Want to change your MSI laptop keyboard colors but can’t figure out how? You’re in the right place. Whether you have an MSI Cyborg, Katana, or any other MSI gaming laptop, adjusting your keyboard lighting is easier than you think.
Most MSI laptops with RGB keyboards can be customized through MSI Center’s Mystic Light or SteelSeries GG software, giving you millions of color options and cool lighting effects. This guide will show you exactly how to make your keyboard light up the way you want.
Understanding Your MSI Keyboard Type
Before you start changing colors, you need to know what kind of keyboard your MSI laptop has. Not all MSI keyboards are the same, and this affects how you can customize them.
RGB vs Single-Color Keyboards
MSI laptops come with three main keyboard types:
RGB Backlight Keyboards let you change colors across the entire keyboard. You can pick from millions of colors, but all keys show the same color at once.
Per-Key RGB Keyboards give you the most control. You can set different colors for each individual key, creating rainbow effects or highlighting specific gaming keys.
Single-Color Keyboards (usually red or white) can’t change colors. If your laptop has this type, you can only turn the backlight on or off.
How to Check Your Keyboard Type?
Here’s the quickest way to find out what keyboard you have:
- Go to MSI’s official website
- Click the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner
- Search for your laptop model (like “GS66” or “Cyborg 15 A13V”)
- Click on “Specification” when you find your model
- Look for the keyboard details
If you see “RGB Backlight Keyboard” or “Per-Key RGB Backlight Keyboard,” you can change colors. If not, your keyboard probably has fixed-color lighting.
How to Change MSI Laptop Keyboard Color?
Now let’s get to the fun part – actually changing those colors! The method depends on which software controls your keyboard.
Method 1: Using MSI Center and Mystic Light
MSI Center is the main control hub for most newer MSI laptops. Here’s how to use it:
- Open MSI Center – Look for the dragon icon in your system tray or search for it in the Start menu
- Click on “Utility” in the left sidebar
- Select “Mystic Light” from the options
- Click on the keyboard icon that appears on screen
Now you can customize your keyboard:
- Choose a preset effect like Rainbow, Breathing, or Wave
- Pick your favorite color from the color wheel
- Adjust the speed of animated effects
- Control brightness with the slider
- Click “Apply” to save your changes
The changes happen instantly, so you can see what looks best in real-time!
Method 2: Using SteelSeries GG
Some MSI laptops use SteelSeries GG (formerly SteelSeries Engine) instead. This software offers even more customization options:
- Look for the SteelSeries icon in your system tray
- Click to open SteelSeries GG
- Find “MSI PER KEY RGB KEYBOARD” in the device list
- Click on it to open settings
SteelSeries GG lets you:
- Create custom lighting profiles
- Set different colors for each key
- Design complex lighting animations
- Sync lighting with games and music
- Save multiple configurations
The live preview feature shows changes instantly on your keyboard as you make them.
MSI Cyborg Keyboard Color Settings
The MSI Cyborg series has become super popular, but there’s important info about their keyboards. Many Cyborg 15 models, including the A13V and A12V versions, come with single-color blue backlighting instead of RGB.
Can You Change MSI Cyborg 15 Keyboard Color?
Unfortunately, most MSI Cyborg 15 laptops have fixed blue LED backlighting. This means:
- You can’t change the color through software
- The keyboard will always be blue when lit
- You can only control brightness and on/off
Some users have asked about the MSI Cyborg 15 A13V change keyboard color options, but the hardware simply doesn’t support it. The blue LEDs can’t produce other colors, no matter what software you use.
Alternative Options for Cyborg Users
If you really want different keyboard colors on your Cyborg:
- Use an external RGB keyboard
- Consider keyboard stickers with transparent letters
- Look into LED keyboard covers (though these can affect typing feel)
Color Keyboard Setting MSI: Advanced Customization
For laptops with full RGB support, you can create amazing lighting effects. Here are some popular setups:
Gaming Profiles
Create different color schemes for different games:
- FPS Games: Highlight WASD keys in red, number keys in blue
- MMO Games: Color-code ability keys by cooldown time
- Racing Games: Make arrow keys stand out in bright green
Productivity Modes
Use colors to boost your work efficiency:
- Highlight F-keys in yellow for quick access
- Make number keys blue for data entry
- Color-code shortcuts you use most often
Custom Effects
Both MSI Center and SteelSeries GG offer these effects:
- Wave: Colors flow across the keyboard
- Breathing: Gentle fade in and out
- Reactive: Keys light up when pressed
- Audio Sync: Colors dance to your music
How to Turn On Keyboard Light MSI Laptop?
Sometimes the keyboard light turns off completely. Here’s how to turn it back on:
Quick Keyboard Shortcuts
Most MSI laptops use these key combinations:
- Fn + Page Up: Increase brightness
- Fn + Page Down: Decrease brightness
- Fn + F10: Toggle keyboard light on/off
If these don’t work, check your F-keys for a keyboard icon with light rays.
