How to connect the keyboard backlight. DIY USB laptop keyboard backlight

In some cases, there is a need to provide additional illumination of the working surface. Keyboards with backlit keys can be purchased, but if such an option is suitable. If the price of such devices does not correspond to the user’s capabilities, it is enough to reserve time and do everything yourself. For this procedure you will need some knowledge of working with a soldering iron and connecting a diode strip.

Why do you need a backlight on your keyboard?

A backlit computer keyboard is essential for people working at night. Night owls often wonder how to achieve keyboard illumination if touch typing has not been mastered. Also, for some operations it is necessary to look at the keys, which is difficult in poor-quality lighting.

Additional illumination is necessary for:

IT employees;
gamers;
night shift dispatchers;
technical personnel testing equipment on site with the keyboard connected to the device.

Lighting the work surface is not only a beautiful fantasy for aesthetic pleasure. The need to see the necessary keys in the complete or partial absence of light requires such a measure. Taking care of proper operation can save time and provide an acceptable option for interacting with devices.

In some cases, the required keyboard option is difficult to obtain, or is not possible at all. Taking an option similar in configuration, it is enough to simply make backlit keys in it. This procedure will require some soldering skills and knowledge of basic principles of radio electronics.

Required Tools

Backlit Keyboard Reviews demonstrates the different options for backlit keyboards:

standard rectangular;
gaming;
laptop keyboard;
wireless analogues.

To repeat a similar experience, illuminating standard options without additional special effects, you need certain tools and materials:

LED strip (up to 1 m);
soldering iron;
batteries (in the case of a built-in backlight recharge option);
network cable (about 3 m);
adapter 2-4-pin to 1-6-pin;
screwdriver set;
insulating tape;
switch;
stationery knife;
glue (for some options with a change in the key panel);
tester for the final check of the functionality of all circuit elements.

Almost all the required materials can be purchased at any specialized store. This also applies to LED strips for Multi-color lighting systems.

Backlight power supply

Any illumination option requires a power source. This task remains the No. 1 solution for everyone who wants to create additional special effects on the work surface. It is worth considering the resource consumption of the diode element, since most of the recommendations boil down to introducing a connection to the computer’s power supply.

A factory-produced backlit gaming keyboard for a computer is built precisely on this principle. Since all the elements are already enabled, they directly take resource from the internal elements of the computer. This process requires a lot of resources.

Electronics engineers suggest making a separate output for connection to the system filter socket connector, or installing an additional power supply to relieve the load on the main one. There is some truth to this, as excessive power consumption wears out your computer.

Advantages of using diode strip

Backlit mechanical keyboards are all built on the principle of using an LED strip. This approach was preceded by numerous not entirely successful experiments. The choice of diodes was based on the following requirements:

compact location inside the keyboard box;
light weight;
ease of installation;
resource consumption;
convenience when replacing a worn-out element;
light source brightness requirements;
resistance to multiple mechanical damage;
possibility of adding additional colors.

The last point is important for the built-in Multi-color system. Gaming keyboards or laptop panels require contrasting backlighting. This is due to the orientation requirements of the gamer or tester during the work process. Areas painted in different light colors allow you to quickly find your way and prevent confusion. In addition, LEDs interact harmlessly with computer or laptop systems.

Is any keyboard suitable for transformation?

Any three-dimensional keyboard can be suitable for transformation. Backlit gaming keyboards of various configurations all have a certain height. Backlighting that is not based on the principle of using LEDs is possible only in factory conditions. Therefore, for an experimental project it is necessary to take a device of a certain height.

For the first experiments on installing a light element, experienced electronics engineers recommend practicing on mechanical keyboards from the following companies:

Assus;
Genius;
A4tech;
Gmej;

These keyboards have sufficient height and simplicity of design. They have a certain margin of safety, since they are designed for the average user.

You can use them to practice many different techniques, including completely replacing the key area with a similar option with transparent inserts. In addition, when several options are compiled into one for decorative effects, their standard configuration allows for similar manipulations.

