25 files changed, 277 insertions, 321 deletions

diff --git a/docs/config_options.md b/docs/config_options.md
index a9ff54995..1dd4cdbaa 100644
--- a/docs/config_options.md
+++ b/docs/config_options.md
@@ -70,6 +70,10 @@ This is a C header file that is one of the first things included, and will persi
   * pin of the backlight - B5, B6, B7 use PWM, others use softPWM
 * `#define BACKLIGHT_LEVELS 3`
   * number of levels your backlight will have (not including off)
+* `#define BACKLIGHT_BREATHING`
+  * enables backlight breathing (only works with backlight pins B5, B6 and B7)
+* `#define BREATHING_PERIOD 6`
+  * the length of one backlight "breath" in seconds
 * `#define DEBOUNCING_DELAY 5`
   * the delay when reading the value of the pin (5 is default)
 * `#define LOCKING_SUPPORT_ENABLE`
diff --git a/docs/faq_keymap.md b/docs/faq_keymap.md
index 7093dec20..0fed0445f 100644
--- a/docs/faq_keymap.md
+++ b/docs/faq_keymap.md
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ https://github.com/tekezo/Karabiner/issues/403
 
 ## Esc and <code>&#96;</code> on a Single Key
 
-See the [Grave Escape](feature_grave_escape.md) feature.
+See the [Grave Escape](feature_grave_esc.md) feature.
 
 ## Arrow on Right Modifier Keys with Dual-Role
 This turns right modifier keys into arrow keys when the keys are tapped while still modifiers when the keys are hold. In TMK the dual-role function is dubbed **TAP**.
diff --git a/docs/feature_backlight.md b/docs/feature_backlight.md
index aa747f90e..97421c043 100644
--- a/docs/feature_backlight.md
+++ b/docs/feature_backlight.md
@@ -10,8 +10,30 @@ These keycodes control the backlight. Most keyboards use this for single color i
 |---------|------------------------------------------|
 |`BL_TOGG`|Turn the backlight on or off              |
 |`BL_STEP`|Cycle through backlight levels            |
-|`BL_x`   |Set a specific backlight level between 0-9|
-|`BL_ON`  |An alias for `BL_9`                       |
-|`BL_OFF` |An alias for `BL_0`                       |
+|`BL_ON`  |Set backlight to max brightness           |
+|`BL_OFF` |Turn backlight off                        |
 |`BL_INC` |Increase backlight level                  |
 |`BL_DEC` |Decrease backlight level                  |
+|`BL_BRTG`|Toggle backlight breathing                            |
+
+Note that for backlight breathing, you need to have `#define BACKLIGHT_BREATHING` in your config.h.
+
+## Configuration Options in `config.h`
+
+* `BACKLIGHT_PIN B7` defines the pin that controlls the LEDs. Unless you design your own keyboard, you don't need to set this.
+* `BACKLIGHT_LEVELS 3` defines the number of brightness levels (excluding OFF).
+* `BACKLIGHT_BREATHING` if defined, enables backlight breathing. Note that this is only available if `BACKLIGHT_PIN` is B5, B6 or B7.
+* `BREATHING_PERIOD 6` defines the length of one backlight "breath" in seconds.
+
+## Notes on Implementation
+
+To change the brightness when using pins B5, B6 or B7, the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) functionality of the on-chip timer is used.
+The timer is a counter that counts up to a certain TOP value (`0xFFFF` set in ICR1) before resetting to 0.
+We also set an OCR1x register.
+When the counter reaches the value stored in that register, the PWM pin drops to low.
+The PWM pin is pulled high again when the counter resets to 0.
+Therefore, OCR1x basically sets the duty cycle of the LEDs and as such the brightness where `0` is the darkest and `0xFFFF` the brightest setting.
+
+To enable the breathing effect, we register an interrupt handler to be called whenever the counter resets (with `ISR(TIMER1_OVF_vect)`).
+In this handler, which gets called roughly 244 times per second, we compute the desired brightness using a precomputed brightness curve.
+To disable breathing, we can just disable the respective interrupt vector and reset the brightness to the desired level.
diff --git a/docs/hardware_avr.md b/docs/hardware_avr.md
index c6f3881dc..770817045 100644
--- a/docs/hardware_avr.md
+++ b/docs/hardware_avr.md
@@ -101,8 +101,9 @@ By default QMK supports backlighting on pins `B5`, `B6`, and `B7`. If you are us
 
 ```
 #define BACKLIGHT_PIN B7
-#define BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
 #define BACKLIGHT_LEVELS 3
+#define BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
+#define BREATHING_PERIOD 6
 ```
 
 {% hint style='info' %}
diff --git a/keyboards/atomic/keymaps/pvc/keymap.c b/keyboards/atomic/keymaps/pvc/keymap.c
index 4a7cc863e..2e78e64b1 100644
--- a/keyboards/atomic/keymaps/pvc/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/atomic/keymaps/pvc/keymap.c
@@ -345,14 +345,14 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
         case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_INC:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_inc(1);
+                breathing_period_inc();
             }
             break;
 
         case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_DEC:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_dec(1);
+                breathing_period_dec();
             }
             break;
 
@@ -374,7 +374,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
                 layer_on(LAYER_UPPER);
-                breathing_speed_set(2);
+                breathing_period_set(2);
                 breathing_pulse();
                 update_tri_layer(LAYER_LOWER, LAYER_UPPER, LAYER_ADJUST);
             }
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
                 layer_on(LAYER_LOWER);
-                breathing_speed_set(2);
+                breathing_period_set(2);
                 breathing_pulse();
                 update_tri_layer(LAYER_LOWER, LAYER_UPPER, LAYER_ADJUST);
             }
@@ -403,13 +403,13 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
         case MACRO_FUNCTION:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(3);
+                breathing_period_set(3);
                 breathing_enable();
                 layer_on(LAYER_FUNCTION);
             }
             else
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(1);
+                breathing_period_set(1);
                 breathing_self_disable();
                 layer_off(LAYER_FUNCTION);
             }
diff --git a/keyboards/bananasplit/config.h b/keyboards/bananasplit/config.h
index 4bb5b85e0..5649ab4aa 100644
--- a/keyboards/bananasplit/config.h
+++ b/keyboards/bananasplit/config.h
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 //#define MATRIX_HAS_GHOST
 
