How to pimp your keyboard

Stuck with a dull old 90's keyboard? Want a cool blue backlit keyboard on the cheap? Say no more...I'll show you how to upgrade your sleep-inducing boring old keyboard into the next century.

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Step 1: Tools and materials you'll need:

materials:

- 1 dull keyboard
- 3...6 high brightness LEDs (I used blue, but you can use any color you want, or even mix)
- current limiting resistors (depends on keyboard voltage and LEDs, see further)
- wire, not to thick.

tools:

- soldering iron
- glue gun
- dremel
- small drill
- sharp knife
- screwdrivers
...you know, the usual stuff.

dirfan says: Jul 29, 2011. 10:49 AM

wow !!!!!!! ..... im gonna try tht ........

kdcsatx says: Aug 5, 2008. 11:04 AM

do you think it would be possible to do this witht a macbook keyboard...does anyone know of a keyboard that i can buy for a macbook that illuminates?

Kajnjaps (author) in reply to kdcsatxAug 6, 2008. 1:02 AM

I'm not sure, since I don't have a macbook. but if you decide to do this yourself, it is better to use 3mm LEDs or even SMDs and not 5mm's as I did.

kdcsatx in reply to KajnjapsAug 7, 2008. 9:17 AM

i found 3mm high flux leds's they're kinda flat so possibly i can kinda inlay them throughout the keyboard

Redgerr in reply to kdcsatxJul 8, 2010. 7:35 AM

could work, im possitiv it will void any warrenty you have though

tanmanknex says: Apr 6, 2010. 6:39 PM

I have this exact keyboard (or at least a very similar one) and i modded it to Dvorak. In Dvorak, because the keys from different rows are different heights, it has a nice wavy three dimensional effect.

bowmaster says: Apr 6, 2010. 2:44 PM

Cool, good idea for people who can't afford real gaming keyboards.

tubanator-2.0 says: Apr 4, 2010. 5:49 PM

looks awesome may have to do this when i get the parts and will be awesome for gaming at night when i cant see the keys and might put one in my mouse.

Kajnjaps (author) in reply to tubanator-2.0Apr 6, 2010. 12:38 AM

Thanks!

have Fun,
Kajnjaps

DanCat says: Sep 27, 2008. 2:53 PM

Dude, this is really cool. Im doing this and am planning on adding a layer of aluminum foil underneath the LEDs. Totally cool.

Kajnjaps (author) in reply to DanCatSep 28, 2008. 1:43 AM

thanks, the aluminum foil is a great idea! have fun!

Arbitror in reply to KajnjapsFeb 25, 2010. 5:14 PM

No it's not, use aluminum tape instead. It sticks my itself, and it's a lot more smooth (and flat)!

eyebot117 says: Apr 7, 2009. 9:53 PM

I'm curious. Could you use EL wire as the light source instead? Is there any way to make the light illuminate the charactars on the keys? I'd like to try this on one with flatter buttons (possibly using RGB LEDs).

Kajnjaps (author) in reply to eyebot117Apr 9, 2009. 2:41 AM

you could try EL foil. it can be cut in all sizes. make sure upfront you can fit everything in the keyboard.

eyebot117 in reply to KajnjapsApr 9, 2009. 1:49 PM

I thought they only made EL wire and panels... Does it glow on both sides? Here's why I ask-look at this picture: I had an idea for a CTF (Capture the Flag) set that you can see in the dark. Although you can't hide them well, it was made to be played in the woods at night (thought possibly not the safest activity). The trick is to get the cloth to glow.

Kajnjaps (author) in reply to eyebot117Apr 11, 2009. 6:15 AM

I think they only glow on one side

eyebot117 in reply to KajnjapsApr 11, 2009. 8:16 AM

That shouldn't be a problem...I'll just need two pieces back to back. I'd probably use white and have the color cloth of my choice covering it. Thx for your help

zedlafa says: Sep 21, 2008. 10:57 AM

lol thats cool

mweston says: Aug 28, 2008. 4:54 PM

I have a keyboard thats translucent, so if I align the LED's to shine "into" the frosted platic, it should illuminate the entire keyboard, kind of like how the lighting works in the back of an LCD screen.

codongolev says: Jul 8, 2008. 7:22 AM

I really want a flat keyboard (ie, like a laptop's keyboard) but I can't find a place where it isn't a buttload of money. any suggestions?

robots199 in reply to codongolevAug 1, 2008. 1:15 PM

well forget my mac keyboard idea. lol :P

codongolev in reply to robots199Aug 2, 2008. 12:31 PM

shaphieh in reply to codongolevJul 28, 2008. 6:34 PM

you can by a YAhoo keyboard for about $50

Dorkfish92 in reply to codongolevJul 8, 2008. 12:10 PM

I have this one, it is pretty close to a laptop keyboard. Don't try removing the keys though like it says you can, they just break.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126022

codongolev in reply to Dorkfish92Jul 8, 2008. 1:21 PM

i'll look at it. thanks!

TheCheese9921 in reply to codongolevJul 8, 2008. 8:01 AM

check tiger direct and Newegg, also try posting this in the forums

codongolev in reply to TheCheese9921Jul 8, 2008. 10:44 AM

hmm.... i'll try. also, do you know any keywords to type into ebay (ie, slim, thin flat)?

Kajnjaps (author) in reply to codongolevJul 8, 2008. 7:38 AM

Maybe it is possible to rip one out of an old laptop? I'm not sure if the controller would be on the keyboard or the in the laptop itself.

codongolev in reply to KajnjapsJul 8, 2008. 10:46 AM

I only have one old laptop (windows 95, 10 minute battery life, 50 pounds) and I use it to play music. and I would also probably ruin the keyboard by taking it out.