Replacing laptop keyboard question

So my laptop keyboard died and I have seen another laptop keyboard on eBay that could be compatible. However this one is a backlight version. My original keyboard doesn't have backlight capability.

I'm just wondering about the backlight compatibility for my laptop as I said the original keyboard that died was not backlit. Is the compatibility for backlight keyboard baked into the bios or some other level that would prevent the new backlit keyboard from working or does it not matter?

 

That depends entirely on the model of laptop. If you include that information, someone may be able to help.


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We'll definitely need the laptop model. That being said as long as the laptop came with and without a backlit keyboard and the keyboard is meant for that model, there should be no compatibility issue.

 

Oops yes here's the model of the laptop as mentioned originally without a backlight keyboard.

Toshiba Satellite S50D-A (PSKKWC-00G005)

And here is the eBay item that IS a backlit keyboard that I'm hoping to use to replace the dead one with.

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/152146376963

 

What you can do is remove the old keyboard and check the motherboard for a connector for the backlight. It should be another smaller connector next to the main keyboard connector. If that second connector is not soldered to the board, then that keyboard will still work but without a backlight and the smaller orange colored ribbon cable which is for the backlight will sort of be just sitting there (and should probably have the pins covered with some sort of insulating tape to prevent any possible shorts). If that backlight connector is there, then that backlight function on the keyboard should work, but that depends on the BIOS support as well.

 

Ok that's great information, well I had a look and there doesn't appear to have a separate connector for backlight. This is good information because I wasn't sure if the backlight power might come from the main keyboard connector but now with the new knowledge is pretty certain that my particular model doesn't support backlight because I don't see a separate connector.


Thanks for advice I'm going to look for another keyboard on eBay without the backlight... Cheers!

 

Some keyboards get everything from a single connector. I have rarely seen this, but there is always the possibility. In any case, assume that the backlight won't work, that way, you'll avoid being disappointed.

 

So litup keyboards require an extra connection for the light? The normal zif connector isn't sufficient to power a lit up keyboard. Will a backlight add a significant drain on the battery or is it nominal?

 

The vast majority of backlit laptop keyboards have a main cable for the keyboard functions and a separate smaller LED cable that controls the lighting. I would guess if there was one that used the main connector it would either be a nonstandard main connector or a non-controllable backlight. Any lighting will have some effect on the battery but usually not much.

 

Here's a shot of the backlight keyboard I was going to get. It definitely has two cables so probably wouldn't have worked with my laptop.

 

I wonder if there is a way to hook up the light cable. Just watched a short video of someone doing it however, without much detail and in a different language. In my device manager the keyboard is listed as a "USB Input Device". USB is powered right?

 

Yes, depending on the port it should be good for up to 3A, but that much is overkill for a keyboard, they likely don't draw anywhere near that much.

 

You will need to find out what voltage is required to power those LEDs if you want to try to power them without the standard motherboard connector. You can't just plug it in to a power source without knowing the voltage requirements of the LED array first, or you can risk damaging them permanently.

 

Normally laptops that dont have a backlit keyboard dont have a second port on the motherboard for the backlit. I hate when manufacturers does this to prevent customers from adding a backlit keyboard in the future. You're better off ordering a non backlit keyboard replacement instead of giving yourself a headache. You'll end up paying double to triple the price for a backlit keyboard for nothing.

 

Even more fun, some have boards with a socket that will accept an LED cable because there's a model in the same series with a backlit keyboard...but whether it works it a toss-up.

 

Actually, it's a lot of fun for some of us to modify things, "trick out" things and repair things ourselves. And fun fact "trick out" has been a phrase since at least Mark Twain's day - I read it in his book when he was describing the clothing styles of Genoa, Italy. That's what brings us to forums like this. It's like those that do the same with cars or why people root phones. However, I have been noticing a recent culture (eg. in a car forum for a new car I recently purchased) where there are some people that don't understand this or never even heard of this. I wonder if I've just run into it here - correct me if I am wrong. For example, I do not understand why people buy apple products where you can't even purchase new batteries for once they die. Surely enough, though, there are videos online of people replacing their batteries themselves. Looks slightly tricky though and Apple uses glues and solders to hold things together instead of screws but it can still be done. When I was a kid I used to tinker a lot and make electric motors and intercoms out of old phones and I have always worked on my own cars and even modified them a little so it is kind of in my blood. Heck I've even seen some bush craft guys soldiering their car wiring using screwdrivers they heated up over a fire. So I am wondering if there is a way to directly wire a keyboard light to the ribbon leading to the keyboard as it appears they did in that video above. Keyboards are so cheap ($10 - $20) so taking a little risk here and there is worth the reward.

 

Different groups of people have different needs in their computers. I suspect the overlap between those who wish to trick out their systems and those who want something like an Apple are tiny enough to not be a factor in designing these computers for Apple or any other company.

 

Ok so I got the non-backlight keyboard from eBay, however when I went to replace it with the broken one, I noticed another socket that could be the backlight power connector...i really don't know why I didn't notice this connector before but was wondering if anyone could give an opinion on wether this is likely to be the power connector for the backlight before I splash out again on another keyboard... Thanks!!

 

Can you see contacts in there? It may be the same board as another model that does have backlighting but just with no way to plug anything in there.

 

Are you referring to the socket with J3105 over it?

 

Yes that's the one! Could this be the backlight connector?


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