# \[Solved\] Asus keyboard backlight **URL:** \ **Category:** Laptops\ **Created:** [March 18, 2025, 10:03am UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193 "2025-03-18T10:03:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/horvjoe)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 10:03am UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/1 "2025-03-18T10:03:10Z")
On my laptop I have keyboard light. I am not able to adjust it because I turned off Powarrmanagement. I cant turn it on or turn it off. How is it possible to make it work? ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 10:42am UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/2 "2025-03-18T10:42:32Z")
I don’t have an answer, but I can say it’s not related to power management. Maybe someone else has more experience with keyboard backlighting. ---
**Author:** ![horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/horvjoe)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 2:53pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/3 "2025-03-18T14:53:38Z")
If the PM works (has a tick at the autostart gui) I can turn my keyboard backlights on with FN+UP or DOWN. If the PM doesnt work (no tick at the autostart), than I am not able to turn it on. ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 4:00pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/4 "2025-03-18T16:00:52Z")
### **Check if Your Function Keys Work Without a Power Manager** Follow these steps to test if your **Fn+Up / Fn+Down** keys work for keyboard backlight without using a Power Manager. * * * ### **1️⃣ Start the ACPID Service** ACPID listens for special key events (like Fn keys). First, start it manually: ```bash sudo systemctl start acpid ``` Then, enable it so it runs automatically on startup: ```bash sudo systemctl enable acpid ``` * * * ### **2️⃣ Test If ACPID Detects Key Presses** Run this command: ```bash acpi_listen ``` Now, press **Fn+Up** and **Fn+Down** on your keyboard. - If you **see output** , your function keys are recognized, and we can create a custom action. - If there is **no output** , your keyboard backlight might be controlled by another system process. Let me know what happens! 🚀 🐦 ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 4:06pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/5 "2025-03-18T16:06:04Z")
Maybe you can leave `PM ON` and see if all other stuff are still working. ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 4:19pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/6 "2025-03-18T16:19:12Z")
Try this too To turn on keyboard LED backlighting. ```auto xset led on ``` and to turn off keyboard backlighting LEDs: ```auto xset led off ``` Does this do something? 🐦 ---
**Author:** ![horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/horvjoe)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 6:39pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/7 "2025-03-18T18:39:58Z")
I know I am a problem child… ```auto sudo systemctl status acpid ``` ```auto ● acpid.service - ACPI event daemon Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/acpid.service; enabled; preset: di> Active: active (running) since Tue 2025-03-18 19:20:55 CET; 15min ago Invocation: 654035f1359e414cb541022d8dbab784 Docs: man:acpid(8) Main PID: 551 (acpid) Tasks: 1 (limit: 38300) Memory: 388K (peak: 2.4M) CPU: 8.975s CGroup: /system.slice/acpid.service └─551 /usr/bin/acpid --foreground --netlink márc 18 19:35:48 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8392]: ACPI action undefined: ACPI0003:00 márc 18 19:35:50 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8395]: ACPI action undefined: PNP0C0A:03 márc 18 19:35:50 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8397]: ACPI action undefined: ACPI0003:00 márc 18 19:35:51 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8399]: ACPI action undefined: PNP0C0A:03 márc 18 19:35:51 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8401]: ACPI action undefined: ACPI0003:00 márc 18 19:35:54 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8427]: ACPI action undefined: ACPI0003:00 márc 18 19:35:56 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8444]: ACPI action undefined: PNP0C0A:03 márc 18 19:35:57 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8459]: ACPI action undefined: PNP0C0A:03 márc 18 19:35:57 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8461]: ACPI action undefined: ACPI0003:00 márc 18 19:35:59 joe-Asusgx502gw root[8465]: ACPI action undefined: ACPI0003:00 ``` ```auto acpi_listen ``` ```auto button/kbdillumup KBILLUMUP 00000080 00000000 K button/kbdillumup KBILLUMUP 00000080 00000000 K button/kbdillumdown KBILLUMDOWN 00000080 00000000 K button/kbdillumdown KBILLUMDOWN 00000080 00000000 K ``` xset wont do anything. ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 7:09pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/8 "2025-03-18T19:09:26Z")
