The simplest and fastest way to change the color of a mechanical keyboard

Mechanical keyboards today are often equipped with keyboard lights with color customization functions to help make the user's space more prominent and eye-catching. Besides, it also supports and protects users' eyes when working in low-light environments. Below, let's learn more details about the two simplest ways to change the color of a mechanical keyboard with TipsMake. 

What is the concept of a mechanical keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses mechanical switches for each key. Thanks to that, the keyboard when used has good bounce, high durability and quick response. For office users and gamers who have to type frequently, mechanical keyboards also help reduce finger arthritis.

What is a mechanical keyboard light? What types are included?

The mechanical keyboard light is a series of LED lights designed below the keys. They have a lighting function to help users easily perform keyboard operations even in low light conditions.

In the mechanical keyboard market today, there are two popular types of lights: monochrome LED and RGB LED. Specifically:

1. Monochrome LED: A type of light that only emits a fixed color and users can only adjust the brightness and darkness of the color. 

1. RGB LED light: A type of light with a combination of 3 colors including red, green and blue. 

Because it uses a multi-color range, compared to monochrome LED keyboards, mechanical keyboards equipped with RGB LED systems often have a higher price. 

In addition, not only are the mechanical keyboard lights classified by color, they are also divided by black shape including round LED, square LED and sticker LED. In there: 

1. Round LED light: A popular type of light on mechanical keyboards, characterized by its low price and easy replacement. 

1. Square LED lights: This type of light is often distributed at specialized mechanical keyboard stores, stands out with eye-catching light and is more expensive than round LED lights. 

1. Sticky LED lights: This is the most expensive type of light compared to the above two types and has the advantage of being compact. However, the limitation of this type of light is that it is difficult to replace and difficult to remove after being glued to the keyboard.  

Note: Not all current mechanical keyboard lines are equipped with keyboard lights. Therefore, users need to check and read product information carefully before purchasing. For mechanical keyboards equipped with LED lights, users should also note whether the lights are monochrome or multicolor. 

How to change the color of the mechanical keyboard with keyboard shortcuts

On mechanical keyboards equipped with lights, users can change the keyboard light colors by pressing the corresponding shortcut key combination from Fn+1 to Fn+8 as follows: 

In addition to using key combinations, some keyboard brands also set up hotkey sets to customize LED lights with arrow keys. At the same time, the function of these shortcuts not only helps turn on/off the keyboard backlight but also supports the ability to adjust the speed of the light dancing and the light intensity of the light color,. 

Note: Above is an introduction table on how to adjust mechanical keyboard lighting with key combinations for Masterkeys MK750 keyboard that you can refer to. For some brands or keyboard lines with different layouts, the specific lighting modes and ways to turn them on/off are different. Therefore, to clearly understand the functions of the keyboard you are using, you should read the instruction manual that comes with the product when purchasing the product. 

How to adjust mechanical keyboard lighting using software

Besides how to quickly change the color of the mechanical keyboard with a shortcut key combination, users still have a way to adjust the color of their keyboard using software with equally simple operations. However, you also need to note that for each different brand of mechanical keyboard, the manufacturer will provide separate adjustment software. Such as:

Below is a detailed illustration of how to adjust the lighting with the Corsair K68 RGB Mechanical Gaming keyboard with Corsair iCUE software. You can refer to doing the same with other mechanical keyboard brands.

1. Step 1: Download the software at https://www.corsair.com/us/en/downloads, then access and click the keyboard icon in the Devices section . 

1. Step 2: Click Onboard Profiles . Then, delete all the default slots one by one. 
2. Step 3: Click Profiles and select a profile name containing the word HW ( Note : Profiles without HW can only operate after the software is started). Next, select Hardware Lighting , click on the application's default settings and select Delete Effect . 
3. Step 4: Click the '+' icon to create a new profile. Here, you can customize the keyboard light as you like. ( Note: The software is equipped with many effects such as Spiral Rainbow, Rainbow Wave, Color Shift, etc. If you want to edit according to your preferences, select the effect in the Custom column ). 

1. Step 5: Select Profiles and click on the profile you just edited. Next, select Onboard Profiles and select Empty . Finally, press the Save button to complete the setup. 

Epilogue

Above is information to guide you on how to change the color of a mechanical keyboard simply and quickly using key combinations and software. Wishing you success in applying and making customizations that best suit your preferences. If you encounter any problems during use or are looking for a mechanical keyboard with integrated LED lights, please contact the TipsMake team for the fastest answers and advice.

Jessica Tanner

Update 10 October 2023