 /* number of backlight levels */
-#define BACKLIGHT_LEVELS  1
+#define BACKLIGHT_LEVELS 3
 
 /* mapping backlight LEDs to correct Pin */
 #define BACKLIGHT_PIN B7
diff --git a/keyboards/bananasplit/keymaps/coloneljesus/config.h b/keyboards/bananasplit/keymaps/coloneljesus/config.h
index 5f2cd13fe..92a67f647 100644
--- a/keyboards/bananasplit/keymaps/coloneljesus/config.h
+++ b/keyboards/bananasplit/keymaps/coloneljesus/config.h
@@ -21,5 +21,7 @@
 
 // place overrides here
 #define GRAVE_ESC_CTRL_OVERRIDE
+#define BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
+#define BREATHING_PERIOD 8
 
 #endif
diff --git a/keyboards/bananasplit/keymaps/coloneljesus/keymap.c b/keyboards/bananasplit/keymaps/coloneljesus/keymap.c
index ac7f1113a..b5889aa19 100644
--- a/keyboards/bananasplit/keymaps/coloneljesus/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/bananasplit/keymaps/coloneljesus/keymap.c
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 #include "bananasplit.h"
 
 enum custom_keycodes {
-  WIN_SWITCH_LAYOUT = SAFE_RANGE
+  WIN_SWITCH_LAYOUT = SAFE_RANGE,
 };
 
 const uint16_t PROGMEM keymaps[][MATRIX_ROWS][MATRIX_COLS] = {
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ const uint16_t PROGMEM keymaps[][MATRIX_ROWS][MATRIX_COLS] = {
     _______, KC_F1,   KC_F2,   KC_F3,   KC_F4,   KC_F5,  KC_F6,   KC_F7,         KC_F8,         KC_F9,   KC_F10,  KC_F11,  KC_F12,  _______, \
     KC_CAPS, KC_MPRV, KC_VOLU, KC_MNXT, KC_PGUP, KC_INS, KC_HOME, LCTL(KC_LEFT), LCTL(KC_RGHT), KC_END,  _______, _______, _______, KC_PSCR, \
     _______, KC_MUTE, KC_VOLD, KC_MPLY, KC_PGDN, KC_DEL, KC_LEFT, KC_DOWN,       KC_UP,         KC_RGHT, _______, _______, _______, \
-    _______,          _______, _______, _______, _______,_______, LCTL(KC_BSPC), LCTL(KC_DEL),  _______, _______, _______, _______, _______, \
+    _______,          BL_STEP, BL_BRTG, _______, _______,_______, LCTL(KC_BSPC), LCTL(KC_DEL),  _______, _______, _______, _______, _______, \
     _______, _______, _______,          _______, _______,_______,                _______,       _______, _______, _______, RESET \
 ),
 };
@@ -76,19 +76,19 @@ void matrix_scan_user(void) {
 
 bool process_record_user(uint16_t keycode, keyrecord_t *record) {
   switch (keycode) {
+
     case WIN_SWITCH_LAYOUT: {
       // Sends Alt+Shift on both key down and key up. 
       // Designed to switch between two keyboard layouts on Windows using a locking switch.
       // Does nothing if right shift is pressed for easy resync.
-      if (!(get_mods() & MOD_BIT(KC_RSFT))) {
+      if (!(get_mods() & MOD_BIT(KC_RSFT)))
         SEND_STRING(SS_DOWN(X_LALT)SS_TAP(X_LSHIFT)SS_UP(X_LALT));
-        return false;
-      }
-      else
-        return false;
+      return false;
     }
+
+    default:
+      return true;
   }
-  return true;
 }
 
