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How Do I Change the Colors on a G15 Keyboard?

The original G15 gaming keyboard was designed by Logitech in 2005. This premium backlit keyboard glowed blue from internal LEDs and featured a flip-up LCD screen that displayed CPU usage and in-game statistics. With 18 programmable keys and three function settings, users could program up to 54 unique keystrokes. Two years later, Logitech launched the G15v2, a sleeker version of the G15 with streamlined features, a distinctive red-amber backlight and an embedded, backlit LCD screen. Despite their versatility, neither keyboard features a way to change the backlight or LCD colors; this must be done manually.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
4-inch by 4-inch lighting gel
Black marker
Scissors
Precision screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Tweezers
Solder gun
Desolder tape
12 rectangular LEDs, 3mm 5000 mcd
Solder

Instructions

Changing the LCD
- 1
  Select lighting gel in the color of your choice for the LCD screen.
- 2
  Measure the interior dimensions of your G15v1 or G15v2 LCD screen. Example: 3-inches by 1 ½-inches.
- 3
  Mark the dimensions twice on the lighting gel with the marker.
- 4
  Cut out the two rectangles.
- 5
  Tap both pieces of lighting gel onto the LCD screen, one on top of the other. Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles. Do not use adhesive. Static will hold the gels in place.
Changing the LED Backlights
- 6
  Flip the keyboard over and remove all small screws. As you remove any pieces during this process, organize them carefully for ease in reassembly.
- 7
  Pry the back cover up roughly ½ inch.
- 8
  Remove the brown bar from the bronze ribbon cable seat. The cable seat is beneath the LCD.
- 9
  Lift up the back cover. Be careful of the bronze ribbon.
- 10
  Unscrew the LCD hinge assembly. Lift the assembly and unscrew the LCD hinge bar. Pinch the white retaining pins found here to release and remove them. This will free the entire LCD and the bronze ribbon. Remove them both.
- 11
  Remove the two screws underneath the volume knob and one solitary screw to the right of the knob. Unscrew and remove all screws from the entire perimeter of the keyboard.
- 12
  Unplug all cables. Grasp the white plug at the end each cable with the tweezers and firmly tug upward.
- 13
  Remove the screw holding down the gray bar on the left side and pull out the large gray knob. It will resist somewhat but only pull directly upward.
- 14
  Peel away the plastic button pad.
- 15
  Unplug the cables that have been revealed. The cable on the farthest left can remain.
- 16
  Pry off the four retaining clips, two on each side of the enclosure, with the flathead screwdriver.
- 17
  Desolder the 11 LED lights with the soldering gun and desoldering tape. Heat the solder at the base of each LED then press the tape to the hot solder to lift away.
- 18
  Solder a new LED light in the color of your choice in each place where an LED was removed.
- 19
  Follow Steps 1 through 11 in reverse to reassemble the keyboard.

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