Wireless backlit keyboard

A backlit wireless keyboard has its own specifics related to the signal element. When adding this option to the LED component, it is necessary to perform the following manipulations:

make accurate measurements of all keyboard parameters;
distribute all mounting points of the LED strip on the diagram at a sufficient distance from the pulse supply boards;
choose a reliable place to mount the battery;
decide how the backlight will turn off/on;
make some changes to the housing for the button output.

The main goal of this process is to install the tape without damaging the key functions of the keyboard. When dismantling the key panel, you must remember the main rule, which applies to all other keyboard options:

If the rubber backing is peeled off, it will be impossible to reinstall it properly. There is an additional option for mounting on a transparent backing sheet, however, in some sensitive models this will lead to a complete lack of response of the key when pressed.

Where can I get an LED strip?

To solve the question of how to turn on the keyboard backlight, you need to have an LED strip. The standard version of the tape is sold in all construction stores and markets. If the conditions for developing a project for installing lighting require any special properties or requirements, analogues can be found through Internet sources.

The standard tape consists of:

elastic polymer tape;
a row of series-connected diodes;
output points of power connection elements;
separation zone marked with special markings.

There are some differences in the tape options for the Multi-color system. Diode pairs of different colors are connected in parallel at some distance opposite each other. Otherwise, all soldering (connection) points of twisted pair wires have a standard output.

According to the markings, one output point has 5 volts, the other 12 volts. This must be taken into account when connecting the backlight circuit to the connectors. In addition, when connecting the blade through a charger, it is necessary to take into account that the charger must be a transformer, and not a pulse one.

Enable keyboard backlight on Asus laptop

One of the frequently asked questions is how to turn on the keyboard backlight on an Asus laptop. Because models of this type have a very moderate glow. Some users are not satisfied with the quality of the luminescent element. However, the machine itself is satisfactory in terms of its parameters and quality of work.

To install an LED element, you should immediately decide on the type of lighting. For beginner electronics engineers, it is recommended to do backlighting along the contour. Because this will minimize possible damage to performance due to inept installation.

The rules for installing diode strip require:

disconnect the battery;
remove all fasteners (some are recessed and hardly noticeable at first glance);
carefully remove the hard drive;
remove DVD rom;
release the key panel from the fasteners;
disconnect the display cable suitable for the motherboard;
disconnect the cable;
remove WLAN.

The LED strip itself must be installed along the free contour of the edge of the keyboard. In this case, take into account the mounting location of the battery or any battery that is flat enough to be mounted in the case. One of the inconvenient aspects of such a process will be the need for similar dismantling when replacing the power element.

No. 1 The easiest way to illuminate

Attach the tape to the bottom of the monitor or the inside of the keyboard drawer. This is one of the simplest options for backlit keyboard. This method is suitable for those who are little familiar with the principles of electronics. The installed bracket has a simple connection type:

a twisted pair (similar to an Internet connection wire) is soldered to the output points of the internal connection of the diodes;
connection via a molex power connector to the hard drive;
the yellow-marked connector is designed for 12 volts;
The connector with red markings is reserved for 5 volts.

Installation can be done inside the tabletop, which provides bright illumination of the surface of the keys. In this version, you can attach a switch under the surface of the table cover, with which you can remove the lighting during the daytime.

Switch fastening

In various systems, an important point is to turn off the backlight when it is not needed. If we are talking about standard mechanical keyboards, then everything is simple. An additional groove is cut into the body, where the shutdown button is located. Accuracy and aesthetics depend on your efforts.

In models with a more complex structure, this approach does not have its functional meaning. Since damage to the integrity of the housing can affect the operation of the entire device. On laptops this option is basically not acceptable.

Factory backlit keyboards have special keys to turn off the backlight. Such keys have an additional LED located on the body, which does not light if the backlight is turned off. This principle can be applied to turn off a homemade keyboard backlight LED circuit on a laptop.

Keyboard key illumination principle

Light from the diodes reaches the surface in two ways:

through the gaps between the keys;
through the transparent parts of the keys.

You need to pay attention to this when working with the keyboard. LED lighting is considered the most optimal and correct. The light source produces an even beam that has a clear dispersion radius. This option is especially noticeable if the symbols themselves glow.

