Computer keyboard backlighting

Abstract

Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material or light-emitting chemical cells and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the actuation portion of a keyswitch or the space in which the actuation portion slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the actuation portion or actuation path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the keyswitch. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the housing plate over the light-radiant panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent. This way, the light from the light-emitting panels radiates upward through, and preferably around the outer surface of, the translucent keycaps, rather than up through an aperture or lightpipe in the center of the keycaps.