Backlit Keyboard Certain keys not as bright as others

Question

Level 1

4 points

Backlit Keyboard Certain keys not as bright as others

I just got a new MBP 09, upgraded my old MBP. I am overwhelmed with improvements and speed. I noticed though that the whole keyboard is not lit. It seemed kind of odd and i have since tried searching for the standard, or possibly if anyone else has this same issue. I will post a link to the picture of what I am talking about, but I really noticed it when i put the brightness all the way up and the 7& key was extremely bright while the other keys were not. Im not sure whether this is normal or this is a defect. I thought I would get input prior to bothering the Genius' at Apple. The picture is at full brightness for the keys and half for the screen. With a light on in the room.

http://twitpic.com/8tzoo

Thanks
B

MBP 2009, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jun 30, 2009 12:04 AM

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Answer 1

twd3lr

Level 1

5 points

Jul 10, 2009 11:40 AM in response to W1ld Ch1ld

I have the same issue, but my keys are even dimmer. From an angle I can see that all of the keys have LEDs lit underneath them, but they just aren't powerful enough to shine through the key label. It's kind of annoying!

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Answer 2

Jul 11, 2009 10:13 AM in response to johndawg

My brightest keys are 3,4,7,U,F3,F4,B,N from what I can see. This is at lower brightness. The more you raise the brightness, it's less noticeable.

Part of the reason is that some keys have more area where light can pass through. Obviously keys with smaller symbols won't shine through as bright. And since the LEDs are all glowing at the same brightness, you'll get discrepancy in overall brightness. If Apple took it a step further, they could have maybe governed the brightness depending on how much light shown through the key, and adjusted the final output of light.

But that's getting crazy. I have no problem with the light. I'm a touch typist so I don't even look at the keyboard but for maybe a function key or two. I just use the light more as a guide when I go to put my hands on the home row.

Bryan

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Answer 3

mr.E Lee

Level 1

0 points

Jul 13, 2009 11:50 PM in response to BBates25

I have the same issue, whole of the right-hand side of keyboard is dim; starting at MKO to delete, Return, etc.

It is frustrating, I have tried taking out the keys and cleaning. But makes no improvements. I will write to Apple and schedule for a repair, or upgrade. Suggest you do the same...

Oh, and thanks touch-typist for that real insightful bit about your finger skills!

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Answer 4

BBates25 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 16, 2009 11:49 AM in response to BBates25

Thanks for all the replies!!! I really appreciate the input, I am going to make an appt with my local apple store later on today, and see if there is anything they can do. I will compare mine with the ones in the store and make sure I am not crazy before I tell them something is wrong. I honestly think that this is a design flaw. It is so noticeable that people often ask me if something is wrong with the keyboard. I haven't even had the computer for more than 3 weeks. Nothing has spilled on it, and I baby this thing like its my kid. If anyone has tried going to see a genius and was given an answer please let us know.

Thanks
Brandon

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