Are you wondering, “can I add a backlit keyboard to a laptop?” To know the answer to your question, you need to go through this article. People use these backlit keyboards for years, and they have got all the rage.
The majority of the laptop makers provide backlit keyboards, so if you buy a premium quality laptop – chances are you will get a backlit keyboard with it.
Also, even if your laptop does not have a backlit keyboard, you can have one anyway. These keyboards are mainly used for playing video games as they come with a wide range of LED lights.
They look attractive as well as provide lighting in the dark. For example, if you are writing a report or watching a movie on your laptop in the dark, a backlit keyboard can help you do whatever you want.
The good news is you don’t have to buy a new laptop because you can add a backlit keyboard to the existing laptop. Let’s take a look at the following guide to know about adding a backlit keyboard to a laptop.
What is a Backlit Keyboard?
The term “backlit keyboard” refers to a keyboard that has a light behind the keys. In low-light situations, the backlight illuminates the letters and symbols on the keys to make them visible. The light can pass through it as the keys’ print is semi-translucent.
It also brightens the tiny space surrounding the key, enhancing the keyboard’s visibility even more. The brightness of most backlit keyboards can be adjusted.
White light is emitted by the majority of backlights. Though there are backlights that emit other colours, they’re mainly found in gaming laptops, which we’ll get to later.
Tips to Add Backlit Keyboard to Your Laptop?
Adding a keyboard to your laptop or PC is very easy; all you need to do is disconnect the wire and fix the new keyboard. Following are the steps to add a backlit keyboard to a laptop.
Let’s take a look.
Compatibility Check
The first step is to ensure that the keyboard you are purchasing is compatible. If you examine your laptop’s keyboard layout closely, you’ll notice that it differs from that of other models.
Some versions have a numeric keypad, numeric keyboards are useful when you have to handle numeric data more like Mba students, Accounting Majors, or professionals, while others do not. On one model, the keys are more prominent, while on the others, they are smaller.
To ensure that you purchase the correct keyboard, carefully examine the device’s compatibility.
You may ask a salesperson at the store whether your laptop is compatible with a specific keyboard by showing them your laptop or telling them the model.
Collect Tools
Removing a keyboard from a laptop is a difficult task that necessitates the use of specialized equipment.
You’ll need multiple screwdrivers to unscrew the top and bottom of your laptop, as well as a small pair of pliers to pry stuff loose if anything is tightly fastened in place.
Switch Off the Laptop
You can switch off the laptop until you have everything in order and your workbench is ready for replacement.
You can never operate on a laptop with the lid open because you risk entirely destroying the circuitry. Until continuing, you should turn it off and disconnect the power cables.
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Remove the Keyboard
To begin, remove the panels from your keyboard. When you remove the battery, you’ll find that there are screws all over the place. Begin by unscrewing each one individually.
Remember to take photographs of everything and to put all the screws in a jar neatly. You’ll never lose something important that came with your laptop if you do it this way.
After removing the screws, you’ll need to cut the panelling around the keyboard, and the keyboard will become loose as a result. It’s very fragile, and there’s a ribbon cord connecting the keyboard to the laptop, so take care.
Remove it with care, and unplug the ribbon cable with ease as well. When you’re done, the keyboard will detach from the laptop, allowing you to easily remove it and replace it.
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Installing the New One
Now that you’ve gotten rid of the old keyboard, it’s time to replace it with a new one. You must repeat the steps you took previously, but in reverse order.
After that, gently position the keyboard on the key buttons and plug in the ribbon cable. If the cable is not returned to its original location, the panelling will not close properly.
Laptops are built and engineered to exact dimensions, so even a minor difference can cause problems and can prevent you from properly repairing it.
After you’ve returned the cable to its original location, you can move on to the next step. After that, it’s time to put the covers on.
You’ll want to double-check that all of the brackets are filled correctly and that everything is hooked up correctly.
Now all you have to do is reassemble your laptop by replacing the panels in their proper places. You won’t have any problems getting things back together as long as you keep everything in its right place.
Now that you’ve done it, turn on the laptop and check out the USB LED lights.
This phase can also be done before screwing it together, as it will allow you the freedom to switch things around and adjust the lighting to your liking.
In most cases, though, this is not possible because the LED lights are typically installed into each key, and there you go.
Alternatively, some keyboards have a more comprehensive lighting device that illuminates everything under the keyboard.
Since the writing is the only transparent part of the keyboard, you can see it light up every time you turn on the laptop.
There are only a few things to keep in mind when it comes to replacing your laptop’s keyboard with one that has LED lights.
It’s a fantastic way to enhance the visual appeal of your keyboard and make it even more attractive!