How to Change Keyboard Color: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Device
Changing the color of your keyboard can add a touch of personalization, improve visibility in different lighting conditions, and even enhance your gaming experience. Whether you have a desktop keyboard with dedicated RGB lighting or a laptop with backlit keys, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to change your keyboard color on various devices and operating systems.
## Understanding Keyboard Backlighting
Before diving into the specific methods, it’s important to understand the different types of keyboard backlighting available:
* **Single-Color Backlighting:** These keyboards offer a single color option, often white, blue, or red. You might be able to adjust the brightness, but you can’t change the color itself.
* **Multi-Zone Backlighting:** These keyboards are divided into zones, and each zone can be set to a different color. While not as customizable as per-key RGB, they offer more flexibility than single-color backlighting.
* **RGB (Red, Green, Blue) Backlighting:** RGB keyboards offer the widest range of color customization. Each key can be individually programmed with a specific color, allowing for complex lighting effects and personalized profiles.
Knowing the type of backlighting your keyboard has will help you determine the methods you can use to change its color.
## Changing Keyboard Color on Windows
The method for changing keyboard color on Windows depends on the type of keyboard you have and the software provided by the manufacturer.
### 1. Using Manufacturer’s Software
Most gaming keyboards and some high-end laptop keyboards come with dedicated software that allows you to control the backlighting. These programs usually offer a user-friendly interface with options to change colors, brightness, and create custom lighting effects.
**Common Software Examples:**
* **Razer Synapse:** For Razer keyboards.
* **Corsair iCUE:** For Corsair keyboards.
* **Logitech G HUB:** For Logitech G keyboards.
* **SteelSeries GG (Engine):** For SteelSeries keyboards.
* **ASUS Armoury Crate:** For ASUS laptops and keyboards.
* **MSI Center (Dragon Center):** For MSI laptops and keyboards.
* **HP Omen Gaming Hub:** For HP Omen laptops and keyboards.
**Steps to Change Keyboard Color Using Manufacturer’s Software:**
1. **Download and Install the Software:** Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the appropriate software for your keyboard model. Install the software following the on-screen instructions.
2. **Launch the Software:** Once installed, launch the software from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
3. **Select Your Keyboard:** The software should automatically detect your keyboard. If you have multiple devices connected, select your keyboard from the list.
4. **Navigate to the Lighting/Backlighting Settings:** Look for a section labeled “Lighting,” “Backlighting,” “RGB,” or something similar. This section will contain the options for customizing the keyboard’s colors.
5. **Choose Your Color:**
* **Single Color:** If your keyboard only supports a single color, you’ll usually have a slider or dropdown menu to adjust the brightness.
* **Multi-Zone:** If your keyboard has multi-zone backlighting, you’ll be able to select each zone and choose a different color for each.
* **RGB:** If your keyboard has per-key RGB backlighting, you’ll be able to select individual keys or groups of keys and assign them specific colors. You’ll typically find a color picker or a color wheel to choose from a wide range of colors.
6. **Create Custom Lighting Effects (Optional):** Many software programs offer options to create custom lighting effects, such as breathing, wave, rainbow, or reactive lighting that changes based on your keystrokes.
7. **Save Your Settings:** Once you’ve configured the lighting to your liking, be sure to save your settings. The software should automatically apply the changes to your keyboard.
**Example: Changing Keyboard Color with Razer Synapse:**
1. Install and open Razer Synapse.
2. Select your Razer keyboard from the dashboard.
3. Click on the “Lighting” tab.
4. Choose from Quick Effects (like Static, Breathing, Spectrum Cycling) or Advanced Effects (Chroma Studio for per-key customization).
5. For static, select your desired color. For Chroma Studio, you can create complex layered effects.
6. Save your changes.
**Example: Changing Keyboard Color with Corsair iCUE:**
1. Install and open Corsair iCUE.
2. Select your Corsair keyboard from the iCUE home screen.
3. Click on “Lighting Effects.”
4. Choose a preset effect or create a custom one.
5. Adjust the color, speed, and direction of the effect.
6. Save the profile to your keyboard.
### 2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Some keyboards, especially on laptops, allow you to change the backlighting color using keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts usually involve pressing the Fn key (Function key) along with another key, often one of the function keys (F1-F12).
**How to Find the Keyboard Shortcuts:**
* **Look for Icons on the Keys:** The keys that control the backlighting will usually have icons that represent the backlighting function, such as a lightbulb or a keyboard silhouette.
* **Consult Your Laptop’s Manual:** The laptop’s manual will provide information about the specific keyboard shortcuts for controlling the backlighting.
