Mac-Like Keyboard Lights

I had a little idea for my Asus W3V the other day - adding a PowerBook-like LED strip of lights underneath the keys that will shine a dim blue color from underneath the keyboard. The question is, what sort of power do these LED strips consume and who would I power them? Anyone have a clue?

 

you wouldn't be able to just stick in the led's, you would need to add proper resistance so that they don't draw too much current. A couple of volts will light them, change the voltage, change the brightness.

 

What about someone plugging them in through the USB port with a wire, or maybe a small external battery?

 

i had thought of this delima before, being that i am going to be using it in the dark about as much as i am in the light.

My conclusion was just buy wireless external keyboard with LEDs on it...

i was planning on doing that any ways (the mild carpltunnel i have in my wrists already i dont think can handle the tiny notebook keyboard interface)

i think logitech makes a good one...but they are expencive.

 

Saitek makes nice ones, but more gaming oriented.

 

Pricing isn't really a big deal, as long as it's a working configuration. Are the LEDs thin enough to fit under the keys even when they are pressed? Do you guys have specific links I could take a look at?

 

Also, it would be hard to see the buttons still, only the outline.

Unless you have a keyboard like the ASUS Z70va which is transparent(I didn't notice myself!)

Also, LED's can't fit underneath, you need some sort of light spread mechanism under the keys but above the metal casing.

 

Alright, alright I get the point: it's difficult, but doable, amirite?
This is mostly for looks, not really for functionability. Can we get some sort of lights to put on the side of the keyboard that will shine in-between the keys outwards?

 

Looks like it.

I may do some sort of personal project, pick up a spare keyboard(They are expensive though), then some EL Strips, and see if conversion for the power supply is possible, as well as a switch. Doubt it can work, but it looks interesting...

 

Ok, looking further in, it may be possible but the effects will be minimal. There is no space to put in anything except for underneath the whole keyboard, and under there it is a metal plate. Unless that metal plate is switched with a clear plastic plate(which may result in flex), then its impossible to really see any lights besides a halo around the keyboard.

I'm researching further

edit: Seems like its not worth the effort

http://highlandsun.com/hyc/LumiKey/

 

I don't have time to find the link right now, but a friend of mine used this illuminated tape stuff to do some lighting mods to his dektop computer. I bet that stuff would fit under a keyboard... I'll post a link later.

 

I tried looking but it won't work well.

Laptop keyboards are much different, and is very cramped. Also the power supply and wiring will be tricky...

 

This is a feature more notebooks should come with! Seems to difficult to even attempt if you ask me.

 

i agree completly...but just like power windows and adjustable seatbelts in cars...

only time will bring these features, and only at high and anoying rates...

 

yeah it take way more time and effort than one might deem worth while. yet if you did something simplier and not really for function it might just look kool and not take that much effort

 

Looking at my E1705 I can say that using some small, surface mount LED's you could achieve the lighting part on the KB, the problem is it's going to be very hard to do, will involve a lot of cutting into some parts to mount them, wiring will be a PITA as well.

Overall, I wouldnt bother with it for myself and just get a little USB light and aim it at teh KB when I am in the dark D: