Perixx PERIBOARD-317R Wired Backlit Keyboard
Overview
The Perixx PERIBOARD-317R Wired Backlit Keyboard occupies an interesting spot in the market — built around a genuine accessibility need rather than chasing gaming trends or enthusiast clout. The round, typewriter-inspired keycaps give it a distinctly retro character that stands out on any desk, and the plug-and-play USB-A connection means there's nothing to configure, pair, or charge. The tri-color backlighting adds practical visibility in dim rooms, though this is firmly an office tool, not a lighting showpiece. If you're shopping for a dependable full-size membrane board with unusually readable keys at an approachable price, this backlit big-key keyboard is worth a serious look.
Features & Benefits
The most immediately practical feature is the oversized key labeling — the printed characters are dramatically larger than what you'd find on a standard keyboard, making each key genuinely easier to spot at a glance or under low light. Backlighting comes in red, blue, and purple, with solid and breathing modes toggled by a single hotkey — no driver software required. The round keycap profile gives each keystroke a stable, centered feel that reduces off-axis presses. Nothing is cut from the layout either: a full numpad, function row, and navigation cluster across 105 keys, plus 12 Fn-activated shortcuts covering media playback, email, and the calculator round out an impressively complete package.
Best For
This is a natural fit for seniors and low-vision users who have long wrestled with tiny, hard-to-read key labels — the larger print makes a genuine, practical difference for that audience specifically. It also suits home office workers who want something a little more distinctive than a plain black slab without spending heavily. Dim-environment users — media editors, home studio workers, or anyone at a poorly lit desk — will appreciate the consistent backlight coverage. One firm caveat: the PERIBOARD-317R officially supports Windows only. Mac and Chrome OS users should look elsewhere, as full key-mapping compatibility outside Windows is not guaranteed by the manufacturer.
User Feedback
With a 4.3-star rating built across more than 8,500 reviews, this Perixx keyboard has earned a notably loyal audience — and that volume surfaces some honest patterns. Buyers consistently highlight the large-print keys as the standout, particularly under dim lighting. The soft membrane feel wins over quiet typists but tends to disappoint those expecting a crisper, more tactile response. One recurring complaint worth knowing upfront: the purple backlight often appears more pinkish than a true purple in real-world conditions. Durability holds up fine under moderate daily use, though heavy typists may notice gradual label wear. For an accessibility-focused niche board, its top-200 ranking in Computer Keyboards reflects genuine, sustained buyer confidence.
Pros
- Oversized key labels are dramatically more readable than standard keyboards, a genuine win for seniors and low-vision users.
- Plug-and-play USB-A connection works instantly with no drivers, software, or pairing required.
- Full 105-key layout preserves the numpad, function row, and navigation cluster — nothing is cut.
- Backlight toggles on and off with a single hotkey, keeping the experience simple and accessible.
- Round typewriter-style keycaps give this backlit big-key keyboard a distinctive look that stands out at this price.
- Low-profile design at just over 1 inch tall sits comfortably on most desks without requiring a wrist rest.
- 12 Fn-activated shortcuts for media, email, and the calculator add everyday convenience without clutter.
- Over 8,500 reviews with a 4.3-star aggregate rating reflects a broad and consistently satisfied user base.
- Wired connection eliminates latency, dropouts, and the ongoing cost of batteries.
Cons
- Membrane switches feel soft and imprecise — disappointing for anyone who prefers a crisper, more tactile keystroke.
- Only three backlight colors available; no per-key control, no profiles, and no companion software for customization.
- The purple backlight frequently appears pinkish rather than a true purple in real-world lighting conditions.
- Officially compatible with Windows only — Mac and Chrome OS users are left without guaranteed full functionality.
- Key label wear may become noticeable for heavy typists using the board intensively over an extended period.
- No wireless option exists in this model — users who prefer a cable-free desk setup will need to look elsewhere.
- The breathing backlight mode has no speed adjustment, which some users find either too fast or too slow for their preference.
