Keyboard lighting

[madmikejt12]

hi, as some of you may know, i have started a case mod and i was just wondering, is there any 'interesting' lighting mod for my keyboard so i can see the keys in the dark? its a standars dell black ps/2 keyboard and i dont want to make/paint any keys but if anyone knows ow i could add lighting to my keyboard, please let me know :)
Thanks,
Mike

[UK-Blade]

el cable.

A few people have used el cable, running in between the keys.

Have a look at this (http://www.virtual-hideout.net/guides/keyboard_el/index.shtml) guide on VH

Hope that helps

[madmikejt12]

thanks :) will that light the keys though? i.e so you can see the letters? there doesnt seem to be much space between keys for light to shine through and also, would this restrict the keys from being pressed right down?

[Rankenphile]

What about clear UV painting on the keys, with a small UV CCFL on top. You could even shroud it so the light didn't point anywhere but toward the keys.

[madmikejt12]

i wanted to avoid paint if possible... i might just leave it

unless you can get a UV reactive pen?

hang on... you can cant you? those "invisible ink" pens... arnt they UV??

Mike

[Rankenphile]

The problem with lighting them from the bottom is that the keys are not transparent - there is no way for the light to get through the letters. Unless you want to go through with an x-acto blade and VERY carefully cut out each letter, you're kind of stuck with paint or lettering them with a UV pen. There are a lot of them out there - Highlighters, for instance, are almost all UV reactive. If you can find one that would work (try gel-ink flourescent markers - the ones made for writing on black paper. craft stores will carry them) you can letter each key. You'll want to use a clear matte sealer on the keys, which means removing them from the board when you paint them, to protect the ink from rubbing off when you type. Make sure you find a sealer that will not get tacky when it gets warm, because the last thing you want is a gross, sticky keyboard.

[madmikejt12]

ok thanks, i could use a security marker, i think they are perminant

ill just try it out.

Thanks
Mike

[tybrenis]

You will still want to seal it. Trust us.

[Nagoshi]

thanks :) will that light the keys though? i.e so you can see the letters? there doesnt seem to be much space between keys for light to shine through and also, would this restrict the keys from being pressed right down?
Please, learn to type without looking on the keyboard, it will make you write alot faster, and it will save you much time for this mod :P

el cable.

A few people have used el cable, running in between the keys.

Have a look at this (http://www.virtual-hideout.net/guides/keyboard_el/index.shtml) guide on VH

Hope that helps
Thanks alot for the link! Thats exacly what I wanted to do with my keyboard!

One question.. Is there a way to get the EL cable to work NOT on a separate power line, but on the keyboard power line for example? Or an USB slot? My Logitech Media Keyboard can only be used on PS2 (no USB plug), and anyway I wouldnt mind using an USB slot (and a separate USB cable) for lighting... if it would be possible. Id like not to use batteries :(

[xmastree]

unless you can get a UV reactive pen?

hang on... you can cant you? those "invisible ink" pens... arnt they UV??You could use a highlighter, they react to UV.

[tybrenis]

Please, learn to type without looking on the keyboard, it will make you write alot faster, and it will save you much time for this mod :P

Thanks alot for the link! Thats exacly what I wanted to do with my keyboard!

One question.. Is there a way to get the EL cable to work NOT on a separate power line, but on the keyboard power line for example? Or an USB slot? My Logitech Media Keyboard can only be used on PS2 (no USB plug), and anyway I wouldnt mind using an USB slot (and a separate USB cable) for lighting... if it would be possible. Id like not to use batteries :(

I personally would use a transformer like in the article. I wouldn't recomend using the line already on your keyboard, however, just to save yourself some trouble - plus your light would be dim and sickeningly hideous (or just kinda low). You could use an old USB port, they are 5 volts. Or better yet, use TWO USB ports!

[Nagoshi]

2 usb ports? o_O Im going to miss some free USB slots them T_T

[Omega]

If you have to see the keys, you FAIL.


*whistles*