 void led_set_user(uint8_t usb_led) {
diff --git a/keyboards/jd45/keymaps/mjt/keymap.c b/keyboards/jd45/keymaps/mjt/keymap.c
index 1a7302216..610552ecf 100644
--- a/keyboards/jd45/keymaps/mjt/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/jd45/keymaps/mjt/keymap.c
@@ -50,13 +50,13 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
             // action_function_tap may also handle this...
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(3);
+                breathing_period_set(3);
                 breathing_enable();
                 layer_on(1);
             }
             else
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(1);
+                breathing_period_set(1);
                 breathing_self_disable();
                 layer_off(1);
             }
@@ -64,13 +64,13 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
         case M_LAYER2:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(2);
+                breathing_period_set(2);
                 breathing_pulse();
                 layer_on(2);
             }
             else
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(1);
+                breathing_period_set(1);
                 breathing_self_disable();
                 layer_off(2);
             }
diff --git a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/cbbrowne/keymap.c b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/cbbrowne/keymap.c
index d1214dda1..9bae6fb50 100644
--- a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/cbbrowne/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/cbbrowne/keymap.c
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
       {
         layer_on(_RAISE);
 #ifdef BACKLIGHT_ENABLE
-        breathing_speed_set(2);
+        breathing_period_set(2);
         breathing_pulse();
 #endif
         update_tri_layer(_LOWER, _RAISE, _ADJUST);
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
       {
         layer_on(_LOWER);
 #ifdef BACKLIGHT_ENABLE
-        breathing_speed_set(2);
+        breathing_period_set(2);
         breathing_pulse();
 #endif
         update_tri_layer(_LOWER, _RAISE, _ADJUST);
diff --git a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/experimental/keymap.c b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/experimental/keymap.c
index 272c09332..feeb137fa 100644
--- a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/experimental/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/experimental/keymap.c
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ bool process_record_user(uint16_t keycode, keyrecord_t *record) {
           if (record->event.pressed) {
             layer_on(_LOWER);
             #ifdef BACKLIGHT_ENABLE
-                breathing_speed_set(2);
+                breathing_period_set(2);
                 breathing_pulse();
             #endif
             update_tri_layer(_LOWER, _RAISE, _ADJUST);
@@ -256,7 +256,7 @@ bool process_record_user(uint16_t keycode, keyrecord_t *record) {
           if (record->event.pressed) {
             layer_on(_RAISE);
             #ifdef BACKLIGHT_ENABLE
-                breathing_speed_set(2);
+                breathing_period_set(2);
                 breathing_pulse();
             #endif
             update_tri_layer(_LOWER, _RAISE, _ADJUST);
diff --git a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/khord/keymap.c b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/khord/keymap.c
index c8022a389..c515a0d36 100644
--- a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/khord/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/khord/keymap.c
@@ -128,12 +128,12 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt) {
       break;
     case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_INC:
       if (record->event.pressed) {
-        breathing_speed_inc(1);
+        breathing_period_inc();
       }
       break;
     case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_DEC:
       if (record->event.pressed) {
-        breathing_speed_dec(1);
+        breathing_period_dec();
       }
       break;
     case MACRO_BREATH_DEFAULT:
diff --git a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/pvc/keymap.c b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/pvc/keymap.c
index 60f6d925a..820018af6 100644
--- a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/pvc/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/pvc/keymap.c
@@ -323,14 +323,14 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
         case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_INC:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_inc(1);
+                breathing_period_inc();
             }
             break;
 
         case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_DEC:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_dec(1);
+                breathing_period_dec();
             }
             break;
 
@@ -352,7 +352,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
                 layer_on(LAYER_UPPER);
-                breathing_speed_set(2);
+                breathing_period_set(2);
                 breathing_pulse();
                 update_tri_layer(LAYER_LOWER, LAYER_UPPER, LAYER_ADJUST);
             }
@@ -367,7 +367,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
                 layer_on(LAYER_LOWER);
-                breathing_speed_set(2);
+                breathing_period_set(2);
                 breathing_pulse();
                 update_tri_layer(LAYER_LOWER, LAYER_UPPER, LAYER_ADJUST);
             }
@@ -381,13 +381,13 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
         case MACRO_FUNCTION:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(3);
+                breathing_period_set(3);
                 breathing_enable();
                 layer_on(LAYER_FUNCTION);
             }
             else
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(1);
+                breathing_period_set(1);
                 breathing_self_disable();
                 layer_off(LAYER_FUNCTION);
             }
diff --git a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/zach/zach_common_functions.c b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/zach/zach_common_functions.c
index f824b4033..e6aeaa50a 100644
--- a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/zach/zach_common_functions.c
+++ b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/zach/zach_common_functions.c
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ bool process_record_user(uint16_t keycode, keyrecord_t *record) {
                     PLAY_SONG(tone_ctrl_mod);
                 #endif
                 #ifdef BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
-                    breathing_speed_set(2);
+                    breathing_period_set(2);
                     breathing_pulse();
                 #endif
             }
diff --git a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/zrichard/keymap.c b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/zrichard/keymap.c
index c40492f5e..cf4478cee 100755
--- a/keyboards/planck/keymaps/zrichard/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/planck/keymaps/zrichard/keymap.c
@@ -332,14 +332,14 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
         case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_INC:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_inc(1);
+                breathing_period_inc();
             }
             break;
 
         case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_DEC:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_dec(1);
+                breathing_period_dec();
             }
             break;
 
@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
                 layer_on(LAYER_UPPER);
-                breathing_speed_set(2);
+                breathing_period_set(2);
                 breathing_pulse();
                 update_tri_layer(LAYER_LOWER, LAYER_UPPER, LAYER_ADJUST);
             }
@@ -376,7 +376,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
                 layer_on(LAYER_LOWER);
-                breathing_speed_set(2);
+                breathing_period_set(2);
                 breathing_pulse();
                 update_tri_layer(LAYER_LOWER, LAYER_UPPER, LAYER_ADJUST);
             }
@@ -390,13 +390,13 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
         case MACRO_FUNCTION:
             if (record->event.pressed)
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(3);
+                breathing_period_set(3);
                 breathing_enable();
                 layer_on(LAYER_FUNCTION);
             }
             else
             {
-                breathing_speed_set(1);
+                breathing_period_set(1);
                 breathing_self_disable();
                 layer_off(LAYER_FUNCTION);
             }
diff --git a/keyboards/preonic/keymaps/zach/zach_common_functions.c b/keyboards/preonic/keymaps/zach/zach_common_functions.c
index f824b4033..e6aeaa50a 100644
--- a/keyboards/preonic/keymaps/zach/zach_common_functions.c
+++ b/keyboards/preonic/keymaps/zach/zach_common_functions.c
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ bool process_record_user(uint16_t keycode, keyrecord_t *record) {
                     PLAY_SONG(tone_ctrl_mod);
                 #endif
                 #ifdef BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
-                    breathing_speed_set(2);
+                    breathing_period_set(2);
                     breathing_pulse();
                 #endif
             }
diff --git a/keyboards/vision_division/keymaps/default/keymap.c b/keyboards/vision_division/keymaps/default/keymap.c
index c40bf1ef6..31b107661 100644
--- a/keyboards/vision_division/keymaps/default/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/vision_division/keymaps/default/keymap.c
@@ -406,21 +406,21 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
   case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_INC:
     if (record->event.pressed)
     {
-      breathing_speed_inc(1);
+      breathing_period_inc();
     }
     break;
 
   case MACRO_BREATH_SPEED_DEC:
     if (record->event.pressed)
     {
-      breathing_speed_dec(1);
+      breathing_period_dec();
     }
     break;
 
   case MACRO_BREATH_DEFAULT:
     if (record->event.pressed)
     {
-      breathing_defaults();
+      breathing_period_default();
     }
     break;
 
