Will G72Gx backlit keyboard replacement work in G71Gx

I see in the ASUS E-Store that they carry replacement backlit keyboards for the ASUS G72Gx. I was curious if anyone had tried using one of these to replace the keyboard in the G71Gx, or if its even possible.

Thoughts?

 

different cases so may not work

 

Hmm I don't think they do. I'm using a G71Gx now and the keyboard is shaped differently to that one in the pic on the link. If you noticed the arrow keys on the right that's just under the shift is positioned differently. So I don't know.

I would love to get a backlit keyboard in this system though. It would be fantastic.

 

i think the lid is the only thing they changed on the cases, but i could (seriously) be wrong. i would like this kinda upgrade on my g71 too so it could be wishful thinking.

 

I'm bumping this cause it really interests me, and I figure one of the geniuses here has to know about this, cause my g71 keyboard has a decent amount of flex around the f4-f8 region.

 

Well, the keyboard on the G72 is interesting. I'm not a big fan of the wanna-be Mac Book look, but I love the lighting on it. You can see all the keys perfectly in the dark.

I loved the glitter on the G71 keyboard, though. lol

 

*is, for the first time, realizing the glittery sparklyness of the g71 keyboard...*

 

hahaha, they aren't THAT noticable though

 

Well, the G72 keyboard isn't very glittery, but the entire case has blue glitter on it.

 

Well I am seriously considering just picking one up when they are in stock since it is on $20 and then looking into replacing the stock one. I just sent ASUS an email requesting a status update so I guess I will keep you guys posted if/when I hear back etc...

 

I thought I read somewhere that the backlit keyboards have an additonal ribbon that plug into the mainboard to give it the ability to light up. If there is no port on the mainboard for it, it won't light up?

Of course, I could be waaaaaaaaay off on this.

 

You might be right...maybe I can jerryrig something

 

if it has a separate ribbon for the power for the led lights, could it just not be plugged in and then not have the lights? i dont mind not having lights, would just like a better keyboard. if anyone ever attempts this, let me know please.

 

I actually have just this, and been trying to find a similar thread of a while. Got my G71GX on Ebay, and the G72gx keyboard there too. No attempt made yet, but I have a feeling from the look of things, that it may not physically fit. The G71's keyboard has keys that stick out a bit, where as the g72's is flush strait. My theory is that, if it doesn't fit, will it not work if you just replace the G71's front touchpad cover thing, with a G72 cover. that will make it fit no?

 

Alright, here's the update to my last post. Apologies for the delay

The requested mod will not work. I have taken apart my G71gx, studied the motherboard, then tried replacing the existing keyboard with a G72gx backlit one. The following anomalies occur:

-Physically, the G72 backlit replacement is too big to fit length-wise. Width-wise it fits, but the pins holding it in place, don't match with the grooves found on the G71's palmrest. Also, there is a space left open when placing in the G72 backlit replacement, just under the arrow keys and numpad. This is because the G71's keyboard has a shape irregular to the G72, which is a straitforward rectangle.

-The main ribbon for the keyboard of the G71 and G72 look the same (dimensionally) but when you put in the G72 keyboard, all the buttons don't seem to work properly. As if, there's some sort of mix up with the configuration. This could be either software or hardware related. Examples include.. when trying to press keys such as S A D and several others, weird characters or menus pop up, instead of the letters.. (Notepad typing)

-To get the lights to work on the G72 keyboard, would require a hardwiring mod. Directions can be found here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/465841-ul30-backlit-keyboard-mod.html
This is due to the fact that the Asus G71gx motherboard, does not have any port/slot for the light's ribbon to be attached.

I would really love to know if there's a work around these issues as I'd love to make good use of that money spent for the keyboard.