Topic: Computer Modding - Keyboard mod

[number6]

I love to tinker with hardware or to make my system just a tad bit more interesting. The latest mod I am going to start next month (when I get paid ) will be to mod my keyboard so that the keys light up! I have been working with computers for years, but I never learned how to touch type very well. I  have to look down from time to time to make sure my fingers are in the right position. When I am playing a game in the dark and I need to press the right key in Emperor Battle for Dune I sometimes hit the wrong key.  I initially was looking for a keyboard that had this feature built in. A quick search online revealed:

http://datacity.net/lighted-backlit-keyboard.html

The 2 problems with this keyboard for me were:

It's way too small and I like my Micsoft keyboard layout better. The price is a little high at $95!

Here's a review I found on a similar lighted keyboard:

http://www.pcabusers.com/reviews/eluminx/p1.html

Price came up in that review as well, but they did say it was well made/constructed. Guess what? My $18 Microsoft keyboard is also well made/constructed.

Anyway I did some more searching and found this site:

http://www.neontrim.com/keyboard.html

More specifically read this article: (linked from neontrim)


http://www.virtual-hideout.net/reviews/neontrim_keyboard_el/index.shtml


This article covers the same keyboard I have and it seems fairly straightforward. I have not decided on what color to get yet. I am leaning towards blue though.

What do you guys think? Cool mod or waste of time?

[gryphon]

I like the one with total transparent key's, those "normall" ones converted look like they are going to bite any one who is planning on using them.

Don't think it's a waste of time myself.

[number6]

I like the look of the transparent keys also. I just think the price is a little high. Maybe they will come down in price in the near future. I want to play with my soldering iron anyway   .

[number6]

I thought I would give an update on this mod. I am not very impressed with Neon Trim the company. It has been over a week and my order still has not shipped. I have called the place  four times and the one guy who answers the phone keeps assuring me that I will get an email each day confirming that my order has shipped. I guess I will get the goods eventually. It's sad really. They seem to have a good product, but they run their company very poorly. Never once did the guy apologize for the poor service either.

[number6]

Well I cannot recommend anyone using the products from www.neontrim.com. They don't return calls and they charge your credit card without actually shipping the product.  They also lie to you whenever they don't have an answer. I called 3 days this week and each day they assured me that the product shipped and I would receieve email confirmation. Today I called to cancel my order and magically I see a charge to my account from them.  Stay away from this company at all costs!

[Doc Nyar]

Sorry to hear that buddy

[number6]

It's not that big of a deal. I just wanted to warn others about the dishonest business practices of NeonTrim. I guess I will have to get one of the already lighted keyboards.

[number6]

Well I finally got the product in the mail yesterday. I installed it and must say I am dissapointed with the brightness and that I still can't see the characters on the keys when the monitor darkens. I guess I should have went with the already lighted keyboard for $95. I guess the main reason for this mod kit is bragging rights at LAN parties. Since I don't go to LAN parties I can't brag about my bizzare looking keyboard. It does look different, but not what I wanted. I guess I will be able to see the crumbs collecting in the crevices of my keyboard much better now.

I have already mentioned the poor customer service. I would most defintiteley not recommend anyone getting this mod kit.

[gryphon]

darn .. . when it rains  .. it poors....  

[number6]

Well my keyboard has this light eminating from under the keys. I guess that is something. Oh well, you live and learn.