keyboard repair - Macally Blog

Keyboard Backlight Not Working? Don’t Panic.

David Chen — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:50:07 +0000

lmost every workspace or setup will feature a device with backlighting. The RGB movement has taken over peripherals, not to mention devices. With MacBooks releasing with ever-increasing backlighting, as well as most mainstream devices, it’s easy to see how your keyboard backlighting not working is a common occurrence.

In this blog, we’re going to be investigating the common causes of your backlighting playing up and what you can do to solve it.

Common Causes for Keyboard Backlight not Working

Let’s start with discussing some of the common causes for your keyboard backlight not working.

1. Software Issues
One of the most common reasons for a keyboard backlight not working can be your computer’s software. The keyboard illumination is typically controlled by software on your device. This software can sometimes encounter errors, or ‘glitches’ and causes your backlighting to malfunction.

The easy solution to this is to first, restart your device. Then check for updates for your device, or reinstall the device software.

2. Hardware Fault

Another possible cause can be a hardware fault. Backlighting works through individual LED lights embedded beneath the keys. Like other hardware components, these can be damaged or faulty. Either through wear and tear, or poor manufacturing.

If your device has been dropped, or the keys hit hard, this could be your reason for your keyboard backlight to be not working.

Unfortunately, if this is the case, you will need to take your device to a computer repair shop. The repairs needed for this cause will need tools and training.

Our recommendation is to pursue this after you have tried all other available fixes, even if you are suspicious this could be the cause. If your device is of poor quality, it could be a good idea to upgrade to a better device, like these options here with backlighting.

3. Power Saving Mode

A common cause for your keyboard backlight not working is a simple one. Power saving mode is present on most devices, and is surprisingly a common cause for concerns. Many laptops and devices automatically turn off the keyboard backlight after a period of inactivity or when the battery level is low to conserve power.

To check if this is the case for you, plug in your device to charge, or replace your batteries. You can also check your power settings and ensure that the ‘Turn keyboard backlight off after inactivity’ option is not enabled.

How to Fix Keyboard Backlight Issues

If the common problems haven’t solved your issue, let’s dive into some troubleshooting.

1. Check Your Keyboard Settings

Always start with the most basic step. Check your device for the specific key or combination of keys that toggle the keyboard backlight.

These keys are typically marked with an icon that represents a light or something similar. For some laptops, you might need to hold the ‘Function’ or ‘Fn’ key and then press the corresponding function key to switch on the keyboard light.

They are usually situated in the F1-F12 keys, or on the arrow keys.

2. Update Your Keyboard Drivers

A simple update of your keyboard drivers can often fix many keyboard-related issues, including your keyboard backlight not working. Outdated or corrupt drivers interfere with the functioning of your hardware, luckily, it is an easy fix.

We’ve outlined the steps for you below:

Open Device Manager: Type ‘Device Manager’ into your computer’s search bar and click on the application.
Open the ‘Keyboards’ section: You should see a list of all keyboard devices connected to your system.
Right-click on your keyboard: From the dropdown menu, select ‘Update Driver’. If you’re not sure which is your device, try to find the make of your device or the device number.
Choose ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’: Your computer will then search the internet for the latest driver software for your device.

Whenever you update drivers, always restart your device to ensure they are installed, and operating effectively.

3. Hardware Inspection

If you’re still not able to rectify your issue, it may unfortunately be a hardware issue. The issue causing your keyboard backlight to not work could be a faulty keyboard, a loose connection, or a problem with the motherboard.
In this case, follow these steps to identify if this is your problem.

To inspect your hardware:

Check keyboard connection: Make sure your keyboard is properly connected to your computer. If you’re using an external keyboard, try to unplug it and then reconnect it.
Try a different keyboard: If possible, connect a different keyboard to your computer. If the backlight works on the new keyboard, then the issue might be with your original keyboard.
Seek professional help: If you’re still encountering issues, it may be best to seek professional help. Take your computer to a reputable technician or your device’s service center. They can perform a thorough hardware inspection and identify if there’s a problem with the keyboard or the motherboard.

Remember, if you’re not comfortable performing these checks yourself, always seek professional help. It’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with hardware issues.

When to Seek Professional Help Or Replace Your Device

Recognizing when to seek professional help or replace your device is crucial for preventing further damage. If you’ve tried the available troubleshooting options and your problem is still unresolved, the next step is to seek a professional.

An important aspect to consider before taking it to a professional is the device’s warranty period. If it’s still under warranty, professional repair may be covered at no cost to you.