@@ -435,7 +435,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
     if (record->event.pressed)
     {
       layer_on(LAYER_UPPER);
-      breathing_speed_set(2);
+      breathing_period_set(2);
       breathing_pulse();
       update_tri_layer(LAYER_LOWER, LAYER_UPPER, LAYER_ADJUST);
     }
@@ -450,7 +450,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
     if (record->event.pressed)
     {
       layer_on(LAYER_LOWER);
-      breathing_speed_set(2);
+      breathing_period_set(2);
       breathing_pulse();
       update_tri_layer(LAYER_LOWER, LAYER_UPPER, LAYER_ADJUST);
     }
@@ -464,13 +464,13 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
   case MACRO_FUNCTION:
     if (record->event.pressed)
     {
-      breathing_speed_set(3);
+      breathing_period_set(3);
       breathing_enable();
       layer_on(LAYER_FUNCTION);
     }
     else
     {
-      breathing_speed_set(1);
+      breathing_period_set(1);
       breathing_self_disable();
       layer_off(LAYER_FUNCTION);
     }
diff --git a/keyboards/xd75/keymaps/cbbrowne/keymap.c b/keyboards/xd75/keymaps/cbbrowne/keymap.c
index 5496ed40d..ec98b6d5a 100644
--- a/keyboards/xd75/keymaps/cbbrowne/keymap.c
+++ b/keyboards/xd75/keymaps/cbbrowne/keymap.c
@@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
       {
         layer_on(_RAISE);
 #ifdef BACKLIGHT_ENABLE
-        breathing_speed_set(2);
+        breathing_period_set(2);
         breathing_pulse();
 #endif
         update_tri_layer(_LOWER, _RAISE, _ADJUST);
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ const macro_t *action_get_macro(keyrecord_t *record, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)
       {
         layer_on(_LOWER);
 #ifdef BACKLIGHT_ENABLE
-        breathing_speed_set(2);
+        breathing_period_set(2);
         breathing_pulse();
 #endif
         update_tri_layer(_LOWER, _RAISE, _ADJUST);
diff --git a/quantum/keymap_common.c b/quantum/keymap_common.c
index b1460c53c..a0d4c1ddb 100644
--- a/quantum/keymap_common.c
+++ b/quantum/keymap_common.c
@@ -127,8 +127,11 @@ action_t action_for_key(uint8_t layer, keypos_t key)
             action.code = ACTION_MODS_TAP_KEY(mod, keycode & 0xFF);
             break;
     #ifdef BACKLIGHT_ENABLE
-        case BL_0 ... BL_15:
-            action.code = ACTION_BACKLIGHT_LEVEL(keycode - BL_0);
+        case BL_ON:
+            action.code = ACTION_BACKLIGHT_ON();
+            break;
+        case BL_OFF:
+            action.code = ACTION_BACKLIGHT_OFF();
             break;
         case BL_DEC:
             action.code = ACTION_BACKLIGHT_DECREASE();
diff --git a/quantum/quantum.c b/quantum/quantum.c
index c80975f21..88617412c 100644
--- a/quantum/quantum.c
+++ b/quantum/quantum.c
@@ -23,6 +23,10 @@
 #define TAPPING_TERM 200
 #endif
 
+#ifndef BREATHING_PERIOD
+#define BREATHING_PERIOD 6
+#endif
+
 #include "backlight.h"
 extern backlight_config_t backlight_config;
 
@@ -618,7 +622,17 @@ bool process_record_quantum(keyrecord_t *record) {
       }
 
       send_keyboard_report();
+      return false;
     }
+
+#if defined(BACKLIGHT_ENABLE) && defined(BACKLIGHT_BREATHING)
+    case BL_BRTG: {
+      if (record->event.pressed)
+        breathing_toggle();
+      return false;
+    }
+#endif
+
     default: {
       shift_interrupted[0] = true;
       shift_interrupted[1] = true;
@@ -831,6 +845,7 @@ void matrix_scan_quantum() {
 
 static const uint8_t backlight_pin = BACKLIGHT_PIN;
 
+// depending on the pin, we use a different output compare unit
 #if BACKLIGHT_PIN == B7
 #  define COM1x1 COM1C1
 #  define OCR1x  OCR1C
@@ -841,17 +856,18 @@ static const uint8_t backlight_pin = BACKLIGHT_PIN;
 #  define COM1x1 COM1A1
 #  define OCR1x  OCR1A
 #else
-#  define NO_BACKLIGHT_CLOCK
+#  define NO_HARDWARE_PWM
 #endif
 
 #ifndef BACKLIGHT_ON_STATE
 #define BACKLIGHT_ON_STATE 0
 #endif
 
+#ifdef NO_HARDWARE_PWM // pwm through software
+
 __attribute__ ((weak))
 void backlight_init_ports(void)
 {
-
   // Setup backlight pin as output and output to on state.
   // DDRx |= n
   _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 1) |= _BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
@@ -862,83 +878,15 @@ void backlight_init_ports(void)
     // PORTx |= n
     _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 2) |= _BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
   #endif
-
-  #ifndef NO_BACKLIGHT_CLOCK
-    // Use full 16-bit resolution.
-    ICR1 = 0xFFFF;
-
-    // I could write a wall of text here to explain... but TL;DW
-    // Go read the ATmega32u4 datasheet.
-    // And this: http://blog.saikoled.com/post/43165849837/secret-konami-cheat-code-to-high-resolution-pwm-on
-
-    // Pin PB7 = OCR1C (Timer 1, Channel C)
-    // Compare Output Mode = Clear on compare match, Channel C = COM1C1=1 COM1C0=0
-    // (i.e. start high, go low when counter matches.)
-    // WGM Mode 14 (Fast PWM) = WGM13=1 WGM12=1 WGM11=1 WGM10=0
-    // Clock Select = clk/1 (no prescaling) = CS12=0 CS11=0 CS10=1
-
-    TCCR1A = _BV(COM1x1) | _BV(WGM11); // = 0b00001010;
-    TCCR1B = _BV(WGM13) | _BV(WGM12) | _BV(CS10); // = 0b00011001;
-  #endif
-
-  backlight_init();
-  #ifdef BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
-    breathing_defaults();
-  #endif
 }
 
