The backlit keyboard feature is common in many computers, and Apple Inc. has incorporated it in some of its MacBooks. When you turn on your MacBook, the keyboard’s color is usually white. If you do not like the color of your MacBook’s keyboard, you might be wondering if you can change it to another color.
So, can you change the MacBook keyboard color? The color of the MacBook keyboard cannot be changed as it is built into the design of the laptop. However, there are a few ways to customize the appearance of the keyboard:
- Keyboard covers: You can purchase keyboard covers that come in various colors and designs to give your MacBook keyboard a new look. These covers snap onto the keyboard and are available for different MacBook models.
- Keyboard skins: Keyboard skins are thin, adhesive covers that can be applied to the surface of the MacBook keyboard. They are available in various colors and designs and can be easily removed without leaving any residue.
- Keyboard backlighting: Some MacBook models come with backlit keyboards that allow you to change the brightness of the keyboard backlight. While this does not change the color of the keys, it can provide a different look to the keyboard.
It’s important to note that using third-party keyboard covers or skins may affect the performance of the keyboard, as they can interfere with the keyboard’s sensitivity and responsiveness. It’s best to use accessories that are specifically designed for your MacBook model to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
The backlit keyboard is an important function on a laptop because it helps you see keys when using your device in poorly lit areas. However, some people do not like the default keyboard color selected by Apple Inc. and might want to change it.
When looking for a new laptop, one of the important things you have to check is the device’s display. Some laptops have backlit keyboards, and the color might vary while others do not. If you are using a MacBook with a keyboard that has a color you do not like, you might be wondering if you can change the keyboard color.
You can change your MacBook keyboard color; however, you must do it yourself because Apple does not provide that service. When you buy a MacBook, you might get one with a black keyboard, and if you do not like the black color, you can replace it with a replacement keyboard of a different color.
However, Apple does not sell spare parts to anyone, so you must use a third-party keyboard. You also have to do the replacement on your own, which will void the warranty.
If you decide to change the color on your own, you will have to open your MacBook, remove the white LED light, and replace it with an LED light with the color you want. However, your actions will void your warranty, and Apple will not repair or replace your MacBook even if it was under warranty.
The default color on your MacBook’s keyboard is white, whether the keys are black or white. When you turn on your MacBook, the LED will light up, making the keys have a bright white color, and the keyboard will remain lit until you stop using your device or it runs out of charge.
If you were hoping to buy a MacBook with a different backlit color, you would not find it. The conversation with an Apple genius or any authorized Apple technician regarding changing the color will be short because Apple does not provide that service.
Apple will only replace parts on your MacBook if they are not working properly or they are damaged.
Apple chose to install a white LED light to provide light on your MacBook’s keyboard to make the keys visible. When using your MacBook in a poorly lit room, the white backlight will make all keys on your keyboard visible. However, if Apple had chosen a different color like red or blue, it would be difficult to light up the keys properly.
Other colors like red or blue can also be distracting if you use your MacBook to work. Most manufacturers prefer to install white backlight in work laptops and only install other colors like red or blue on gaming laptops.
If you want to change the color of your MacBook’s keyboard, you must do it yourself. Since Apple does not provide that service and you are determined to change the backlight, you will have to do it yourself or get a third party who can do it.
However, it is important to note that opening your MacBook and performing authorized changes on any part will void your warranty. Apple and Apple-approved third parties are the only ones allowed to open up their devices and perform any changes.
The moment you open your MacBook and remove the white LED light, your warranty will be voided, and Apple will not cover any damage caused to your laptop.
Since you cannot change your MacBook’s keyboard color without voiding your warranty, you can turn it off. Sometimes the backlight can be annoying if you have eyes that are sensitive to bright lights.
Apple allows you to turn on or off the keyboard backlighting to avoid eye discomfort. To turn off the backlighting, press the decrease brightness key until the light is off. If your MacBook model does not have that feature,
- go to the “Control Center”
- click “Keyboard Brightness” and
- then drag the slider off.
You can also adjust the keyboard to have a low light instead of turning it off. Go to “Apple Menu”
- click on “System Preferences”
- click on “Keyboard”
- click on “Keyboard” once again
- select “Adjust keyboard brightness in low light”.
How Do You Change MacBook Keyboard Color?
When you buy an electronic device such as a laptop, sometimes you might not like a certain feature or part. You might want to change that feature or just use it as it is. If you have a MacBook and do not like the keyboard color, here is how you can change it.
The color of the built-in MacBook keyboard cannot be changed but the keyboard can be customized through keyboard covers that can snap on and come in different colors and designs. Aswell as keyboard skins, which are thin, adhesive covers applied to the keyboard surface of the MacBook keyboard, coming in various colors and designs.
Some MacBook models come with backlit keyboards allowing they keyboard backlight brightness to be changed however, this only provides a different look and doesn’t actually change the keyboard color. You can change the led color from the white bright light default option to a colored option, but this would require opening the MacBook up to change the led lights.
If you do not want to void your warranty by opening your MacBook, you can buy a silicone keyboard cover in the color you like and place it over your MacBook’s keyboard.
