I think it would be nice if, instead of backstab using the same input as a normal attack from behind, keyboard and mouse players could bind a dedicated key to trigger backstabs.
This would help players who rely on backstabs during fights be a little more consistent, rather than accidentally hitting an enemy normally because the lock-on was slightly off, the timing window was too early, or the enemy’s defined “backside” was not exactly where you thought it was. Sometimes, even just getting behind an enemy with keyboard movement can be a pain.
Right now, backstabs often feel more like a gimmick than a viable mechanic. It might also be nice if bosses could be backstabbed, even if they do not get a full animation, so players could still trigger the damage or any gear-related buffs connected to backstabs.
I really enjoy the mechanic as an idea, but in practice, it does not feel worth the effort and luck that sometimes feels required on keyboard and mouse to make it work consistently. Of course, I could be wrong or just bad at using it, but this has been my experience.
I feel that something as simple as a dedicated backstab key binding could help a lot by making it clear to the game that you are trying to perform a backstab rather than a normal attack. It could also give the mechanic more early-game appeal.
Another possible improvement would be allowing frozen enemies to be backstabbed, then freed afterward, as a way to make the mechanic more viable. Of course, this could deal reduced damage since the enemy is frozen and the setup is easier, but it would still reward the playstyle by allowing backstab-related buffs to trigger.