Backlit keyboard

摘要

A portable computer system includes an illuminated keyboard. The computer system has an enclosure including a base and a cover pivotally attached to the base. The keyboard subassembly is mounted in the base. The keyboard subassembly includes a plurality of key mechanisms mounted on a first side thereof. A light panel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough in a pattern generally corresponding to the plurality of key mechanisms is provided. The light panel is mounted adjacent the first side of the keyboard subassembly with each one of the key mechanisms extending through a respective opening in the light panel. A key cap is mounted on each one of the key mechanisms. In one embodiment, each key cap includes a body formed of a non-opaque material having an opaque character indicia portion formed thereon. Light is transmitted through body such that the character indicia portion may be viewed in low light conditions. The key cap may include a light diffuser to enhance the projection of light from the light panel to the character indicia portion.