 __attribute__ ((weak))
-void backlight_set(uint8_t level)
-{
-  // Prevent backlight blink on lowest level
-  // #if BACKLIGHT_ON_STATE == 0
-  //   // PORTx &= ~n
-  //   _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 2) &= ~_BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
-  // #else
-  //   // PORTx |= n
-  //   _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 2) |= _BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
-  // #endif
-
-  if ( level == 0 ) {
-    #ifndef NO_BACKLIGHT_CLOCK
-      // Turn off PWM control on backlight pin, revert to output low.
-      TCCR1A &= ~(_BV(COM1x1));
-      OCR1x = 0x0;
-    #else
-      // #if BACKLIGHT_ON_STATE == 0
-      //   // PORTx |= n
-      //   _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 2) |= _BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
-      // #else
-      //   // PORTx &= ~n
-      //   _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 2) &= ~_BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
-      // #endif
-    #endif
-  }
-  #ifndef NO_BACKLIGHT_CLOCK
-    else if ( level == BACKLIGHT_LEVELS ) {
-      // Turn on PWM control of backlight pin
-      TCCR1A |= _BV(COM1x1);
-      // Set the brightness
-      OCR1x = 0xFFFF;
-    }
-    else {
-      // Turn on PWM control of backlight pin
-      TCCR1A |= _BV(COM1x1);
-      // Set the brightness
-      OCR1x = 0xFFFF >> ((BACKLIGHT_LEVELS - level) * ((BACKLIGHT_LEVELS + 1) / 2));
-    }
-  #endif
-
-  #ifdef BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
-    breathing_intensity_default();
-  #endif
-}
+void backlight_set(uint8_t level) {}
 
 uint8_t backlight_tick = 0;
 
 void backlight_task(void) {
-  #ifdef NO_BACKLIGHT_CLOCK
-  if ((0xFFFF >> ((BACKLIGHT_LEVELS - backlight_config.level) * ((BACKLIGHT_LEVELS + 1) / 2))) & (1 << backlight_tick)) {
+  if ((0xFFFF >> ((BACKLIGHT_LEVELS - get_backlight_level()) * ((BACKLIGHT_LEVELS + 1) / 2))) & (1 << backlight_tick)) {
     #if BACKLIGHT_ON_STATE == 0
       // PORTx &= ~n
       _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 2) &= ~_BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
@@ -955,232 +903,216 @@ void backlight_task(void) {
       _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 2) &= ~_BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
     #endif
   }
-  backlight_tick = (backlight_tick + 1) % 16;
-  #endif
+  backlight_tick = backlight_tick + 1 % 16;
 }
 
 #ifdef BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
+#error "Backlight breathing only available with hardware PWM. Please disable."
+#endif
 
-#ifdef NO_BACKLIGHT_CLOCK
-void breathing_defaults(void) {}
-void breathing_intensity_default(void) {}
-#else
+#else // pwm through timer
+
+#define TIMER_TOP 0xFFFFU
+
+// See http://jared.geek.nz/2013/feb/linear-led-pwm
+static uint16_t cie_lightness(uint16_t v) {
+  if (v <= 5243) // if below 8% of max
+    return v / 9; // same as dividing by 900%
+  else {
+    uint32_t y = (((uint32_t) v + 10486) << 8) / (10486 + 0xFFFFUL); // add 16% of max and compare
+    // to get a useful result with integer division, we shift left in the expression above
+    // and revert what we've done again after squaring.
+    y = y * y * y >> 8;
+    if (y > 0xFFFFUL) // prevent overflow
+      return 0xFFFFU;
+    else
+      return (uint16_t) y;
+  }
+}
+
+// range for val is [0..TIMER_TOP]. PWM pin is high while the timer count is below val.
+static inline void set_pwm(uint16_t val) {
+  OCR1x = val;
+}
+
+__attribute__ ((weak))
+void backlight_set(uint8_t level) {
+  if (level > BACKLIGHT_LEVELS)
+    level = BACKLIGHT_LEVELS;
+
+  if (level == 0) {
+    // Turn off PWM control on backlight pin
+    TCCR1A &= ~(_BV(COM1x1));
+  } else {
+    // Turn on PWM control of backlight pin
+    TCCR1A |= _BV(COM1x1);
+  }
+  // Set the brightness
+  set_pwm(cie_lightness(TIMER_TOP * (uint32_t)level / BACKLIGHT_LEVELS));
+}
+
+void backlight_task(void) {}
+
+#ifdef BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
 
 #define BREATHING_NO_HALT  0
 #define BREATHING_HALT_OFF 1
 #define BREATHING_HALT_ON  2
+#define BREATHING_STEPS 128
 
-static uint8_t breath_intensity;
-static uint8_t breath_speed;
-static uint16_t breathing_index;
-static uint8_t breathing_halt;
+static uint8_t breathing_period = BREATHING_PERIOD;
+static uint8_t breathing_halt = BREATHING_NO_HALT;
+static uint16_t breathing_counter = 0;
 
