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    MSI SteelSeries Keyboard in P170EM

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by HeavenCry, Apr 21, 2012.

  1. HeavenCry

    HeavenCry Notebook Virtuoso

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    I was just wondering since the manufacturer is said to be the same for both the MSI and new Clevo keyboards if one could use the MSI keyboards in a P170EM (if you prefer the island style)? Can a reseller that has access to both laptops try this out and let us know?
     
    HeavenCry, Apr 21, 2012
    #1
  2. jpangeles1581

    jpangeles1581 Notebook Guru

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    Also looking for answer
     
    jpangeles1581, Apr 21, 2012
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  3. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    We don't have access to both, however, if someone wants to send in their laptop / keyboard we'll gladly give it a shot.. OR if you want to send us a picture of the backside of the keyboard (so we can see the cables) we can tell you also.
     
    mythlogic, Apr 21, 2012
    #3
  4. 5482741

    5482741 5482741

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    The back of the Steelseries MSI keyboard:
    [​IMG]
     
    5482741, Apr 21, 2012
    #4
  5. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    The LED connector is different than the Clevo's, can I get a shot of the top of one too, if the layout matches then there is a decent chance if adapted, but if the layout doesn't match exactly to the Clevo's backlit then it has no chance of working at all.
     
    mythlogic, Apr 21, 2012
    #5
  6. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    Just looked at the layout, its the same, does anyone know if its the same size wise? Is there some demand for this option? (Honest question) if there is we'll get one and check it out.
     
    mythlogic, Apr 21, 2012
    #6
  7. hizzaah

    hizzaah Notebook Virtuoso

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    I would think there would be more demand to get a BL keyboard in the 151EM than there is for specifically island backlit keys.. You said you were getting 151EM shells next week right?
     
    hizzaah, Apr 22, 2012
    #7
  8. HeavenCry

    HeavenCry Notebook Virtuoso

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    Youve got two interested here at least, cant speak for the rest.
     
    HeavenCry, Apr 22, 2012
    #8
  9. Gear332

    Gear332 Notebook Evangelist

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    What's the motivation for putting backlit keys on the 151EM rather than just getting the 150EM? May as well pay a bit more and get the backlit keys and the larger power supply, no?
     
    Gear332, Apr 22, 2012
    #9
  10. R3d

    R3d Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well, why pay $200 for the upgrade when you just want the $50 keyboard?
     
    R3d, Apr 22, 2012
    #10
  11. sir_wilkins

    sir_wilkins Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would be interested! doesnt the msi have more colors too?
     
    sir_wilkins, Apr 22, 2012
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  12. Gear332

    Gear332 Notebook Evangelist

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    It's $150 difference (unless you leave the i5 in the P151EM when the P150EM has an i7) and I'd be surprised if you could cover the parts and labor for the keyboard install for $50.
     
    Gear332, Apr 22, 2012
    #12
  13. Prema

    Prema Your Freedom, Your Choice

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    I think the 151EM uses a different (deeper) top cover. So you may need to switch that with the the one for 150EM if you want the keyboard with lights in there.
    Just my
    2c ;)
     
    Prema, Apr 22, 2012
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  14. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    Its not deeper.. its wider (The P150 keyboard tray). The other issue is that the P151EM motherboard doesn't have the connector for the LED backlight on the board, you can see the spot but its not there. So for a backlit on a P151EM short of a lot of part swapping and soldering... Yea it isn't happening.
     
    mythlogic, Apr 22, 2012
    #14
  15. Prema

    Prema Your Freedom, Your Choice

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    THX! While we are at it.
    What is that blank spot with 6pins plus ground pins on my P170HM3 board that says J_LED1?
    Was that to fuel a backlit keyboard or something like the lights on P180HM?
     
    Prema, Apr 22, 2012
    #15
  16. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    Gonna need a picture and tell me where it is on the board (if the picture can include the stuff around it that would be great.

    BTW: X7200 R2 people, the later revisions had a KBLED connector on them :) Too bad the production keyboards won't fit.
     
    mythlogic, Apr 22, 2012
    #16
  17. Prema

    Prema Your Freedom, Your Choice

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    Here you go:

    [​IMG]

    :rolleyes:
     
    Prema, Apr 22, 2012
    #17
  18. spectroplasm

    spectroplasm Notebook Consultant

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    Damn a steelseries keyboard on a P170EM would be nice :). I'm interested in it too.
     
    spectroplasm, Apr 22, 2012
    #18
  19. hizzaah

    hizzaah Notebook Virtuoso

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    That was kind of the point I was making..