On standard keyboards, all buttons are not transparent. The situation can be corrected by cutting out the area of the working surface and replacing it with a more progressive one. When performing such manipulations, it is worth considering the moment of coincidence of the location of the button area.

Also, such a process requires care when processing joints and adjusting to the hole area. A new panel with keys is glued in using specialized glue. It is necessary to carefully monitor the joints so that the structure fits tightly. In any embodiment, the light supplied by the diode is reflected from the hands, creating additional illumination of the panel.

No. 2 Installation of LEDs in the body of the 760 keyboard

Before installing the backlight strips, you need to draw up a diagram of all the exit points of additional elements. This applies to:

switch;
wires to the power supply;
connection of the console system for Multi-color.

Thus, the diagram must include:

exit points for additional wires;
location of rubber key pads;
internal fastening points for all wiring and connections.

Since all the planks are connected into one assembly, a well-thought-out plan for laying this part is needed. So that its volume does not interfere with the installation of the panel with keys.

Do-it-yourself keyboard backlighting requires some care. When installing the tape, the first task is to dismantle the housing. All fastening elements must be carefully disconnected, paying attention to the possible outputs of the various connectors.

In the case of a solid key panel, it makes sense to melt holes for the output of the diodes with a soldering iron. For such a manipulation it will be necessary to accurately calculate the location of the diode along the guide and the places where the keys are attached. It makes sense to attach the wire connected to the beginning of the circuit with adhesive tape to the main wires of the keyboard for greater ease of use.

A connector adapter for the power wires of the diode strip is mounted on the wire. We connect it directly to the power source. The button to turn off the backlight can be inserted into the place where the boards exit by breaking out one strip.

Multi-color rainbow backlighting of a regular keyboard

The multicolor lighting system is based on the use of RGB diode strip. For this option you will need:

keyboard with transparent key symbols;
RGB diode strip;
RGB controller designed for 12v;
power unit;
mode switching remote control;
power connector;
signal reception sensor.

The ribbons are unraveled into the required lengths. They are attached in a clearly defined place under the keys. They are connected in parallel and connected to the controller. Additionally, the remote control signal reception sensor is displayed. A groove is cut into the housing to remove the power connector. When the final preparations are made, the body is assembled.

koffkindom.ru

How to turn on the keyboard backlight on Asus, Lenovo, Hp, Acer laptops, do-it-yourself backlighting

Keyboard backlighting is one of the necessary functions that allows you to work with a laptop in rooms with low levels of lighting or at night. This option has long moved from the category of “whims” and is increasingly taken into account when choosing a device.

How to turn on the backlight

Not all laptop owners know about the presence/absence of backlit keys on their laptops. To check, you must first pay attention to the top panel of the keyboard. Many manufacturers add special functions to the optional “F1-F12” row, indicating them with corresponding icons.

If there are no icons, then you can try the “Fn+F1-F12” button combination. It is worth considering the fact that in addition to backlighting, row “F” can also cause sleep mode or, for example, turn off the screen. If you mistakenly called the wrong action, just repeat the last combination and everything will return to its place.

This option can also be accessed by the keyboard shortcut “Fn+space (space)” or “Fn+right arrow”.

Turning the feature on or off depending on your model

Different brands and models of laptops differ in how they turn on the backlight, if any.

Asus. While holding down the Fn key, press F4 at the same time and enjoy the flickering letters on the working panel. To disable it, type the combination “Fn+F3”.

Lenovo. On the “space” key of the keyboard of laptops from this manufacturer, there is often a flashlight painted on it, which gives a hint. Pressing “Fn + Space” at the same time activates the function.

Acer. The “Fn+F5” button combination controls turning the keyboard backlight on and off.

DIY lighting

If the manufacturer of your device does not provide backlighting, then there are two options for solving the problem - order a ready-made one or make it yourself.

Memory card reader - what is it?

If for a desktop computer keyboard you can get creative and design both external and internal backlighting, then for a laptop you don’t have to choose. To illuminate the working panel of a laptop PC you will need:

LED of any color
100 ohm resistor
USB plug
soldering iron and glue

USB pinout

The 1st and 4th pins of the USB plug are “plus” and “minus”, respectively, and the 2nd and 3rd are intended for data transfer.

