Retrofit Backlit Keyboard on Aluminum Macbook

[freeman727]

I found the part for the top case and backlit keyboard. Is it a relatively simple to install the keyboard? Will it work without software mods?

[SteveMobs]

Interesting, but I think there is a certain software difference because the 2.4 MB has the f5 and f6 keys that are used to adjust the brightness.

Otherwise how would you change the brightness? And what about running the power to it?

Not sure though, keep us updated.

Oh and how much does it all cost?

[VPrime]

Interesting, but I think there is a certain software difference because the 2.4 MB has the f5 and f6 keys that are used to adjust the brightness.

Otherwise how would you change the brightness? And what about running the power to it?

Not sure though, keep us updated.

Oh and how much does it all cost?
For softaware you cam get the files off a 2.4 macbook, there is also a program to manually controll the back lit keyboard (cant remember the name) so that may work too.

For power, I think it doesnt need any extra power. I assume you just plug the keyboard into the proper connector on the logic board and it supplies power to the LEDs as well.

[petermcphee]

This should be an interesting thread to watch. I know that there are a few 2.0 aluminum MB owners out there that are interested in this topic.

To the OP: if you do decide to pursue this mod, please keep us updated with pictures, costs, etc. Thanks!

[NT1440]

For softaware you cam get the files off a 2.4 macbook, there is also a program to manually controll the back lit keyboard (cant remember the name) so that may work too.

For power, I think it doesnt need any extra power. I assume you just plug the keyboard into the proper connector on the logic board and it supplies power to the LEDs as well.
That would be it. Apple isnt going to design a whole different board just to NOT support the keyboard. Its more cost effective to just make one board, and then just not use a backlit keyboard for that model rather than go through all the extra effort.

[John585]

would you have to replace just the keyboard or the logic board? Aren't the leds on the logic board?

[NT1440]

would you have to replace just the keyboard or the logic board? Aren't the leds the logic board?

The 2.0 and 2.4 have identical logic boards, itd be terrible business sense NOT to have the same ones. The only difference is one ships with a backlit keyboard (the lights are built in I beleive) and on ships with a standard keyboard.

So its a matter of getting ahold of the backlit keyboard, installing it physically, then making sure software wise everything works.

[johndatserakis]

that's awesome that you got the top case, can I ask where you got it?

Also, like a month ago there was a thread somewhere in a German forum where a guy did this exact procedure. I'm pretty sure you just got to hook it up to the logic board or something. If you could find it you'd be all set. I want to do it myself, so make sure to update with pictures.

[John585]

http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacBook-Unibody-Upper-Case-Backlit/IF160-001

Anyone know where to get just the keyboard? Would a macbook air keyboard work in the new macbooks?

[crazyxzer0]

there was a german site that actually swapped the backlit onto the 2.0. I don't remember where it is but I remember it was on here somewhere.

[freeman727]

The part number is 661-4944. It can be had for $150 off of Ebay. My biggest question is how hard is it to take the whole computer apart and reassemble the new top case and keyboard.

[oscillatewildly]

So is it another USD 150 to get a slightly faster cpu, bit more HD space and the keyboard already set up and ready to go? I suppose you get to keep the non-backlit keyboard.

[johndatserakis]

Here I found the German post.

http://translate.google.com/translat...&sl=auto&tl=en

If i could find a macbook aluminum 2.4 top case for cheap I would definitely try this.

[SteveMobs]

Well keep us posted. I'm sure this changes the debate over the 2.0 and 2.4, now that you could possibly add just the keyboard for $150.

[John585]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a7H_VWgd8k&feature=channel_page

If anyone is interested.

