick visual feedback on connectivity status, ensuring seamless transitions between different modes. The combination of the compact screen and intuitive roller adds a unique touch to the keyboard's functionality, making it stand out in the market.
The application of led screen keyboard makes it both functional and stylish. We do not have to remember the combination shortcut key, improve our working efficiency. And the design of screen also adds the uniqueness of the keyboard.
If you have not idea how to choose between regular mechanical keyboard and keyboard with screen, here is some considerations:
Cost:
Keyboards with LCD screens tend to be more expensive than those without. Adding a screen requires an extra small PCB to make it function.
Design:
The size and placement of the screen can affect the overall keyboard design and layout. If you are not a fan of screen element, it is ok to pass keyboard with a screen.
Functionality:
Consider what features are most important to you. Is the screen function really necessary for you? Or is it just a artificial demand costing you more money? Think about how often you'll use the screen and whether it enhances your productivity. If you primarily use basic typing functions, a screen might be an unnecessary expense. Instead, focus on keyboards with ergonomic designs and reliable key responsiveness, which can significantly improve your typing experience without adding extra costs.
Software:
Check if the keyboard comes with software to customize the screen and its functions. Like kzzi Z98, we can adjust the time and date, upload the gif in the kzzi software.
When purchasing, be sure to check the product details and actual demonstration videos to confirm that the screen type and display effects meet your expectations.