- At 1.17 pounds and full-size dimensions, this Perixx keyboard is not a compact or travel-friendly option.
Ratings
The scores below reflect our AI-driven analysis of thousands of verified global purchases of the Perixx PERIBOARD-317R Wired Backlit Keyboard, with spam, incentivized, and bot-flagged reviews actively filtered out before any scoring was applied. Each category is graded on real-world performance patterns drawn from confirmed buyer experiences — strengths and frustrations alike are represented without softening either side. Where users consistently agreed, the scores reflect that consensus; where opinions split, the ratings land honestly in the middle.
Key Readability
Backlighting Quality
Typing Feel
Build Quality
Setup & Compatibility
Value for Money
Hotkeys & Shortcuts
Keycap Design
Durability
Ergonomics
Aesthetic Appeal
Noise Level
Cable & Connectivity
Suitable for:
The Perixx PERIBOARD-317R Wired Backlit Keyboard was clearly designed with a specific audience in mind, and for that audience it genuinely delivers. Seniors who struggle to read standard key labels will find the oversized print to be an immediate, practical improvement — not a gimmick. Low-vision users who have resigned themselves to hunting and pecking will likely notice a real difference in typing confidence and speed. Beyond accessibility, this backlit big-key keyboard also suits home office workers who want a complete full-size layout with a bit of visual personality, without committing to a premium price. If you work in a dim environment — a home studio, a bedroom desk setup, or a media room — the solid and breathing backlight modes offer genuine functional value. Anyone tired of managing wireless connections, charging cables, or Bluetooth dropouts will also appreciate the no-fuss wired USB-A plug-in.
Not suitable for:
The Perixx PERIBOARD-317R Wired Backlit Keyboard has real limitations that matter depending on who is buying it. Enthusiast typists who prefer a defined, tactile keystroke will find the membrane switches underwhelming — there is no mechanical option in this lineup, and the soft key feel is not for everyone. Mac and Chrome OS users should stop here: official support covers Windows only, and full key-mapping compatibility on other platforms is not guaranteed. If you were hoping for vivid RGB customization, this Perixx keyboard offers just three fixed colors — red, blue, and purple — with no per-key control or companion software. The purple backlight in particular has drawn repeated real-world complaints about looking more pink than purple, so color accuracy matters to you, factor that in. Heavy daily typists may also find that key label wear becomes noticeable over an extended period, which is worth considering for long-term use.
Specifications
- Model Number: This keyboard is manufactured by Perixx under the model designation PERIBOARD-317R.
- Layout: Full-size 105-key layout including a dedicated numpad, full function row, and navigation cluster.
- Connection: Connects via a wired USB-A cable, requiring no drivers, software installation, or pairing process.
- Switch Type: Uses low-profile membrane switches, which produce a quieter, softer keystroke compared to mechanical alternatives.
- Key Font Size: Printed key labels are approximately four times larger than standard keyboard characters for improved readability.
- Keycap Style: Round, low-profile keycaps designed with a typewriter-inspired profile for a stable, centered keystroke feel.
- Backlight Colors: Offers three fixed backlight color options: red, blue, and purple, selectable via a dedicated hotkey.
- Backlight Modes: Supports two backlight modes — solid on and breathing — toggled without any companion software.
- Hotkeys: Includes 12 Fn-activated shortcut keys covering media playback, email, calculator, and home navigation functions.
- Dimensions: The keyboard measures 17.32 inches long by 5.08 inches wide by 1.06 inches tall.
- Weight: Complete unit weighs 1.17 pounds, making it a standard full-size board with no unusual bulk.
- OS Compatibility: Officially supported on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10; macOS and Chrome OS are not officially supported.
- Language: Ships in US English key layout only.
- Warranty: Covered by a 12-month limited manufacturer warranty from Perixx.
- Manufacturer: Designed and sold by Perixx, a peripheral brand focused on accessibility-oriented input devices.
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