-void breathing_enable(void)
-{
-    if (get_backlight_level() == 0)
-    {
-        breathing_index = 0;
-    }
-    else
-    {
-        // Set breathing_index to be at the midpoint (brightest point)
-        breathing_index = 0x20 << breath_speed;
-    }
+bool is_breathing(void) {
+    return !!(TIMSK1 & _BV(TOIE1));
+}
 
-    breathing_halt = BREATHING_NO_HALT;
+#define breathing_interrupt_enable() do {TIMSK1 |= _BV(TOIE1);} while (0)
+#define breathing_interrupt_disable() do {TIMSK1 &= ~_BV(TOIE1);} while (0)
+#define breathing_min() do {breathing_counter = 0;} while (0)
+#define breathing_max() do {breathing_counter = breathing_period * 244 / 2;} while (0)
 
-    // Enable breathing interrupt
-    TIMSK1 |= _BV(OCIE1A);
+void breathing_enable(void)
+{
+  breathing_counter = 0;
+  breathing_halt = BREATHING_NO_HALT;
+  breathing_interrupt_enable();
 }
 
 void breathing_pulse(void)
 {
     if (get_backlight_level() == 0)
-    {
-        breathing_index = 0;
-    }
+      breathing_min();
     else
-    {
-        // Set breathing_index to be at the midpoint + 1 (brightest point)
-        breathing_index = 0x21 << breath_speed;
-    }
-
+      breathing_max();
     breathing_halt = BREATHING_HALT_ON;
-
-    // Enable breathing interrupt
-    TIMSK1 |= _BV(OCIE1A);
+    breathing_interrupt_enable();
 }
 
 void breathing_disable(void)
 {
-    // Disable breathing interrupt
-    TIMSK1 &= ~_BV(OCIE1A);
+    breathing_interrupt_disable();
+    // Restore backlight level
     backlight_set(get_backlight_level());
 }
 
 void breathing_self_disable(void)
 {
-    if (get_backlight_level() == 0)
-    {
-        breathing_halt = BREATHING_HALT_OFF;
-    }
-    else
-    {
-        breathing_halt = BREATHING_HALT_ON;
-    }
-
-    //backlight_set(get_backlight_level());
+  if (get_backlight_level() == 0)
+    breathing_halt = BREATHING_HALT_OFF;
+  else
+    breathing_halt = BREATHING_HALT_ON;
 }
 
-void breathing_toggle(void)
-{
-    if (!is_breathing())
-    {
-        if (get_backlight_level() == 0)
-        {
-            breathing_index = 0;
-        }
-        else
-        {
-            // Set breathing_index to be at the midpoint + 1 (brightest point)
-            breathing_index = 0x21 << breath_speed;
-        }
-
-        breathing_halt = BREATHING_NO_HALT;
-    }
-
-    // Toggle breathing interrupt
-    TIMSK1 ^= _BV(OCIE1A);
-
-    // Restore backlight level
-    if (!is_breathing())
-    {
-        backlight_set(get_backlight_level());
-    }
+void breathing_toggle(void) {
+  if (is_breathing())
+    breathing_disable();
+  else
+    breathing_enable();
 }
 
-bool is_breathing(void)
+void breathing_period_set(uint8_t value)
 {
-    return (TIMSK1 && _BV(OCIE1A));
+  if (!value)
+    value = 1;
+  breathing_period = value;
 }
 
-void breathing_intensity_default(void)
-{
-    //breath_intensity = (uint8_t)((uint16_t)100 * (uint16_t)get_backlight_level() / (uint16_t)BACKLIGHT_LEVELS);
-    breath_intensity = ((BACKLIGHT_LEVELS - get_backlight_level()) * ((BACKLIGHT_LEVELS + 1) / 2));
+void breathing_period_default(void) {
+  breathing_period_set(BREATHING_PERIOD);
 }
 
-void breathing_intensity_set(uint8_t value)
+void breathing_period_inc(void)
 {
-    breath_intensity = value;
+  breathing_period_set(breathing_period+1);
 }
 
-void breathing_speed_default(void)
+void breathing_period_dec(void)
 {
-    breath_speed = 4;
+  breathing_period_set(breathing_period-1);
 }
 
-void breathing_speed_set(uint8_t value)
-{
-    bool is_breathing_now = is_breathing();
-    uint8_t old_breath_speed = breath_speed;
-
-    if (is_breathing_now)
-    {
-        // Disable breathing interrupt
-        TIMSK1 &= ~_BV(OCIE1A);
-    }
-
-    breath_speed = value;
-
-    if (is_breathing_now)
-    {
-        // Adjust index to account for new speed
-        breathing_index = (( (uint8_t)( (breathing_index) >> old_breath_speed ) ) & 0x3F) << breath_speed;
-
-        // Enable breathing interrupt
-        TIMSK1 |= _BV(OCIE1A);
-    }
-
-}
+/* To generate breathing curve in python:
+ * from math import sin, pi; [int(sin(x/128.0*pi)**4*255) for x in range(128)]
+ */
+static const uint8_t breathing_table[BREATHING_STEPS] PROGMEM = {0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 41, 46, 51, 57, 63, 70, 76, 83, 91, 98, 106, 113, 121, 129, 138, 146, 154, 162, 170, 178, 185, 193, 200, 207, 213, 220, 225, 231, 235, 240, 244, 247, 250, 252, 253, 254, 255, 254, 253, 252, 250, 247, 244, 240, 235, 231, 225, 220, 213, 207, 200, 193, 185, 178, 170, 162, 154, 146, 138, 129, 121, 113, 106, 98, 91, 83, 76, 70, 63, 57, 51, 46, 41, 36, 32, 28, 24, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0};
 