    Also, I prefer the 151EM's casing to the 150EM's rubber coating. That's why I was wondering if the BLK could be finagled into fitting the 151's shell. Then I could simply use a larger power supply to support better GPU's. I'd rather deal with finger prints on the 151's glossy case than the texture of the 150EM. Had a 150HM for a brief period and while the rubber wasn't bad, it wasn't my favorite. I really want that BLK though, so it looks like I'm kinda stuck with the rubber coating.
     
    hizzaah, Apr 22, 2012
    #19
  20. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    Yup thats logo (Think tribal) power. Guess that was an option no one used.

    Too bad, would have looked kinda cool, but Clevo cuts features all the time.. I'm looking at you 4th SODIMM slot and backlit keyboard that were supposed to be on the P180HM.
     
    mythlogic, Apr 22, 2012
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  21. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    Psst..

    We now offer them on our Pollux 1612 and Nyx 1712 (P150/P170) they work great. Backlight is programmable using the normal Clevo software, etc.
     
    mythlogic, May 17, 2012
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  22. Gear332

    Gear332 Notebook Evangelist

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    You guys are awesome! Which keyboard do you guys like better on the 1712?
     
    Gear332, May 17, 2012
    #22
  23. E.Blar

    E.Blar Notebook Deity

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    Must check this out right now.

    So, I assume it's the "backlit chiclet keyboard" listed under the keyboard section? That's $100 extra.

    Hey, that one has the funny "/" key too!
     
    E.Blar, May 17, 2012
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  24. ChromeGolem

    ChromeGolem Company Representative

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    Yes'sir that would be the one :)
     
    ChromeGolem, May 17, 2012
    #24
  25. pau1ow

    pau1ow Notebook Deity

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    Wow amazing to see the msi steelseries keyboard in P150/P170 ! Well done :)
     
    pau1ow, May 17, 2012
    #25
  26. HeavenCry

    HeavenCry Notebook Virtuoso

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    Good job myth! Might be tempted to grab one of these for my P170EM. Can you get them in DE or SI layout?
     
    HeavenCry, May 17, 2012
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  27. 5482741

    5482741 5482741

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    Is there any noticeable difference between the two?
     
    5482741, May 17, 2012
    #27
  28. b0b1man

    b0b1man Notebook Deity

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    The price is most noticeable
     
    b0b1man, May 17, 2012
    #28
  29. jaug1337

    jaug1337 de_dust2

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    +1 mythlogic

    Wow holy, this is great! Well done indeed! Now lets hope Steelseries will consider making a real keyboard in the Clevo in the next generation ;)

    <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JQCP85FngzE?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JQCP85FngzE?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width='560' height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 6, 2015
    jaug1337, May 17, 2012
    #29
  30. spectroplasm

    spectroplasm Notebook Consultant

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    how much to have the keyboard only?? I've got the Myth NYX1712
     
    spectroplasm, May 17, 2012
    #30
  31. b0b1man

    b0b1man Notebook Deity

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    They will. Or else...or else Im not gonna buy their keyboards again! (btw, I never bought a SteelSeries item in my life)
     
    b0b1man, May 17, 2012
    #31
  32. oiram21

    oiram21 Notebook Guru

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    @mythlogic:
    Does the keyboard need any treatment to fit?
     
    oiram21, May 17, 2012
    #32
  33. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    We are looking into getting them in more than one language at the moment, but for right now Just have english

    Yes, I'm very much a fan of the chiclet style, the feeling of typing is way better, as the keyboard keys are stiffer also. I personally think the clevo version is a little mushy.

    Hey if we could make'em free we would :p

    PM Us.

    As I said, there really isn't anything "steelseries" about this keyboard other than some marketing hype, it comes from the exact same supplier as the Clevo keyboards lol.

    Define treatment.. does it need to be "loved" to make it properly fit.. yes yes it does.
     
    mythlogic, May 17, 2012
    #33
  34. Gear332

    Gear332 Notebook Evangelist

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    Gah! I really love the chiclet keyboard on my NP8690...
     
    Gear332, May 17, 2012
    #34
  35. Red Line

    Red Line Notebook Deity

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    mythlogic +1

    What about the support of the older Clevo HM models? Did you try it with 151EM?
     
    Red Line, May 17, 2012
    #35
  36. jaug1337

    jaug1337 de_dust2

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    It won't work, I'm telling you 110 %.. no extra W or connect from the MOBO.