However, if the warranty has expired, it is worth comparing the cost of repair against the cost of a new device. Replacing, or even upgrading the device may be a more cost-effective option in the long run. Repairs never guarantee long-term reliability.

If you’re interested in replacing your device, we recommend Macally for all your keyboards with backlighting needs.

The post Keyboard Backlight Not Working? Don’t Panic. first appeared on Macally Blog.

Rescue Your Mechanical Keyboard From Spilled Water

David Chen — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:35:52 +0000

hether you’re a college student writing papers or working from home typing away at your desk, you probably have a mechanical keyboard. They’re the far superior alternative to typical keyboards, and often more expensive – that’s why spilled water on mechanical keyboards can be such a panic-inducing experience.

Not only is it frustrating to have to replace your keyboard, but it can also be a surprisingly expensive mistake. But don’t despair, because, in this blog post, we’ll tell you what to do if you spill water on your mechanical keyboard and how to save it.

If you’re unsure what a mechanical keyboard is, it’s simply a type of keyboard with individual switches for each key. These are usually more expensive than regular keyboards because they last longer and provide better tactility.

This is a great example of high-quality, Apple-compatible mechanical keyboards.

Unplug Your Keyboard Immediately

As soon as you’ve spilled water on mechanical keyboards, the first thing is to unplug it from your computer or laptop immediately. It’s important to do this as soon as you can, as cutting the power from the device before any water makes its way too deep into your device is the key to success here.

Doing this will prevent the water from causing any electrical damage to your keyboard or computer, as water is a great conductor of electricity, and will cause your device’s internal circuits to short, causing irreversible damage.

Remember to do this quickly, as the longer your keyboard stays plugged in, the greater the risk of damage.

Dry It Properly

After ensuring your keyboard is completely unplugged, take a clean and dry cloth to wipe off as much water as you can. If the spilled water on mechanical keyboard is minor, this could be enough to save your keyboard.

But if it’s a major spill, you need to turn your keyboard upside down on a towel and let it dry for a couple of days. It’s essential not to use a hairdryer, as the hot air can damage your mechanical keyboard parts. Although this is an option for other devices with water damage, mechanical keyboard components do not do well with heat.

Most mechanical keyboards utilize removable keys, simply use the pry tool supplied with the keyboard or pick up one like this online. This is a great way to ensure you get all the moisture from your keyboard, combine this with the next step for the best results.

Clean It With Isopropyl Alcohol

While the keys are removed from your mechanical keyboard, it’s best to thoroughly clean your keyboard of any moisture. This is the best way to ensure your spilled water on mechanical keyboard situation is resolved.

If there’s still moisture left inside the keyboard, use isopropyl alcohol to clean it. You’ll need to disassemble the keyboard first, so it’s best to do this step while the keys are removed to save all that hard work. Apply the alcohol to a cotton swab and gently clean your keyboard, paying particular attention to the affected keys.

Doing this will clean off any moisture residue and corrosion started. This is key as the water may not have damaged the components immediately but may have started the corrosion process. This process will quickly leave your device broken, so this step is definitely worthwhile.

Consult A Professional

Suppose your keyboard still doesn’t show any signs of life after following these steps. In that case, you may need to contact a professional keyboard repair service. They will be able to diagnose the damage and replace the affected parts if necessary. This option might cost more, so if you’re on a budget it might be better to replace your beloved keyboard with a cost-effective option.

If you do need to find a replacement, we’d highly recommend picking up one of these Macally mechanical keyboards. They are incredibly reliable, high-quality, and won’t break the bank.

Protect Your Keyboard In The Future

Now that you’ve hopefully saved your device from your spilled water on mechanical keyboard situation. You’ll want to take steps to avoid a repeat spill.

Invest in a keyboard cover, which will protect your keyboard from spills, dust, and dirt. And if you’re incorporating drinks into your work sessions, consider switching to a spill-proof water bottle.

Simple steps like these could save big headaches in the future.

Conclusion:

Spilling water on a mechanical keyboard can be a stressful experience, but it’s not necessarily the end of the world. If you act quickly, dry your keyboard, and follow these helpful tips, you can get your keyboard up and running again in no time.

And by taking precautions in the future, you can reduce the likelihood of it happening again. So, don’t panic and follow these steps if you spill water on your mechanical keyboard.

The post Rescue Your Mechanical Keyboard From Spilled Water first appeared on Macally Blog.