* **Search Online:** Search online for your laptop model and “keyboard backlight shortcuts.” You should be able to find information about the specific keys to press.
**Example: HP Laptop Keyboard Backlight Shortcuts:**
On many HP laptops, you can press the **Fn + F5** keys to increase the keyboard backlight brightness and **Fn + F6** to decrease it. Some HP models allow you to change the backlight color using the **Fn + Right Arrow** or **Fn + Left Arrow** keys, cycling through available color options. Refer to your specific HP model’s documentation for accurate details.
**Example: Dell Laptop Keyboard Backlight Shortcuts:**
Most Dell laptops use **Fn + Right Arrow** to increase backlight brightness and **Fn + Left Arrow** to decrease it. Color changes might not be available on all models.
**Steps to Change Keyboard Color Using Keyboard Shortcuts:**
1. Locate the correct keyboard shortcuts for your device.
2. Press and hold the Fn key (if required).
3. Press the corresponding key to change the backlighting color or brightness.
4. Repeat the process until you achieve the desired color or brightness level.
### 3. Using Windows Mobility Center (Limited Functionality)
Windows Mobility Center offers basic control over some laptop features, including keyboard backlighting. However, its functionality is limited and may not be available on all devices.
**Steps to Access Windows Mobility Center:**
1. **Search for “Mobility Center” in the Windows Search bar.**
2. **Click on the “Windows Mobility Center” search result.**
**Steps to Change Keyboard Color Using Windows Mobility Center:**
1. Open Windows Mobility Center.
2. Look for a section labeled “Keyboard Backlighting” or something similar. If you don’t see this option, your device may not support keyboard backlighting control through Windows Mobility Center.
3. If the option is available, you may be able to adjust the brightness or toggle the backlighting on or off. Color changing is generally not available here.
### 4. Using Third-Party Software (Caution Advised)
While numerous third-party applications claim to offer keyboard backlighting control, using them comes with potential risks. These risks include:
* **Malware:** Some third-party applications may contain malware or adware that can harm your system.
* **Incompatibility:** The software may not be compatible with your keyboard or operating system, leading to unexpected issues.
* **Instability:** The software may cause system instability or conflicts with other programs.
**If you choose to use third-party software, do so with caution and follow these guidelines:**
* **Download from Reputable Sources:** Only download software from the official website of the developer or from trusted sources like the Microsoft Store.
* **Read Reviews:** Before installing the software, read reviews from other users to see if they have experienced any issues.
* **Scan for Viruses:** After downloading the software, scan it with a reputable antivirus program before installing it.
* **Create a System Restore Point:** Before installing any new software, create a system restore point so you can easily revert to a previous state if something goes wrong.
**Example of a Third-Party Application (Use with Caution):**
* **Aurora:** This open-source application aims to unify RGB lighting control across different devices and brands. However, use it at your own risk, and be sure to download it from the official GitHub repository.
## Changing Keyboard Color on macOS
Changing keyboard color on macOS primarily applies to MacBook laptops with backlit keyboards. Desktop keyboards connected to a Mac usually rely on the manufacturer’s software (if provided) for color control.
### 1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts (MacBook)
MacBook laptops have dedicated keyboard shortcuts for adjusting the keyboard backlight brightness.
**Steps to Change Keyboard Backlight Brightness on MacBook:**
1. **Locate the Backlight Keys:** Look for the keys on your keyboard that have the backlight icons (usually F5 and F6).
2. **Adjust the Brightness:**
* **Increase Brightness:** Press the key with the backlight icon and a plus (+) symbol (usually F6).
* **Decrease Brightness:** Press the key with the backlight icon and a minus (-) symbol (usually F5).
**Note:** Changing the color of the backlight directly through macOS keyboard shortcuts is **not possible**. The keys only control the brightness.
### 2. Using System Preferences (MacBook)
You can also adjust the keyboard backlight settings in System Preferences.
**Steps to Access Keyboard Backlight Settings in System Preferences:**
1. **Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.**
2. **Select “System Preferences.”**
3. **Click on “Keyboard.”**
**Steps to Adjust Keyboard Backlight Settings:**
1. **Navigate to the “Keyboard” pane in System Preferences.**
2. **Enable “Adjust keyboard brightness in low light”:** This option automatically adjusts the keyboard backlight based on the ambient light sensor.
3. **Use the slider to manually adjust the brightness:** You can manually override the automatic adjustment by using the slider.
4. **Select “Turn keyboard backlight off after [time] of inactivity”:** This option allows you to set a timer for when the keyboard backlight should turn off to conserve battery life.