Execution Sequence

composs.ru

Do you often work at your computer in the dark? LEDs under the keys are what you need

Today, the backlight of a laptop keyboard is for many a determining factor in the purchase of this gadget. After all, this is a useful and convenient function for lovers of work and leisure at night or in poor lighting. But few users know how to turn on the keyboard backlight on a laptop and what can be done if this model does not have one.

It's worth noting that there are several ways to enable this useful feature. Differences exist depending on the manufacturer and the specific device model. Don’t forget that most budget models do not have such a useful function, but don’t be lazy to check it again.

It is also possible to make the lighting yourself: all the parts can be bought in specialized stores. And then you will need a few simple operations. Or you can order a similar device from an online store - it won’t cost that much money.

How to turn on the keyboard backlight on a laptop

The first step is to determine whether your laptop has a keyboard backlight function. If it exists, then the whole process consists of pressing a special key combination. Each manufacturer in this case assigns its own button, but it must be located among the keys of the top row F1-F12. On them you can see special symbols printed in a different color (usually blue or red).

In order to turn on the keyboard backlight on a laptop (Acer, HP, Dell, Samsung, MSI and others), you need to hold the Fn button (located in the lower left corner) and press an additional key, unique for each manufacturer. For exact information, please refer to the user manual. It should be remembered that by experimenting with key combinations, you can disable or enable a number of other device functions (turn off WiFi mode, put the laptop into sleep mode, turn off the screen). You can undo changes by pressing the used keyboard shortcut again.

If you are sure that this function is available, but the desired combination does not enable it, then make sure that the Fn button works (for example, by trying another key combination you know). Check the availability of the appropriate drivers, BIOS settings (Setup Utility – System Configuration – Action Keys Mode – Enabled), try activating the button using the Fn+NumLock combination.

As already written, different manufacturers have different combinations for LEDs (we will give a few examples):

How to turn on the lighting on an HP laptop – Fn+F5.
How to turn on the lighting on an ASUS n76v laptop - there are three brightness levels, Fn+F3 and Fn+F4.
How to turn on the keyboard lighting on a Lenovo laptop – Fn+Space (spacebar).

Plus, you can make your own external LEDs. To do this, all you need is knowledge in the field of electronics, an LED, a resistor and a little time. However, it is worth considering that it is much easier and safer to purchase this accessory. After all, if you close the electrical circuit with the wrong side, then you will not only not achieve the desired result, but also risk damaging your computer.

As you can see for yourself, LEDs are an incredibly useful and convenient device. If you don't have it by default, you can always purchase additional hardware and also attach it to your laptop. And thanks to our tips, you can do this easily and quickly.

strana-sovetov.com

How to turn on the backlight on a laptop

If you often work on a laptop at night, and even in poor lighting, you will probably be pleased with the ability to backlit the keyboard on your laptop. This surprisingly useful feature appeared relatively recently; it is used for new models of equipment. Turning on the backlight is not difficult at all, it will not take you much time.

First, determine whether your laptop has a backlight function. On cheap models it may simply not be there. Information about the presence of backlight can be found in the instructions for the laptop. Then look to see if any key has a backlight icon - a light bulb and keys. This may be a different button for different models. Most often, such an icon is located on the F1 - F12 line. If you find it, then use it to activate the backlight together with the Fn key. The backlight button will not work separately.

If the icon is not visible, you will have to go through possible combinations. After checking all Fn + F 1...12 keys, try Fn + Spacebar, Fn + F6 + Right Arrow.

Please note that during the search process, pressing key combinations may activate different functions. This could be turning off the monitor, turning off Wi-Fi, or going to sleep mode. To cancel the action, press the same combination again.

Before buying a backlit laptop, check that both the English and Russian layouts are backlit. Some manufacturers produce separate backlit laptop keyboards. So, if your laptop does not have this feature, you can buy another keyboard and replace it by contacting a service center.

SovetClub.ru

Instructions: how to turn on the keyboard backlight on an Asus laptop

Most older laptop models do not have a backlit keyboard, and this is perhaps the biggest disadvantage of manufacturers, because it is simply not possible to fully work on a laptop at night. Currently, new models have begun to install backlighting on the keyboard, but not many users have been able to figure out how to turn on the keyboard backlight, so today we will talk about that. Of course, without any doubt, we can say that the keyboard backlight is a very convenient option, because even in the dark you can fully work on your device.

