Elevate Your Gaming and Work: How to Make Surface Pro Keyboard Light Up Effortlessly

Have you ever wished your Surface Pro keyboard had a backlight, especially when working in dimly lit environments? While the Surface Pro keyboard itself doesn’t come equipped with built-in backlighting, there are a few clever workarounds to achieve that desired illuminated typing experience. This guide will explore various methods on how to make Surface Pro keyboard light up, bringing a touch of brilliance to your typing sessions.

Understanding the Surface Pro Keyboard

Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand the Surface Pro keyboard‘s design. The keyboard itself is a slim, detachable accessory that connects magnetically to the Surface Pro tablet. It lacks the traditional physical keys found on full-sized keyboards, relying instead on a touch-sensitive design. This design choice, while sleek and portable, also limits the potential for integrating a built-in backlight.

Method 1: External Keyboard with Backlight

The most straightforward solution is to use an external keyboard with built-in backlighting. This approach offers the most reliable and consistent illumination.

Choosing the Right External Keyboard

Consider these factors when selecting an external keyboard:

• Connectivity: Ensure the keyboard is compatible with your Surface Pro (USB, Bluetooth, or both).
• Backlight Features: Look for adjustable brightness levels and customizable backlight color options.
• Key Travel and Feel: Opt for a keyboard with comfortable key travel and a responsive typing experience.
• Portability: If you need a compact keyboard for travel, consider a foldable or ultra-slim option.

Connecting the External Keyboard

Once you have your external keyboard, connect it to your Surface Pro using the appropriate method (USB cable or Bluetooth pairing). You can then adjust the backlight brightness and color settings using the keyboard’s dedicated buttons or software.

Method 2: Laptop Stand with Built-in Light

Another clever approach involves using a laptop stand with a built-in LED light. These stands typically attach to the back of the Surface Pro and provide a focused light source that illuminates the keyboard area.

Benefits of Laptop Stands with Lights

• Improved Ergonomics: Laptop stands elevate the Surface Pro to a more comfortable typing angle, reducing strain on your neck and wrists.
• Adjustable Light Direction: Some stands offer adjustable light angles, allowing you to focus the light directly on the keyboard.
• Portability: Many laptop stands are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel.

Method 3: External Lighting Solutions

If you prefer a more flexible and customizable approach, consider external lighting solutions.

Clip-on Desk Lamps

Clip-on desk lamps are a versatile option, allowing you to position the light source precisely where you need it. Look for lamps with adjustable brightness and color temperature settings for optimal illumination.

LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights offer a more creative and customizable lighting solution. You can attach them to the back of your Surface Pro or to the edge of your desk, creating a focused light source that illuminates the keyboard area.

Method 4: DIY Backlit Keyboard

For the tech-savvy, creating a DIY backlit keyboard is a challenging but rewarding project.

Materials Needed

• Surface Pro Keyboard: You’ll need your existing Surface Pro keyboard.
• LED Strip Lights: Choose thin, flexible LED strips with adhesive backing.
• Power Source: A small, portable power bank or USB adapter.
• Soldering Iron and Solder: For connecting the LED strips to the power source.
• Electrical Tape: To secure the wiring and protect against short circuits.

Steps Involved

1. Disassemble the Keyboard: Carefully disassemble the keyboard to access the internal components.
2. Attach LED Strips: Adhere the LED strips to the underside of the keyboard, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
3. Connect Wires: Solder the LED strips to the power source, carefully insulating the connections with electrical tape.
4. Reassemble the Keyboard: Carefully reassemble the keyboard, ensuring all components are securely connected.

Final Thoughts: Lighting Up Your Typing Experience

While the Surface Pro keyboard itself doesn’t offer built-in backlighting, these methods provide practical and creative solutions to illuminate your typing experience. Whether you choose an external keyboard, a laptop stand with a light, or a DIY approach, you can achieve a more comfortable and efficient typing experience, even in low-light conditions.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I add a backlight to the original Surface Pro keyboard without disassembling it?
A: Unfortunately, adding a backlight without disassembling the keyboard is not possible. The keyboard’s design doesn‘t allow for easy integration of external lighting components.
Q: What are the best external keyboards with backlighting for Surface Pro?
A: Some popular choices include the Microsoft Surface Keyboard, the Logitech MX Keys, and the Keychron K2. These keyboards offer excellent typing experiences and customizable backlight features.
Q: Is it safe to modify the Surface Pro keyboard with LED strips?
A: Modifying the keyboard with LED strips can be risky if you’re not comfortable with electronics. Be sure to follow safety precautions and carefully insulate all connections to prevent short circuits.
Q: Can I use a phone flashlight to illuminate the keyboard?
A: While using a phone flashlight is a temporary solution, it’s not ideal. The light may be too bright or too focused, and it can be inconvenient to hold your phone while typing.
Q: What are some tips for choosing the right lighting solution?
A: Consider your budget, portability needs, and desired level of customization when choosing a lighting solution. Experiment with different options to find what works best for your specific needs.