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How to Turn On Keyboard Light on Asus ROG Strix Laptops

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How to Turn On Keyboard Light on Asus ROG Strix Laptops

Enabling the keyboard backlight on your Asus ROG Strix laptop can significantly improve your typing experience, especially in low-light environments. The keyboard lighting not only enhances visibility but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your gaming setup. This guide will walk you through the process of turning on and customizing the keyboard light on your Asus ROG Strix laptop, ensuring you get the most out of its RGB features.

What You’ll Need

  • An Asus ROG Strix laptop with a built-in RGB or backlit keyboard
  • Windows operating system installed and updated
  • Asus Armoury Crate software installed (optional but recommended for advanced customization)

Step-by-Step

  1. Locate the Keyboard Backlight Key: On most Asus ROG Strix laptops, the keyboard backlight can be toggled using a specific function key. Typically, this is the Fn key combined with the F4 key (sometimes F3 or F9, depending on your model). Look for a key with a keyboard icon or a light symbol.
  2. Press the Keyboard Backlight Shortcut: Hold down the Fn key and press the backlight function key once. This should turn on the keyboard light. Pressing it multiple times will cycle through different brightness levels or lighting modes.
  3. Use Armoury Crate for Advanced Control: If your laptop supports RGB customization, open the Asus Armoury Crate software. If it is not installed, download it from the official Asus website or Microsoft Store.
    • Launch Armoury Crate.
    • Navigate to the “Device” or “Aura Sync” section.
    • Find the keyboard lighting settings.
    • Adjust the lighting color, effects, brightness, and speed to your preference.
    • Apply the changes to see the effect on your keyboard.
  4. Adjust Brightness Using Windows Mobility Center: Some Asus ROG Strix models allow keyboard brightness control via Windows Mobility Center.
    • Press Win + X and select “Mobility Center.”
    • Look for the “Keyboard Brightness” slider and adjust accordingly.
  5. Check BIOS Settings: If the keyboard backlight does not turn on, reboot your laptop and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2 or Del at startup).
    • Navigate to the “Advanced” or “Onboard Device Configuration” tab.
    • Ensure the keyboard backlight is enabled.
    • Save and exit BIOS.
  6. Update Keyboard and System Drivers: Outdated drivers can prevent keyboard lighting from functioning properly.
    • Go to Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting “Device Manager.”
    • Expand “Keyboards” and “Human Interface Devices.”
    • Right-click your keyboard device and select “Update driver.”
    • Also, check Asus’s official website for the latest driver and Armoury Crate updates.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the Wrong Key Combination: Different Asus ROG Strix models may use different function keys to toggle the keyboard light. Always check your model’s manual or the key icon.
  • Ignoring the Fn Lock: Some laptops have an Fn Lock key that reverses the function key behavior. If your function keys don’t work as expected, check if Fn Lock is enabled and toggle it.
  • Not Installing Armoury Crate: For full RGB control, Armoury Crate is essential. Without it, you may only toggle basic backlight settings.
  • Overlooking BIOS Settings: Keyboard backlight can be disabled in BIOS. If the light isn’t turning on, this is a critical step to verify.
  • Assuming All Models Have RGB: Some entry-level or older ROG Strix models may have white backlighting only or no backlight at all.

Tips

  • Customize Lighting Profiles: Use Armoury Crate to create different lighting profiles for gaming, work, or low-power modes.
  • Set Lighting Sync: If you have other Asus Aura Sync-compatible devices, synchronize the lighting effects for a cohesive setup.
  • Use Dark Mode to Reduce Eye Strain: Combining keyboard lighting with dark mode in Windows can reduce eye fatigue during nighttime use.
  • Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly update your system drivers and Armoury Crate to avoid compatibility issues with lighting controls.
  • Explore Aura Creator: For advanced users, Asus’s Aura Creator software allows custom lighting animations and effects beyond the default Armoury Crate options.
  • Power Saving Considerations: Keyboard backlighting consumes battery power. Disable or dim lighting when unplugged to extend battery life.

Troubleshooting

If your keyboard light does not turn on as expected, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Confirm Your Model Supports Keyboard Lighting: Verify your specific Asus ROG Strix laptop model has a backlit keyboard. Check the product specifications on Asus’s official website.
  2. Test Function Key Combinations: Try all common key combinations such as Fn + F4, Fn + F3, or Fn + F9. Also, check if the Fn Lock key is toggled.
  3. Restart Your Laptop: A simple reboot can resolve minor software glitches affecting the keyboard lighting.
  4. Update or Reinstall Armoury Crate: Uninstall Armoury Crate completely, then download and install the latest version from Asus’s official source.
  5. Update Keyboard and System Drivers: Use Device Manager or Asus support downloads to ensure your keyboard drivers are current.
  6. Check BIOS Settings: Enter BIOS and confirm the keyboard backlight is enabled. Sometimes BIOS updates can reset these settings.
  7. Reset BIOS to Defaults: If you suspect misconfiguration, reset BIOS to factory defaults and check keyboard lighting again.
  8. Run Hardware Diagnostics: Use Asus’s built-in diagnostic tools or Windows Memory Diagnostic to rule out hardware issues.
  9. Contact Asus Support: If all else fails, reach out to Asus customer service for assistance or potential hardware repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Asus ROG Strix laptop has a backlit keyboard?
Check the official specifications on Asus’s website or your laptop’s user manual. Most ROG Strix models have at least white backlighting; RGB lighting is common on higher-end versions.
Can I customize the keyboard lighting colors?
Yes, if your model supports RGB lighting, you can customize colors and effects using Asus Armoury Crate software.
Why doesn’t my keyboard light respond to the Fn + F4 shortcut?
Ensure the Fn Lock key is not enabled, try other function keys, update your drivers, or check Armoury Crate settings. Some models may use different keys.
Does keyboard lighting affect battery life?
Yes, keyboard lighting uses additional power. Dimming or turning off the light when on battery can help extend battery life.
Can I have the keyboard light always on when the laptop is off or sleeping?
No, keyboard lighting requires the system to be powered on. It will turn off when the laptop sleeps or shuts down.
What should I do if the keyboard light flickers or behaves erratically?
Update your keyboard drivers and Armoury Crate software, check for BIOS updates, and ensure no conflicting software is controlling lighting.

By following these steps and tips, you can easily turn on and customize the keyboard lighting on your Asus ROG Strix laptop, enhancing both usability and gaming flair. Whether you prefer subtle white backlighting or vibrant RGB effects, this guide covers the essentials to get your keyboard glowing just the way you want.

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How to Turn On Keyboard Light on Asus ROG Strix Laptops
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