[NT1440]

Here I found the German post.

http://translate.google.com/translat...&sl=auto&tl=en

If i could find a macbook aluminum 2.4 top case for cheap I would definitely try this.
:(404'ed

[johndatserakis]

how about this

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macuser.de%2Fforum%2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D414291&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=auto&tl=en

[BairdB14]

Yes it will work. No additional software is required. I've done it myself. I also replaced the top case on my old plastic Macbook with the one on the black model. The function keys act as they are labelled so if your brightness keys were F1 and F2, they become F5 and F6. It takes about 10 minutes to disassemble the computer to do it and does require some technical knowledge.

[John01021988]

Yes it will work. No additional software is required. I've done it myself. I also replaced the top case on my old plastic Macbook with the one on the black model. The function keys act as they are labelled so if your brightness keys were F1 and F2, they become F5 and F6. It takes about 10 minutes to disassemble the computer to do it and does require some technical knowledge.

So something like "plug and play"?

[alphaod]

It's just a keyboard you plug; no additional stuff needed.

Anyways, I find this quite pointless; why bother spending $150 and void you warranty at the same time? Plus you have to disassemble the whole computer.

Just buy the 2.4 model refurbished; it'll only be like $100 more than a new 2.0 model.

[hockeyplyr591]

i just did this mod last night, and it works perfectly. just swapped everything out into the new upper case. the only difference between the backlit and non backlit keyboards (installation wise) is an extra plug for the lights, which plugs into the logic board right next to the actual keyboard slot. i was able to do the whole changeout within a half hour. any questions, feel free to pm me

[acfusion29]

i just did this mod last night, and it works perfectly. just swapped everything out into the new upper case. the only difference between the backlit and non backlit keyboards (installation wise) is an extra plug for the lights, which plugs into the logic board right next to the actual keyboard slot. i was able to do the whole changeout within a half hour. any questions, feel free to pm me

You should have taken some pictures.

[hockeyplyr591]

You should have taken some pictures.

i know i know :( right after i finished i realzed that... but all i did was found a tutorial on how to disassemble it and then put everything back in the same way in the new upper case. being the noob that i am, it was pretty easy to change out, and i am very happy with it :D

[aznguyen316]

yeah pics woulda been sweet. so the F5/F6 work? I didn't pay attention did you change out keyboard too? Anyway, saved yourself $300 bucks didn't ya =)

[Genocyde]

Can you post the link to the tutorial that you used to remove your top case?

[hmai18]

Anyways, I find this quite pointless; why bother spending $150 and void you warranty at the same time? Plus you have to disassemble the whole computer.

Just buy the 2.4 model refurbished; it'll only be like $100 more than a new 2.0 model.

FTW.

[aznguyen316]

FTW.

ooh it voids warranty? Yeah word up then.

[hockeyplyr591]

yeah pics woulda been sweet. so the F5/F6 work? I didn't pay attention did you change out keyboard too? Anyway, saved yourself $300 bucks didn't ya =)

yep the f5/f6 keys work perfectly, just like theyre supposed to... and no i didnt have to change the keyboard, i got the entire upper case assembly. ive had it for a couple months now and have absolutely no complaints

[J&JPolangin]

...IMHO backlighted keys are a waste of time, learn to type so you don't kill your battery in the process...

[ddeadserious]

...IMHO backlighted keys are a waste of time, learn to type so you don't kill your battery in the process...
Because LED's draw SOOOO much power....

[HLdan]

Because LED's draw SOOOO much power....

The keyboard is not even lit by LED's, it's a fiber optic keyboard which uses even less power. I dunno, this is not against the OP per say but it just trips me out how cheap people are when it comes to debating between the 2.0 and 2.4 Macbook. Yes, someone can pay for a top case and put a backlit keyboard on the 2.0 but if you're paying $150 for it AND your voiding your warranty for this nonsense then for another $150 you can easily get a faster processor, bigger HDD, backlit keyboard with a 1 year warranty. Some people think they are so smart on here about modifying their factory built Mac but is it really worth it to void the warranty in the process?

Now, after the warranty is over, I'm all for doing whatever you want but when you can buy the whole shabang for only $300 more without hassle then people need to stop being so cheap, just my take.