**Note:** System Preferences on macOS allows you to control the brightness and automatic adjustment of the keyboard backlight, but it **does not provide options for changing the color.**
### 3. Using Boot Camp with Windows (For RGB Keyboards on Mac)
If you have an RGB keyboard and are running Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp, you can use the manufacturer’s software (as described in the Windows section) to change the keyboard color while in the Windows environment.
### 4. Using Third-Party Software (Limited Options, Use with Caution)
Similar to Windows, there are limited third-party applications for macOS that claim to offer more advanced keyboard backlighting control. However, use these applications with caution, as they may come with the same risks of malware, incompatibility, and instability.
## Changing Keyboard Color on ChromeOS
ChromeOS offers limited customization options for keyboard backlighting. The availability of features depends on the specific Chromebook model.
### 1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Chromebook)
Most Chromebooks have dedicated keyboard shortcuts for adjusting the keyboard backlight brightness.
**Steps to Change Keyboard Backlight Brightness on Chromebook:**
1. **Locate the Backlight Keys:** Look for the keys on your keyboard that have the backlight icons. These keys are usually located on the top row of the keyboard.
2. **Adjust the Brightness:**
* **Increase Brightness:** Press the key with the backlight icon and a plus (+) symbol.
* **Decrease Brightness:** Press the key with the backlight icon and a minus (-) symbol.
**Note:** ChromeOS keyboard shortcuts typically only control the brightness of the backlight. **Color changing is generally not available** through keyboard shortcuts.
### 2. Using ChromeOS Settings (Limited Options)
ChromeOS settings may offer some limited control over keyboard backlighting, depending on your Chromebook model.
**Steps to Access Keyboard Backlight Settings in ChromeOS:**
1. **Click on the system tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen.**
2. **Click on the “Settings” icon (gear icon).**
3. **Search for “keyboard” in the settings search bar.**
4. **Look for a section related to “Keyboard Backlight” or “Keyboard Brightness.”**
**Steps to Adjust Keyboard Backlight Settings:**
1. **If the option is available, you may be able to adjust the brightness or toggle the backlighting on or off.**
**Note:** The options available in ChromeOS settings for keyboard backlighting are usually limited to brightness control. **Color changing is rarely supported.**
### 3. Using Developer Mode (Advanced, Not Recommended for Beginners)
Enabling Developer Mode on a Chromebook allows you to access more advanced system settings and install custom software. However, enabling Developer Mode comes with significant risks, including:
* **Security Vulnerabilities:** Developer Mode disables security features, making your Chromebook more vulnerable to malware and other security threats.
* **Warranty Voidance:** Enabling Developer Mode may void your Chromebook’s warranty.
* **Data Loss:** Enabling Developer Mode may erase all data on your Chromebook.
**Therefore, using Developer Mode to change keyboard color is generally not recommended unless you are an experienced user and understand the risks involved.**
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble changing your keyboard color, here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps:
* **Keyboard Not Recognized by Software:**
* **Check the Connection:** Make sure the keyboard is properly connected to your computer.
* **Restart the Computer:** Restarting your computer can sometimes resolve connection issues.
* **Reinstall the Software:** Try uninstalling and reinstalling the manufacturer’s software.
* **Update Drivers:** Make sure your keyboard drivers are up to date. You can usually find the latest drivers on the manufacturer’s website.
* **Keyboard Backlight Not Working:**
* **Check the Backlight Settings:** Make sure the backlight is turned on in the software or through keyboard shortcuts.
* **Adjust the Brightness:** Increase the brightness level to see if the backlight is simply too dim.
* **Check for Driver Issues:** Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause the backlight to malfunction. Update or reinstall the drivers.
* **Color Changing Not Working:**
* **Verify Keyboard Compatibility:** Make sure your keyboard supports color changing. Some keyboards only offer single-color or multi-zone backlighting.
* **Use the Correct Software:** Make sure you’re using the correct software for your keyboard model.
* **Check for Software Updates:** Software updates can sometimes fix bugs that prevent color changing from working properly.
* **Conflicting Software:**
* **Identify Conflicting Programs:** Some software programs may interfere with keyboard backlighting control. Try closing any unnecessary programs to see if that resolves the issue.
* **Uninstall Conflicting Software:** If you suspect a specific program is causing the problem, try uninstalling it.
## Conclusion
Changing your keyboard color can be a fun and rewarding way to personalize your setup and enhance your computing experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to customize your keyboard’s backlighting to your liking. Remember to always use caution when installing third-party software and to consult your device’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