You could try enabling the power manager and adjusting its settings in the GUI as needed. This way, you can check if blanking, locking, and lid close behavior work fine with the power manager enabled. In the README, I mention disabling or uninstalling `xfce4-power-manager`, but it might not be a big issue after all. So, it’s worth testing if things run smoothly with it enabled. 🐦 ---
**Author:** ![M0nst3r](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/m0nst3r/32/1669_2.png) [@M0nst3r](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/M0nst3r)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/9 "2025-03-18T19:17:25Z")
This [Arch wiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Keyboard_backlight) is quite relevant and might help. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/horvjoe)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 10:57am UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/10 "2025-03-19T10:57:06Z")
I read through Arch wiki, and tried a search on Manjaro forum. As far as I understood its hardware specific and should install _xev_ (from [xorg-xev](https://archlinux.org/packages/?name=xorg-xev)) or [wev](https://archlinux.org/packages/?name=wev). But first I will try turn on (on the gui) PM. I will make a check. I will go through on readme.Write soon. ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2025, 11:51am UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/11 "2025-03-19T11:51:25Z")
### I forgot to give reaction on this output. The output below shows that there is a response from `acpid` when pressing the `Fn` key with the brightness up/down keys: ```auto button/kbdillumup KBILLUMUP 00000080 00000000 K button/kbdillumup KBILLUMUP 00000080 00000000 K button/kbdillumdown KBILLUMDOWN 00000080 00000000 K button/kbdillumdown KBILLUMDOWN 00000080 00000000 K ``` This means the system recognizes the key presses, but the brightness might not be changing as expected. For hardware-specific issues like this, it’s best to search for solutions on the **Arch Wiki** or **Manjaro Forum** , as it covers a wider range of hardware compatibility topics. The **Mabox Forum** mainly focuses on Mabox-specific issues. However, we’re happy to help and will try to point you in the right direction first! 🐦 ---
**Author:** ![horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/horvjoe)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2025, 10:01am UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/12 "2025-03-20T10:01:12Z")
1. I have edited my yesterday post. Please read. 2. I tried to enable PM from the GUI. I can adjust the keyboard light - but screen lock doesn’t work (None of the screenlocker is running). 3. I cant find the Readme doc. I searched in the manual. Getting started. I found many things but they are none related with the PM. Can you show me this part? 4. I think I should turn off PM GUI, and if you can help me find the way. ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2025, 7:30pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/13 "2025-03-20T19:30:17Z")
### To get detailed information about your laptop’s keyboard, including backlight support, you can use the following shell commands: ### 1. Get General Laptop Information ```bash sudo dmidecode -t system ``` ### 2. Get Keyboard Device Information ```bash sudo libinput list-devices | grep -i keyboard ``` ### 3. Check Available LED Devices (Including Keyboard Backlight) ```bash ls /sys/class/leds/ ``` ### 4. Identify the Keyboard Backlight Vendor ```bash brightnessctl --list | grep kbd ``` 🐦 ---
**Author:** ![horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/horvjoe)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 3:57pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/14 "2025-03-21T15:57:28Z")
Answers: 1. Get General Laptop Information ```auto # dmidecode 3.6 Getting SMBIOS data from sysfs. SMBIOS 3.2.1 present. Handle 0x0001, DMI type 1, 27 bytes System Information Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Product Name: Zephyrus S GX502GW_GX502GW Version: 1.0 Serial Number: K7NRCV013100270 UUID: 43a1b0b5-4511-ae4a-8e6e-d506aa3506e1 Wake-up Type: Power Switch SKU Number: Family: Zephyrus S Handle 0x0007, DMI type 32, 20 bytes System Boot Information Status: No errors detected Handle 0x002C, DMI type 12, 5 bytes System Configuration Options Option 1: SMI:00B26C Option 2: DSN: Option 3: DSN: Option 4: DSN: ``` 1. Get Keyboard Device Information ```auto Capabilities: keyboard Capabilities: keyboard Capabilities: keyboard Capabilities: keyboard Capabilities: keyboard Capabilities: keyboard Device: Asus Keyboard Capabilities: keyboard Device: Asus Keyboard Capabilities: keyboard Device: Asus Keyboard Capabilities: keyboard pointer Capabilities: keyboard Capabilities: keyboard pointer Capabilities: keyboard Capabilities: keyboard Device: AT Translated Set 2 keyboard Capabilities: keyboard ``` 1. Check Available LED Devices (Including Keyboard Backlight) ```auto asus::kbd_backlight input19::capslock input4::scrolllock asus-wireless::airplane input19::compose input9::capslock input18::capslock input19::kana input9::compose input18::compose input19::numlock input9::kana input18::kana input19::scrolllock input9::numlock input18::numlock input4::capslock input9::scrolllock input18::scrolllock input4::numlock phy0-led ``` 1. Identify the Keyboard Backlight Vendor ```auto bash: brightnessctl: command not found ``` 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 4:29pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/15 "2025-03-21T16:29:05Z")