    Also it should work with the 151EM.. I think :p
     
    jaug1337, May 17, 2012
    #36
  37. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    Won't work on the 151EM, the keyboard try is a different size, AND there is no connector on the motherboard. So yea not without a mobo and a topcase swap.. then you might as well have got a P150EM :p
     
    mythlogic, May 17, 2012
    #37
  38. b0b1man

    b0b1man Notebook Deity

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    +1 for Myth from me too ;) If I used my laptop's keyboard, I'd get a SteelSeries upgrade. But...Im one of those select few, who prefer to use cheap USB keyboards and almost never use the laptop's keyboard. I even cover it with a microfiber cloth to prevent it from collecting dust :D
     
    b0b1man, May 17, 2012
    #38
  39. E.Blar

    E.Blar Notebook Deity

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    Well, this looks cool, but I have to pass. I'm already over budget due to my school not offering win7 discounts, and if I had the extra $100 I'd definitely be using it for the 7970m or putting it towards a BMI intensity shuttle. If I get a chance to see and try out the steelseries one at a best buy or something and like it a lot more than the stock one, it may make my list of upgrades, though.
     
    E.Blar, May 17, 2012
    #39
  40. Prasad

    Prasad NBR Reviewer 1337 NBR Reviewer

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    Keyboard looks decent, but unfortunately not the price tag...
     
    Prasad, May 17, 2012
    #40
  41. buuky

    buuky Notebook Enthusiast

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    This is exactly what I was looking for! I am impressed!
    I have a P150EM and even though the standard backlit keyboard is pretty to look at and high quality built, I am used to more space between the keys. I don't seem to get used to it.

    Since the fn functions are placed on different keys on the SS keyboard compared to the default Clevo one, do they work fine and have the same functionality?
     
    buuky, May 17, 2012
    #41
  42. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    The screen printing on the keys are different, but FN+F12 (Disables / Enable Bluetooth) on the Clevo keyboard, does the same on the SS keyboard, it just won't be painted on. But yea all the keys work as expected. It has the exact same layout.
     
    mythlogic, May 17, 2012
    #42
  43. Justin@XoticPC

    Justin@XoticPC Company Representative

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    We have also used it on the 9150/9170 models and it works exactly as the stock keyboard, but as mentioned you may get a bit confused as all the icons on the F1 etc do not match up to the mappings on the Clevo KB. In addition the MSI SS has sounds adjustments on the arrows and 0 num pad that do not relate to the Clevo's hot key mapping
     
    Justin@XoticPC, May 17, 2012
    #43
  44. Prasad

    Prasad NBR Reviewer 1337 NBR Reviewer

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    So someone would have to write system software from the Clevo's KB/EC firmware (sources, if available at all) to re-map the operations for the keys on the MSI keyboard... Or has it been done already?
     
    Prasad, May 17, 2012
    #44
  45. mythlogic

    mythlogic Company Representative

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    Trust me if we could get BIOS / EC source code.. The amazing things we could do :)
     
    mythlogic, May 17, 2012
    #45
  46. Prasad

    Prasad NBR Reviewer 1337 NBR Reviewer

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    I get that the source isn't open, but wouldn't you guys have channels through which you could atleast attempt to acquire them from Clevo ? With the source code in hand, I'm sure there are plenty of things I could do as well..
     
    Prasad, May 17, 2012
    #46
  47. Justin@XoticPC

    Justin@XoticPC Company Representative

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    Essentially yes. Wish we could :) The keyboard fits with little to no effort just can be kind of confusing looking at the FN + Fx keys as the icons on them mean nothing and you will need to remember which ones turn of LCD, Turn up & Down Brightness on LCD, Wireless On/Off etc....

    It not like the MSI Barebone models where you have to modify the SS keyboard to get it to fit.

    Doubtful since it would be a struggle for the true importers from Clevo to do this.
     
    Justin@XoticPC, May 17, 2012
    #47
  48. moomooplatter

    moomooplatter Notebook Guru

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    Hey Justin, I see XOTICPC is offering a Steelseries upgrade, is there any way I could buy the laptop to evaluate the stock keyboard and then buy the Steelseries from you guys later?
     
    moomooplatter, May 17, 2012
    #48
  49. Justin@XoticPC

    Justin@XoticPC Company Representative

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    Yes you sure could if you wanted. :) As long as you are comfortable with switching them around. :)
     
    Justin@XoticPC, May 17, 2012
    #49
  50. moomooplatter

    moomooplatter Notebook Guru

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    Thanks! Also, do you know if the Fn Key appears as a windows message or COM transmission? If so, you could software-remap the majority of the Fn keys to mirror the SteelSeries keyboard. Worst case scenario is that you have to use some creative combination like Alt + B + Representative Key

    And that's just for people with bad memories :)
     
    moomooplatter, May 17, 2012
    #50
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