Management

If you are looking for a solution on how to turn on the keyboard backlight on an Asus laptop, then carefully read the instructions that we will now give you. You probably know where the dedicated Fn button is located on your keyboard, but you may not know what it does. This key can be classified as an additional type, but you can turn the keyboard backlight on and off on your device using it. In fact, on all laptop models, using this key you will be able to clearly see the buttons even in the dark, so if your keyboard backlight still does not work (Asus laptop, for example), then it is worth getting acquainted with other proposed solutions to this issue which will be described below.

Special combinations

In order to solve the problem, you will need to select the correct combination of keys on the keyboard if the additional “Fn” button does not work. You should try to press all the buttons from the top row, starting with “F1” and ending with “F12”. On each additional key you can see a certain value, for example, using these switches you can adjust the sound, adjust the brightness of the screen and make other changes. Most likely, additional lighting will be located in this row. To learn how to turn on the keyboard backlight on an Asus laptop, you will definitely need to experiment. First of all, hold down the “Fn” key, after which we begin to press additional buttons in order. First, you can look for a keyboard icon on the additional layout, but if you don’t notice such a designation, then you should try the experimental path.

Additional features

You must also remember that while you are deciding how to turn on the keyboard backlight on an Asus laptop, you can use other options, for example, turning off the screen or going into sleep mode. In order for undoing these operations to work, you just need to press the combination again and everything will return to its place.

Without pointer

In some cases, it may be that there is simply no picture of the keyboard on additional keys and, having tried all sorts of options, you still could not find out how to turn on the keyboard backlight on an Asus laptop. But if you know for sure that your device has this function, then you shouldn’t give up and try other options. Try the combinations "Fn" plus "Space". You can also try the first key together with “Right Arrow” or “F5”. If you want to know how to turn on the keyboard backlight (Asus laptop), but it turns out that this option is not provided, do not despair. Anyone can create the necessary lighting with their own hands; of course, it will be external, but you will still be able to see the keys perfectly. In order to achieve the result, you will need to use one or more LEDs. You also need an output for a USB connector. You can use just one LED, but in this case your backlight will not help you see the entire keyboard.

Finishing touch

The USB power supply provides five volts, and accordingly you need to select an LED of the same power. Or just use a resistor. For example, if you have chosen an LED that requires a power of 3.5 volts, then select it for 1.5 volts. It's important to remember one more thing. One LED may not be enough, in which case you need to use several at once. This can be done using a parallel connection. Experts have tested in practice the maximum number of these elements that can be connected to one USB output. In total, this number equals 25 diodes, so if you want to connect 5, then feel free to do so. If you yourself cannot figure out how to properly make manual backlighting, then you should contact specialists who can even provide internal lighting in a laptop, but such services will cost you extremely dearly. Although in practice the connection is very simple and you will not need to devote much time to developing such a function.

Probably everyone is familiar with the situation when you have to work at a laptop (typing text, or processing other information) in the dark, but for one reason or another you cannot turn on the light.

Something made by yourself will help you cope with this problem. laptop keyboard backlight. Without exaggeration, anyone who is at least a little familiar with electronics and can hold a soldering iron can make it. So, fewer words, it's time to get down to business.

To work, we will need: soldering supplies, a resistor with a resistance of 820 ohms, a ferrite ring (can be taken from any motherboard or computer power supply), a little crossover, heat shrink tube, thick wire, any n-p-n transistor, in my case KT3102, bright White LEDs, you can use standard round ones. Or maybe not just LEDs, as in my case. I had a broken matrix from a laptop, and I used part of the backlight strip from it.

Let's start manufacturing by winding the transformer (if you can call it that) on a ferrite ring. To do this, you need to evenly lay 18–22 turns of wire around the entire perimeter of the ring. You need to wind with two wires at the same time; for convenience, it is better to take wires with insulation of different colors. The end result will be something similar to this:

Next, connect the end of the white wire to the beginning of the blue one. The plus of the USB connector will be connected to this solder. We connect the beginning of the white wire through a resistor (it is necessary to install it, otherwise the transistor will heat up, and the transformer will whistle and nothing will work) to the base of the transistor. By the way, the pinout of the transistor, if you look at it not from the cut side, is emitter base collector. We connect the collector to the end of the blue wire. Later, the minus from the USB connector will be connected to the emitter. The LED strip is connected with a plus to the collector and a minus to the emitter. The design of this homemade lighting device is simple and clear, so I am not attaching a diagram.

All the nuances are visible and understandable from the photo. Other rants about the design of this homemade product - laptop keyboard backlight inappropriate. Everyone will work out the design and construction for themselves. Based on available materials. Don't limit your imagination.

Local keyboard lighting is a very necessary thing.

It often happens that you want to sit at the computer at night, when everyone has already gone to bed: quietly, calmly, no one bothers you.

I didn’t ask, but my husband himself expressed a desire to make the keyboard backlight with his own hands. For this work, he purchased from the store:

We also needed some materials that were already available:

The branch box and car switch can be replaced with a simple switch, but then you need to come up with something about the location of the power supply. And so - all in one (in a branch box).

How to make a backlight on your keyboard

How to make the backlight on the keyboard so that you can easily find the switch in the dark by touch and so that the lighting is enough even to read something on a piece of paper in a dark room. In short, to have comfortable lighting for full work on the computer.

The sequence of assembling the backlight for the keyboard is as follows:

The result is light falling on the keyboard from above. Very convenient.

On the Internet there is a description of do-it-yourself keyboard backlighting, but only from inside the keyboard itself. And I didn’t like this, because the inscriptions on the keys with such a lower (from inside the keyboard) backlight are not visible. And it’s too difficult: disassembling the keyboard, climbing in and soldering some circuits there. It is much easier to install lighting on top of the keyboard and, most importantly, it is better.

To illuminate the table, we previously tried to turn on a table lamp, but the light hits the face and reflects the screen. Completely uncomfortable for the eyes. And the keyboard, located under the tabletop, is still not visible.

With the backlighting of the keyboard itself, everything is completely different:

the light doesn't hit your eyes because it shines downwards
the keyboard is visible as if during the day
LED strip gives uniform light along the entire length, that is, the width of the retractable keyboard shelf
you can't miss the car switch even in the black darkness

We turn on the lighting even during the day, if it is cloudy outside and there is not enough light in the room, and in the evening, since the power of the ceiling lamp in the room is diffuse and leaves much to be desired. The LED strip “eats” very little, one might say in bird’s terms: 4.8 W per 1 meter per hour.

For example, the backlight with a 0.5 m long LED strip was turned on for 10 hours in a row. This means that in 10 hours 4.8W*0.5m*10hours=24W has accumulated. This is only 24/1000 * 3.24 rubles = 0.08 rubles per day.

If we compare it with a regular incandescent lamp with a power of 100W, then with the same 10 hours it will already reach 1000W=1KW. This is already=3.24 rubles per day.

Do-it-yourself keyboard backlighting, as you can see, is generally cheap (only 470 rubles), but the comfort with it is much greater. And it’s better for eye health.

Tags:

Often you have to use the computer in the evening and at night. I can’t turn on the light because the household members are sleeping. I used to use a backlit keyboard, but it fell into disrepair and I made a lamp out of it, but its light is not enough to properly illuminate the keyboard. Therefore, I had to invent a lighting method myself.

After watching videos on the Internet about keyboard backlighting, I first decided to make one. But the fact is that there are no LEDs like in the commercials (they are connected directly to the keyboard) in the nearest stores, and I don’t want to go to Moscow or a regional city because of them. I had to purchase a blue LED strip about 20 cm long from the store.

This tape operates on a voltage of only 12 volts. And for it to work from the network, you need a converter from 220 to 12V. Perhaps it is called something else (like an adapter), I am not strong in electricity and terms. So, there was no desire to pay extra money for this device. But I know for sure that the computer power supply produces a voltage of 5v and 12v. The question immediately arose: will the tape work from the power supply and what wires should I use for this?

