In case you ever get tired of tired of those simple green LEDs on your keyboard for Caps/Num/Scroll lock, or if you happen to have a really old keyboard in which the LEDs are dying, look no further than here! This instructable will show you how to change the LEDs on your keyboard, and it only takes about 5 minutes + the time for a soldering iron to warm up.

By the way, this is my first instructable.

Step 1: Materials

The following materials are required:

Soldering iron
Solder
3 LEDs (5MM or under)
The Keyboard (Obviously)
Some soldering skills
Phillips Head Screwdriver

Recommended:
Proper De-Soldering tools, for removing the old LEDs

Step 2: Disassemble the Keyboard

Flip the keyboard over to the bottom side, and remove all screws. In case that they are different sizes by row, sort them, as I had to.

Step 3: Remove the "Entry" Board

Remove the motherboard from the keyboard, sometimes labeled "Entry". There are screws on it holding it on. Also, if possible, you might want to un plug the PS/2 or USB cable coming out from this. Some have a pull plug, some don't, but it's easier without the wire.

Step 4: Soldering Time!

De-soldering the old LEDs can be tricky using just a plain soldering iron, but you'll get it eventually. When they're out, make sure solder isn't covering the underside of the holes for the LEDs. Make sure you align the positive of the LEDs to the label on the board. If there is no label, be sure to look inside the LED to look at the Cathode and Anode leads, and remember which side is which before you de-solder them. Then just push the LEDs through the proper holes and solder them. Make sure there is no solder between the positive and negative leads on the bottom of the motherboard, because then it will not work.

Step 5: Reassemble the Keyboard.

Now let the solder try for about 2 seconds. Assuming that the mapping stayed inside the bottom piece of the keyboard, place the motherboard in it's original position. If the replacement LEDs are bigger than the old ones, take the plastic that covers them and slip it on to the LEDs securely. Then screw the motherboard back in, and put the cover on the keyboard, flip it over, and insert and tighten the screws again. There may be some cracking when you are screwing the two halves together, but ignore it. Sorry no picture here :(

Step 6: Wala!

Go plug your keyboard into your computer and turn it on. If the keyboard doesn't work, then read all the previous steps carefully and make sure you did everything right. If that doesn't help, comment or email me at Campster68@gmail.com. Otherwise COngratulations!