Apple usually manufactures MacBooks and installs a white keyboard with black markings or a black keyboard with white markings. If you do not like the color of your MacBook’s keyboard, you can change it, but there is a catch.
Apple usually does not sell their genuine Apple spare parts to anyone. Therefore, getting a MacBook keyboard replacement keyboard from Apple will be a very difficult task. You also cannot send your MacBook to Apple or an authorized repair center so that they can replace the keyboard because you do not like the color. The only option is to remove the keyboard by yourself or use a cover.
Warning: Make sure you don’t lose your warranty by opening the MacBook, as any damage to the MacBook will not be covered by AppleCare or AppleCare+. Apple requires that all repairs or replacements on any part of their products should be done by them or an authorized repair center.
Installing third-party parts on a MacBook will also void your warranty, and you cannot have Apple repair your MacBook if the keyboard gets damaged in the future. To avoid losing your warranty, you should use a silicone keyboard cover.
You can buy it in the color you prefer and place it over your MacBook keyboard. That way, you get to use your MacBook with the color you like without voiding your warranty.
Another problem with changing your MacBook keyboard color is causing damage. The MacBook is a tightly designed device, hence most of its delicate electronic parts are close to each other.
Some of the parts are also soldered onto the motherboard, hence one wrong move will cause great damage to your MacBook. If you opt to remove the original keyboard and replace it with a different one, you should only do that if you have the necessary knowledge of MacBook laptops.
If you cause any damage while replacing the original keyboard, you will have to pay certain fees to Apple for the costs of any replacements or repairs caused by your actions.
If your MacBook’s keyboard is damaged, you can take that opportunity to request a replacement keyboard with a different color. When you want to repair your MacBook or any other Apple product, you must book for repair on Apple’s official website.
You can also request for repair through the phone. When you are speaking to an Apple representative, you can ask if it is possible to have the replacement keyboard in a different color. If your keyboard is white and you prefer a black keyboard, you can ask the Apple representative if the replacement keyboard can be black.
How To Change Keyboard Color on MacBook Air?
The MacBook Air is one of the best laptops designed and developed by Apple Inc. under its line of Mac computers. The MacBooks Air’s current model comes with a black keyboard, but some previous models come with either a white or black keyboard. If you have a MacBook Air, but you do not like its keyboard’s color, here is how you can change it.
The color of the built-in MacBook Air keyboard cannot be changed but the keyboard can be customized through keyboard covers and keyboard skins. Keyboard covers snap on to the MacBook Air and are available in different designs and colors. Whilst Keyboard Skins are adhesive skin covers applied to the keyboard surface of the MacBook keyboard, again coming in various colors and designs.
You can also opt to change the color of the backlighting on your MacBook Air, where you can replace the white LED light with a different color LED light. This process requires you to open the MacBook Air, remove the keyboard and locate the LED light. Warning, this can void the warranty.
First you must detach the white LED light from the motherboard and carefully solder on the new different color LED light. Place back the keyboard after confirming the new LED light is working. You must also be careful when removing the original keyboard to avoid damaging other parts.
Apple will only replace your MacBook Air’s keyboard if it is damaged; hence if you try to replace it because you do not like the color, you will not be successful. You will void your warranty if you opt to change your MacBook Air’s keyboard.
Apple will not cover any subsequent damage to your MacBook Air. If you replace your MacBook Air’s keyboard with a third-party keyboard and take it to Apple for repairs, they will not do it because it is not their product. Apple will also advise you to remove the third-party keyboard and install a genuine Apple keyboard so that you can continue using AppleCare or AppleCare+.
MacBook Air models have a backlit feature, making the keyboard a white color. Apple usually installs a white LED light to provide the light. Unlike other computers, especially the ones for gaming, Apple does not provide backlit features in different colors.
If you want your MacBook Air to have a different backlit keyboard color, you have to remove that white LED light and replace it with a different color LED light.
You can place a red, blue, or green LED light to give your MacBook Air’s keyboard a different color. However, you should note that the results might not be good since the MacBook Air’s keyboard is designed to perform well with white LED backlighting.
If you damage your MacBook Air while replacing the original keyboard, you should immediately send it to Apple for repair. Since your actions will have caused the damage, you will have to pay for the fees even if you have AppleCare or AppleCare+.
You can ask an Apple service representative for an estimate before sending your device for repairs. The estimate for repairing a MacBook Air keyboard that is out of warranty is 29 USD, but the figure might rise depending on the extent of the damage to other parts in the laptop.
Finally
When you buy a MacBook, you might get one with a black or a white keyboard. If you do not like the keyboard’s color, you might be looking for ways to replace it with a different keyboard with the color you like.
Since Apple does not replace keyboards because you do not like the color, you will have to either replace the keyboard yourself or use a silicone keyboard cover. If your MacBook has a backlit feature, you can change the LED lighting to one with the color you like.
However, you should note that any authorized repairs or replacement on a MacBook will void the warranty. Therefore, if you want to change the color of your MacBook’s keyboard, you should use a silicone keyboard cover.