So the process itself:

1. I took two wires from a twisted pair, which was left over from the old connection to the Internet provider.

2. Connected them to the power connector " molex" (molex) 12V and GND (ground) 1st and 2nd connectors, simply by stripping and twisting. Although it would be better to solder them. But this is at your discretion.

(so that the backlight would not be on all the time when the computer is turned on, a switch for the sconce was purchased).

3. Then, observing the polarity, I connected the wires through the switch to the LED strip. Those. +12V to the red wire, and ground to the black.

4. To keep the switch in place, I had to stick it with double-sided tape. And naturally the tape was placed next to it (it has its own Velcro).

5. Turned on the computer and voila!!!

Since the tape is under the table, its light does not interfere with others.

The only negative is that it does not work when the computer is turned off. Although it can be improved by connecting the tape to a power supply lying around somewhere idle. To start it you will need to short circuit the 3rd and 4th pins. That is, the black and green wires are as in the picture - COM and PC-ON

The only question is, will the power supply burn out or not? Although in theory it shouldn’t.)))))

And one more thing. The tape can be placed at an angle to provide greater illumination of the table. To do this, you need to place it under the table on two holders made in the shape of a triangle, or on homemade corners, adjusting the angle of illumination by deflecting them back and forth. But my option suits me quite well. Thank you for your attention)))).

Within the framework of this article, we would like to fully address the question of how to make a backlight on the keyboard, having considered several options for its manufacture, namely:

So let's get started!

1. Illuminated keyboard keys on top with LEDs
Purpose: Of course, it is suitable for those who like to work at the computer at night and do not have the opportunity to turn on the light in the room. For most people, this situation means at least a 50% drop in work efficiency due to the constant search for the right buttons.

The list of necessary materials and tools is shown in the photo below:
soldering iron, LEDs, heat-shrink tubing, fairly rigid wires and a keyboard.

First of all, we disassemble the keyboard. The vast majority of models are assembled with screws, so this issue can be easily solved with one screwdriver. Then we find the place where the CapsLock, NumLock, etc. indicators are installed. It is from these LEDs that our backlight will be powered. We twist 2 wires 20-30cm long into a pigtail and solder them to the indicator LED on the keyboard.

We put a heat shrink tube on the twisted wires, heat it with a soldering iron so that it shrinks, and solder the LED on top. Ready! The result is a very convenient and at the same time simple lighting. An important advantage is that this backlight can be adjusted by bending the rod on which the LED is attached.

2. Option using flexible neon
Purpose: suitable for fans of modding and those who simply wanted to upgrade the appearance of the keyboard. In general, there is little benefit from this technology, but there is an interesting decorative effect.

Similar to the previous case, first we disassemble the keyboard.

Then we cut out the space for the driver.

Now we pull it through the hole and lay it down. Connect the cable to the driver.

The first attempt did not turn out very neatly, so attempt number 2 was made, the result of which can be seen below.

If the description did not seem detailed enough to you, we recommend watching this video:

3. Illumination of the surface under the keyboard.
Purpose: exclusively as decoration. With the right approach, the effect will be more than interesting.

After disassembling the keyboard, we find the place where the power is connected to the board inside it. By measuring the current supplied to the keyboard with a multimeter, we calculate the connection of the LEDs to the network. About how

We install the LEDs in the holes, solder the resistors, carefully distribute the wires and connect to power.

4. Laptop keyboard backlight
Purpose: useful for those who like to sit in the dark with a laptop on their lap. This backlight can also be used to read e-books in the dark on devices designed for this purpose.

Obviously, disassembling a laptop to make an LED backlight is not a prudent thing, so below we will look at a method for making a universal LED USB lamp for keyboard backlighting.

First of all, we assemble the LEDs into a circuit, based on the fact that our power source is USB. Note that a variable resistance resistor is used as a resistor - it will allow you to adjust the brightness in the future. This option is useful if you plan to use the backlight for different tasks (for example, illuminating the screen when reading or just backlit keys).

We used special hardening plasticine as the basis for the illumination. Having opened the package, we placed the soldered LEDs in it in a manner convenient for us (so that the light would ultimately be diffused).

We give our mini-lamp a more or less pleasant look and wait until the plasticine dries. Ready! You can use it.