Will backlit keyboard from Inspiron 15R SE fit regular 15R?

Since the Inspiron 15R SE comes with a backlit keyboard, anyone know if it will fit the regular 15R? - probably need to jigger something up to get it power.

However, the SE version doesn't appear to be available in the states yet - probably scared of competition with the xps line. Anyone know what the backlit 15R SE keyboards cost and how we could get in the US?

Update: found the Inspirion 15R SE on Dell's us website - its not under the Inspiron line, it's under the XPS line . I then looked up the support page for replacing the keyboard on the 15R SE - it goes to the regular 15R manual - so it's the same connection? I would guess it would need power for the back light? May be the links haven't been updated?

Thanks

 

Hi kw_da,

My name is Swapnajan and I work for the Social Media and Community Team at Dell.

As of now the pricing details of the backlit keyboard in the US is not available.
Only the Inspiron 7520 (15R-SE) goes out with a backlit keyboard. The Inspiron 5520 (15 R) does not have an option of backlit keyboard. So getting a backlit keyboard and installing on the regular 15 –R is not an option.

Thanks & Regards
Dell_Swapnajan_MC
Dell Social Media Responder

 

Hello Mr Swapnajan,
if you search the internet for "dell 15R backlight keyboard" you will see how many people are trying to get such keyboard for their laptops. I wonder why Dell hasnt done something for the 15R clients yet? I've been looking for a backlit kb for my n5110 for ages now, will dell help anytime soon ? or at all?

 

Did you ever figure this out? I have the dell 15r and was wanting to do the same thing. Get the 15r se backlit keyboard and putting it in the regular 15r. Please let me know what you have found out. Thanks!

 

the best choice is to buy Vostro 3560 backlit keyboard...its exact same keyboard as 15R SE (same ribbon cable & light cable), but it has a more nicer grey/black nuance.

i myself use Vostro 3750 backlit keyboard to my 17R SE........its very good.

here you have them:
backlit keyboard vostro 3560 | eBay

 

The answer is No.
Unfortunately it is not possible. I've done a small technical research on my laptop which is N5110 and there is no soldered slot to put the lights cable in, and even if you soldier one there, there is no power. To activate the lights on the keyboard, you have to select 2 buttons incl. Fn+ something which triggers a command in BIOS to get some electricity to the lights slot. I highly doubt it that we have this command working in the N5110 BIOS (although this can't be for sure) hence we can never get our backlit keyboard to work

 

Will the keyboard itself fit and function though? eg. is the main ribbon the same? And then just pull 5V from the usb port to power the backlight?