-void breathing_speed_inc(uint8_t value)
-{
-    if ((uint16_t)(breath_speed - value) > 10 )
-    {
-        breathing_speed_set(0);
-    }
-    else
-    {
-        breathing_speed_set(breath_speed - value);
-    }
+// Use this before the cie_lightness function.
+static inline uint16_t scale_backlight(uint16_t v) {
+  return v / BACKLIGHT_LEVELS * get_backlight_level();
 }
 
-void breathing_speed_dec(uint8_t value)
+/* Assuming a 16MHz CPU clock and a timer that resets at 64k (ICR1), the following interrupt handler will run
+ * about 244 times per second.
+ */
+ISR(TIMER1_OVF_vect)
 {
-    if ((uint16_t)(breath_speed + value) > 10 )
-    {
-        breathing_speed_set(10);
-    }
-    else
-    {
-        breathing_speed_set(breath_speed + value);
-    }
-}
+  uint16_t interval = (uint16_t) breathing_period * 244 / BREATHING_STEPS;
+  // resetting after one period to prevent ugly reset at overflow.
+  breathing_counter = (breathing_counter + 1) % (breathing_period * 244);
+  uint8_t index = breathing_counter / interval % BREATHING_STEPS;
+
+  if (((breathing_halt == BREATHING_HALT_ON) && (index == BREATHING_STEPS / 2)) ||
+      ((breathing_halt == BREATHING_HALT_OFF) && (index == BREATHING_STEPS - 1)))
+  {
+      breathing_interrupt_disable();
+  }
 
-void breathing_defaults(void)
-{
-    breathing_intensity_default();
-    breathing_speed_default();
-    breathing_halt = BREATHING_NO_HALT;
+  set_pwm(cie_lightness(scale_backlight((uint16_t) pgm_read_byte(&breathing_table[index]) * 0x0101U)));
 }
 
-/* Breathing Sleep LED brighness(PWM On period) table
- * (64[steps] * 4[duration]) / 64[PWM periods/s] = 4 second breath cycle
- *
- * http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%28sin%28+x%2F64*pi%29**8+*+255%2C+x%3D0+to+63
- * (0..63).each {|x| p ((sin(x/64.0*PI)**8)*255).to_i }
- */
-static const uint8_t breathing_table[64] PROGMEM = {
-  0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   1,   2,   4,   6,  10,
- 15,  23,  32,  44,  58,  74,  93, 113, 135, 157, 179, 199, 218, 233, 245, 252,
-255, 252, 245, 233, 218, 199, 179, 157, 135, 113,  93,  74,  58,  44,  32,  23,
- 15,  10,   6,   4,   2,   1,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,
-};
+#endif // BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
 
-ISR(TIMER1_COMPA_vect)
+__attribute__ ((weak))
+void backlight_init_ports(void)
 {
-    // OCR1x = (pgm_read_byte(&breathing_table[ ( (uint8_t)( (breathing_index++) >> breath_speed ) ) & 0x3F ] )) * breath_intensity;
-
-
-    uint8_t local_index = ( (uint8_t)( (breathing_index++) >> breath_speed ) ) & 0x3F;
-
-    if (((breathing_halt == BREATHING_HALT_ON) && (local_index == 0x20)) || ((breathing_halt == BREATHING_HALT_OFF) && (local_index == 0x3F)))
-    {
-        // Disable breathing interrupt
-        TIMSK1 &= ~_BV(OCIE1A);
-    }
-
-    OCR1x = (uint16_t)(((uint16_t)pgm_read_byte(&breathing_table[local_index]) * 257)) >> breath_intensity;
+  // Setup backlight pin as output and output to on state.
+  // DDRx |= n
+  _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 1) |= _BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
+  #if BACKLIGHT_ON_STATE == 0
+    // PORTx &= ~n
+    _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 2) &= ~_BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
+  #else
+    // PORTx |= n
+    _SFR_IO8((backlight_pin >> 4) + 2) |= _BV(backlight_pin & 0xF);
+  #endif
+  // I could write a wall of text here to explain... but TL;DW
+  // Go read the ATmega32u4 datasheet.
+  // And this: http://blog.saikoled.com/post/43165849837/secret-konami-cheat-code-to-high-resolution-pwm-on
+
+  // Pin PB7 = OCR1C (Timer 1, Channel C)
+  // Compare Output Mode = Clear on compare match, Channel C = COM1C1=1 COM1C0=0
+  // (i.e. start high, go low when counter matches.)
+  // WGM Mode 14 (Fast PWM) = WGM13=1 WGM12=1 WGM11=1 WGM10=0
+  // Clock Select = clk/1 (no prescaling) = CS12=0 CS11=0 CS10=1
+
+  /*
+  14.8.3:
+  "In fast PWM mode, the compare units allow generation of PWM waveforms on the OCnx pins. Setting the COMnx1:0 bits to two will produce a non-inverted PWM [..]."
+  "In fast PWM mode the counter is incremented until the counter value matches either one of the fixed values 0x00FF, 0x01FF, or 0x03FF (WGMn3:0 = 5, 6, or 7), the value in ICRn (WGMn3:0 = 14), or the value in OCRnA (WGMn3:0 = 15)."
+  */
+
+  TCCR1A = _BV(COM1x1) | _BV(WGM11); // = 0b00001010;
+  TCCR1B = _BV(WGM13) | _BV(WGM12) | _BV(CS10); // = 0b00011001;
+  // Use full 16-bit resolution. Counter counts to ICR1 before reset to 0.
+  ICR1 = TIMER_TOP;
 
+  backlight_init();
+  #ifdef BACKLIGHT_BREATHING
+    breathing_enable();
+  #endif
 }
 