Thanks for the outputs. just one more > [@horvjoe](#): > > 1. Identify the Keyboard Backlight Vendor > > ```auto > bash: brightnessctl: command not found > > ``` Install ```auto sudo pacman -S brightnessctl ``` and do again ```auto brightnessctl --list | grep kbd ``` 🐦 ---
**Author:** ![horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/horvjoe)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 4:57pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/16 "2025-03-21T16:57:07Z")
4.Identify the Keyboard Backlight Vendor ```auto Device 'asus::kbd_backlight' of class 'leds': ``` Thank you 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 5:26pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/17 "2025-03-21T17:26:29Z")
Try first if this works Increase brightness: ```auto brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set +10% ``` Decrease brightness: ```auto brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set 10%- ``` Set a specific level (e.g., 50%): ```auto brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set 50% ``` Does this do something? 🐦 ---
**Author:** ![horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/horvjoe)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 5:44pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/18 "2025-03-21T17:44:16Z")
Yes - all of these works. 🙂 ```auto brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set +10% ``` ```auto Updated device 'asus::kbd_backlight': Device 'asus::kbd_backlight' of class 'leds': Current brightness: 2 (67%) Max brightness: 3 ``` ```auto brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set 10%- ``` ```auto Updated device 'asus::kbd_backlight': Device 'asus::kbd_backlight' of class 'leds': Current brightness: 0 (0%) Max brightness: 3 ``` ```auto brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set 50% ``` ```auto Updated device 'asus::kbd_backlight': Device 'asus::kbd_backlight' of class 'leds': Current brightness: 2 (67%) Max brightness: 3 ``` ---
**Author:** ![muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/user_avatar/forum.maboxlinux.org/muzqs/32/3702_2.png) [@muzqs](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/muzqs)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 5:48pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/19 "2025-03-21T17:48:53Z")
### That is good news. How to add keybindings and command to rc.xml. #### Checking Key Codes for Brightness Control and Adding Keybindings in Openbox ##### 1. Install `xev` (if not already installed) Run the following command to install `xev`: ```auto sudo pacman -S xorg-xev ``` ##### 2. Run `xev` to Find Key Codes Start `xev`: ```auto xev ``` > A small white window will open. > Press the brightness control keys (e.g., brightness up/down). > In the terminal, you’ll see output showing the keycode and keysym for each key press. > Take note of the keysyms, such as `XF86KbdBrightnessUp` and `XF86KbdBrightnessDown`. ##### 3. Edit Openbox Keybindings Open the Openbox configuration file: ```auto geany ~/.config/openbox/rc.xml ``` Add the following keybindings for brightness control inside the `` section: ```auto brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set +10% brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set 10%- ``` ##### 4. Save and Reload Openbox After saving your changes, reload Openbox to apply them: ```auto openbox --reconfigure ``` You should now be able to control the keyboard backlight using the assigned keys. 🐦 ---
**Author:** ![horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@horvjoe](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/u/horvjoe)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2025, 6:10pm UTC](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193/20 "2025-03-21T18:10:16Z")
> [@muzqs](#): > > ```auto > > > brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set +10% > > > > > brightnessctl --device='asus::kbd_backlight' set 10%- > > > > ``` Yesss!! Its working. 🙂 Thank you. ps.: I havent found the Readme to uninstall PM GUI. And have audio problem, but its another topic. [Next page](https://forum.maboxlinux.org/t/solved-asus-keyboard-backlight/2193.md?page=2)