Keyboard backlight too bright - Asus Zenbook S16 / UM5606
Hi,
I have a new Asus Zenbook S16, Model UM5606. Unfortunately, the keyboard backlight is too bright, even on the lowest setting. I have explored several ways now:
- kindly ask Asus for an adjustment - they basically told me to STFU and get lost
It is not possible, they say. Of course.
- tint the keycaps from behind - I have already tried that - it is kind of a last resort
- try to find out, how it is done, look at schematics - this is, where we are at.
- maybe get the BIOS modified somehow? This would be the best option but I do not know a lot about it.
I was not able to find anything about this particular model, but I thought, they might not have reinvented the wheel. I studied internal pictures, teardowns. I came to the conclusion, that there is a separate 4-pin connector on the MB, which leads thick traces to the backlight. As suspected, brightness is regulated by PWM. The source signal might come from some SMC:
Looking at the situation, what would you advise?
- Tint keycaps (tedious, a little risky, meh result) - 4th nicest solution
- put a series resistor between pins 3/4 and the keyboard (maybe 3rd nicest solution, as non reversible modification needed (find and cut traces, put in resistor)
- put a parallel resistor between pins 3/4 and GND (maybe 2nd nicest solution, could be relatively easy, not elegant)
- have somebody help modify the BIOS, if possible - I think, they are signed nowadays - really not much knowledge here
Thanks a lot for reading and considering and best regards,
Pete
I have a new Asus Zenbook S16, Model UM5606. Unfortunately, the keyboard backlight is too bright, even on the lowest setting. I have explored several ways now:
- kindly ask Asus for an adjustment - they basically told me to STFU and get lost
It is not possible, they say. Of course.- tint the keycaps from behind - I have already tried that - it is kind of a last resort
- try to find out, how it is done, look at schematics - this is, where we are at.
- maybe get the BIOS modified somehow? This would be the best option but I do not know a lot about it.
I was not able to find anything about this particular model, but I thought, they might not have reinvented the wheel. I studied internal pictures, teardowns. I came to the conclusion, that there is a separate 4-pin connector on the MB, which leads thick traces to the backlight. As suspected, brightness is regulated by PWM. The source signal might come from some SMC:
Looking at the situation, what would you advise?
- Tint keycaps (tedious, a little risky, meh result) - 4th nicest solution
- put a series resistor between pins 3/4 and the keyboard (maybe 3rd nicest solution, as non reversible modification needed (find and cut traces, put in resistor)
- put a parallel resistor between pins 3/4 and GND (maybe 2nd nicest solution, could be relatively easy, not elegant)
- have somebody help modify the BIOS, if possible - I think, they are signed nowadays - really not much knowledge here
Thanks a lot for reading and considering and best regards,
Pete