-#endif // NO_BACKLIGHT_CLOCK
-#endif // breathing
+#endif // NO_HARDWARE_PWM
 
 #else // backlight
 
 __attribute__ ((weak))
-void backlight_init_ports(void)
-{
-
-}
+void backlight_init_ports(void) {}
 
 __attribute__ ((weak))
-void backlight_set(uint8_t level)
-{
-
-}
+void backlight_set(uint8_t level) {}
 
 #endif // backlight
 
diff --git a/quantum/quantum.h b/quantum/quantum.h
index 056d37292..6ca5ecb5c 100644
--- a/quantum/quantum.h
+++ b/quantum/quantum.h
@@ -173,12 +173,11 @@ void breathing_self_disable(void);
 void breathing_toggle(void);
 bool is_breathing(void);
 
-void breathing_defaults(void);
 void breathing_intensity_default(void);
-void breathing_speed_default(void);
-void breathing_speed_set(uint8_t value);
-void breathing_speed_inc(uint8_t value);
-void breathing_speed_dec(uint8_t value);
+void breathing_period_default(void);
+void breathing_period_set(uint8_t value);
+void breathing_period_inc(void);
+void breathing_period_dec(void);
 #endif
 
 #endif
diff --git a/quantum/quantum_keycodes.h b/quantum/quantum_keycodes.h
index 65bf9e141..1b9a7534c 100644
--- a/quantum/quantum_keycodes.h
+++ b/quantum/quantum_keycodes.h
@@ -380,26 +380,13 @@ enum quantum_keycodes {
 #endif // MIDI_ADVANCED
 
     // Backlight functionality
-    BL_0,
-    BL_1,
-    BL_2,
-    BL_3,
-    BL_4,
-    BL_5,
-    BL_6,
-    BL_7,
-    BL_8,
-    BL_9,
-    BL_10,
-    BL_11,
-    BL_12,
-    BL_13,
-    BL_14,
-    BL_15,
+    BL_ON,
+    BL_OFF,
     BL_DEC,
     BL_INC,
     BL_TOGG,
     BL_STEP,
+    BL_BRTG,
 
     // RGB functionality
     RGB_TOG,
@@ -579,9 +566,6 @@ enum quantum_keycodes {
 #define AG_SWAP MAGIC_SWAP_ALT_GUI
 #define AG_NORM MAGIC_UNSWAP_ALT_GUI
 
-#define BL_ON  BL_9
-#define BL_OFF BL_0
-
 // GOTO layer - 16 layers max
 // when:
 // ON_PRESS    = 1
diff --git a/tmk_core/common/action.c b/tmk_core/common/action.c
index b39aa4cbc..dd3a5b3ee 100644
--- a/tmk_core/common/action.c
+++ b/tmk_core/common/action.c
@@ -512,8 +512,11 @@ void process_action(keyrecord_t *record, action_t action)
                     case BACKLIGHT_STEP:
                         backlight_step();
                         break;
-                    case BACKLIGHT_LEVEL:
-                        backlight_level(action.backlight.level);
+                    case BACKLIGHT_ON:
+                        backlight_level(BACKLIGHT_LEVELS);
+                        break;
+                    case BACKLIGHT_OFF:
+                        backlight_level(0);
                         break;
                 }
             }
diff --git a/tmk_core/common/action_code.h b/tmk_core/common/action_code.h
index b15aaa0eb..05bc84573 100644
--- a/tmk_core/common/action_code.h
+++ b/tmk_core/common/action_code.h
@@ -304,7 +304,8 @@ enum backlight_opt {
     BACKLIGHT_DECREASE = 1,
     BACKLIGHT_TOGGLE   = 2,
     BACKLIGHT_STEP     = 3,
-    BACKLIGHT_LEVEL    = 4,
+    BACKLIGHT_ON       = 4,
+    BACKLIGHT_OFF      = 5,
 };
 
 /* Macro */
@@ -316,7 +317,8 @@ enum backlight_opt {
 #define ACTION_BACKLIGHT_DECREASE()     ACTION(ACT_BACKLIGHT, BACKLIGHT_DECREASE << 8)
 #define ACTION_BACKLIGHT_TOGGLE()       ACTION(ACT_BACKLIGHT, BACKLIGHT_TOGGLE << 8)
 #define ACTION_BACKLIGHT_STEP()         ACTION(ACT_BACKLIGHT, BACKLIGHT_STEP << 8)
-#define ACTION_BACKLIGHT_LEVEL(level)   ACTION(ACT_BACKLIGHT, BACKLIGHT_LEVEL << 8 | (level))
+#define ACTION_BACKLIGHT_ON()           ACTION(ACT_BACKLIGHT, BACKLIGHT_ON << 8)
+#define ACTION_BACKLIGHT_OFF()          ACTION(ACT_BACKLIGHT, BACKLIGHT_OFF << 8)
 /* Command */
 #define ACTION_COMMAND(id, opt)         ACTION(ACT_COMMAND,  (opt)<<8 | (id))
 /* Function */
diff --git a/tmk_core/common/backlight.c b/tmk_core/common/backlight.c
index d03bfe931..4d2491b98 100644
--- a/tmk_core/common/backlight.c
+++ b/tmk_core/common/backlight.c
@@ -61,6 +61,8 @@ void backlight_decrease(void)
 void backlight_toggle(void)
 {
     backlight_config.enable ^= 1;
+    if (backlight_config.raw == 1) // enabled but level = 0
+        backlight_config.level = 1;
     eeconfig_update_backlight(backlight_config.raw);
     dprintf("backlight toggle: %u\n", backlight_config.enable);
     backlight_set(backlight_config.enable ? backlight_config.level : 0);
@@ -81,7 +83,9 @@ void backlight_step(void)
 
 void backlight_level(uint8_t level)
 {
-    backlight_config.level ^= level;
+    if (level > BACKLIGHT_LEVELS)
+        level = BACKLIGHT_LEVELS;
+    backlight_config.level = level;
     backlight_config.enable = !!backlight_config.level;
     eeconfig_update_backlight(backlight_config.raw);
     backlight_set(backlight_config.level);