Through Windows Settings
You can also control basic lighting through Windows:
- Open Windows Settings
- Go to “Devices”
- Click “Typing”
- Look for keyboard backlight options
In MSI Center
If shortcuts don’t work:
- Open MSI Center
- Go to “Features”
- Find “Keyboard Backlight”
- Toggle it on and adjust brightness
Troubleshooting MSI Keyboard Lighting Control
Having problems with your keyboard lighting? Here are fixes for common issues:
Mystic Light Not Showing in MSI Center
This happens when:
- Your laptop doesn’t support RGB
- Drivers need updating
- MSI Center needs reinstalling
Fix:
- Check your laptop specifications first
- Update MSI Center from the Microsoft Store
- Reinstall graphics and chipset drivers
- Restart your laptop
Colors Not Changing
When settings don’t stick:
- Run MSI Center as administrator
- Close other RGB software (like Razer Synapse)
- Update your BIOS to the latest version
- Check Windows Updates
Keyboard Light Turns Off Randomly
This power-saving issue is fixable:
- Go to Device Manager
- Find your keyboard under “Keyboards”
- Right-click and select “Properties”
- Go to “Power Management” tab
- Uncheck “Allow computer to turn off this device”
Software Conflicts
Different RGB software can fight for control. If you have multiple programs installed:
- Use only one at a time
- Uninstall software you don’t need
- Restart after making changes
Tips for Perfect Keyboard Lighting
Make your keyboard lighting even better with these pro tips:
Save Battery Life
RGB lighting uses power. To extend battery:
- Lower brightness to 50% or less
- Use static colors instead of animations
- Turn off the lighting when on battery
- Set up power profiles in MSI Center
Create the Perfect Gaming Setup
Match your keyboard to your setup:
- Coordinate with your mouse and monitor lighting
- Use team colors for esports
- Dim the lights for late-night gaming
- Bright colors for streaming
Maintain Your Keyboard
Keep your RGB keyboard looking great:
- Clean keys regularly with compressed air
- Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth
- Never use harsh chemicals
- Keep drinks away from your laptop
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my MSI laptop keyboard color if it only has red backlighting?
No, you can’t change the color of single-color LED keyboards. Keyboards with only red LEDs cannot display other colors because the hardware doesn’t support it. These LEDs are physically red and can’t produce blue, green, or any other color through software. Your only options are to control brightness or turn the backlight on/off.
Why can’t I find Mystic Light in MSI Center?
If Mystic Light doesn’t appear in MSI Center, your laptop might not support RGB lighting. First, check your laptop specifications on MSI’s support page to confirm it has an RGB keyboard. If it does support RGB, try updating MSI Center through the Microsoft Store, reinstalling it completely, or checking if your laptop uses SteelSeries GG instead.
Does MSI Cyborg 15 support RGB keyboard lighting?
Most MSI Cyborg 15 models, including the A12V and A13V versions, come with single-color blue backlighting only. They don’t support color changes through software. Some higher-end Cyborg models might have RGB, so check your specific model’s specifications on the MSI website to be sure.
Why won’t my keyboard colors change after setting them in MSI Center?
This usually happens due to software conflicts or permission issues. First, make sure you’re running MSI Center as administrator. Close any other RGB control software like Razer Synapse or Corsair iCUE. If that doesn’t work, try resetting MSI Center settings to default, updating your Windows and BIOS, and checking for driver conflicts.
Can I use SteelSeries GG instead of MSI Center for keyboard control?
It depends on your laptop model. MSI uses either MSI Center or SteelSeries GG – not both. You can check which one your laptop uses by looking at the software downloads for your model. Don’t try to install both, as they’ll conflict with each other.
How do I turn on keyboard light on my MSI laptop if Fn keys don’t work?
If function keys aren’t working, first check if the Fn lock is enabled. You can also turn on the keyboard light through MSI Center by going to Features > Keyboard Backlight. If neither method works, update your keyboard drivers and check BIOS settings for keyboard backlight options.
What’s the difference between RGB and Per-Key RGB keyboards on MSI laptops?
RGB keyboards let you choose any color, but the entire keyboard shows the same color at once. Per-Key RGB keyboards allow you to set different colors for individual keys or zones, creating rainbow effects or highlighting specific keys for gaming. Per-Key RGB offers much more customization but is typically found on higher-end MSI models.
Conclusion
Mastering MSI keyboard color adjustment opens up a world of personalization for your gaming laptop. Whether you’re using MSI Center’s Mystic Light or SteelSeries GG, you now know exactly how to make your keyboard match your style. Remember to check your laptop specifications first to confirm RGB support.
For models like the MSI Cyborg 15 with fixed-color lighting, you can still optimize brightness and explore external RGB options. Keep your drivers updated, avoid software conflicts, and don’t forget to save your favorite color profiles.
With these tips and tricks, your MSI keyboard will look amazing whether you’re gaming, working, or streaming. Time to light up your setup and show off your personalized RGB style!
