An apparatus and method are directed to enabling backlighting of a modified keyboard employing various mechanisms to enhance a game playing experience. Such mechanisms may include, for example, programmable Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that are configured within each key on the modified keyboard. The LEDs may be arranged to vary color, intensity, and duration of lighting for each key. Lighting of the keys may be programmed to dynamically vary based on a game use. For example, in one embodiment, keys may be dynamically color coded according to a use, such as red for keys that may be employed for managing a weapon in the game, green for keys that may be employed to direct movement, and so forth. In another embodiment, the lighting mechanism may include programmable Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), that are configured to enable a dynamic display of text and icons on the key face.