Changing the color of your mechanical keyboard is an awesome way to customize your gaming experience and make your laptop look more stylish. It’s also a great way to match your keyboard to your mood!
One of the best ways to change the color of your mechanical keyboard is by using software. You can use this method to change the entire keyboard’s color or you can change it for individual keys.
1. Change the keycaps
Whether you are upgrading to a new keyboard or just want to freshen up the look of your existing one, changing the color of your mechanical keyboard is a great way to customize it. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to give your keyboard a new look without committing to buying a whole new keyboard.
Luckily, it’s easy to change the color of your keyboard with just a few changes to the keycaps! You’ll need to remove your old keycaps first, though, so it’s worth taking the time to do this.
If you are replacing the keycaps, make sure that they are compatible with your mechanical keyboard. You’ll need to check the switch stems for any potential compatibility issues, and you’ll also want to check the size of your keyboard and the layout standard (ANSI or ISO) before you decide which keycaps to buy.
There are many types of keycaps, each with a different feel and texture. The best way to figure out which ones are right for you is to try them out and see what feels the most comfortable on your fingers.
Finally, you can choose to buy double-shot or triple-shot keycaps for added durability. The latter can be more expensive than pad-printed or dye-sublimated keycaps, but it’s worth the extra money if you’re planning on using them often.
2. Change the backlight
Many mechanical keyboard come with a backlight that can help you see what keys are being pressed when the computer is in dark places. If you want to change the color of your keyboard backlight, there are a few steps that you can follow.
Some high-end gaming keyboards have software that can allow you to control their RGB lighting effects and settings. However, if you don’t have this kind of software installed, then you can still change the backlight of your keyboard manually.
You can do this by using a software program called iCUE. This application is designed to help you configure all the different settings for your Corsair peripherals, including keyboards. It also lets you manage color and lightning effects.
Unlike laptops, which have a single-color backlight, most desktop keyboards are able to switch between multiple colors and patterns. Some of these models also have a dedicated scroll wheel that helps you cycle through different options without having to use the FN keys.
Another way to control the backlight of your keyboard is by opening Control Center and selecting Keyboard brightness from its menu. You can then drag its corresponding slider to adjust the light’s brightness.
There are also some MacBooks that have buttons to increase and decrease the backlight’s brightness, but these shouldn’t work for all models. For those that do, you should be able to press the Increase brightness button (which looks like a half-circle outlined in dots) until it’s the desired level of brightness. Then, you can press the Decrease brightness button (which looks like a half-circle with no rays) to get the light’s brightness down to where it was before.
3. Change the layout
In the age of gaming laptops, it is becoming increasingly common to see a backlight color customization feature in keyboards. The ability to change the colors in your gaming laptop or keyboard is a great way to personalize your setup and increase the overall fun factor of your device.
Many gaming keyboards are RGB and can be reconfigured with dedicated software or using assigned keys. In addition, FN + C buttons on some models help you cycle through the different colors and patterns. In other cases, there are dedicated icons on the function keys that help you control the backlights.
Changing the layout of your mechanical keyboard is also a good idea if you have a disability that makes it difficult to use your normal keyboard. For example, if you are suffering from poor vision or a condition that makes it hard to read text in dim light, changing the color of your keyboard may be able to improve your ability to use it.
This is great if you find yourself growing to prefer one switch type over another over time. This also allows you to customize your keyboard as you please, with the ability to save and iterate on your settings.
While most of these keyboards can be configured with assigned keys, there are some that allow you to change the colors and patterns on a per-key basis. In these cases, you will need to download and install the dedicated software.
In addition to switching the layout of your keyboard, you can also change the backlights and switches. For some keyboards, this is a very simple process. However, for others, it can be quite complicated. You may need to check the manual for your keyboard and the manufacturer’s website.
4. Change the switches
If you want to change the color of your mechanical keyboard, you need to replace the switches. Switches are a key part of the keyboard, and changing them is one of the easiest ways to change the feel of your keyboard without buying a new one.
The first thing you need to do is decide on the type of switches that you want to use. There are plenty of different options to choose from, so you should do your research to find the best fit for you.
In either case, you’ll need to assemble the appropriate tools and work space. You’ll need a soldering iron, solder wire, tweezers, and a stand for your iron.
Once you’ve got your tools, open your mechanical keyboard and remove the keycaps. If your keys are hot-swappable, you can simply insert a new switch and test it to ensure it’s functioning properly before reassembling the keyboard.
If your keyboard is not hot-swappable, you’ll need to desolder the switches and solder a new set to the circuit board. This is an easy process, but you may need some experience with soldering to get it done right.
You can re-solder the switches while your keyboard is plugged in to your computer, so you can make sure the switch is registering the strokes correctly before putting it back in place. Before you re-assemble your keyboard, however, you should clean the board with rubbing alcohol sprayed onto low or lint free swabs.
Conclusion
The bottom housing of a switch is where the circuit board mates with it. The switch is held in this housing with two copper pins on its south side that attach to holes in the circuit board. These pins are what establish the circuit that registers a switch stroke when it’s pressed in.
The top housing, on the other hand, combines the switch’s internal components with a nameplate that is printed on the top. This nameplate is important, because it’s where the switch maker labels their switches. In addition, it allows for a more aesthetic look.
