How to change the color of the letters and backlights on the keyboard Xiaomi: all the ways for different models

Xiaomi keyboards – especially models with RGB-So, lights and interchangeable caps are no longer just input devices, they're part of an ecosystem where design and functionality are intertwined, but what if the standard color of letters or backlights doesn't fit into your style? Or if the characters on the keys are erased, and you do not want to buy a new keyboard?

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the color of letters and backlights on Xiaomi keyboards – from budget membrane models to premium mechanical with programmable hardware. RGB-You'll learn how to do this through proprietary software, third-party utilities, or even physical replacements, and we'll also tell you which Xiaomi models support dynamic color change without flashing, and why some keyboards don't have that option at all.

Important: not all methods are universal. for example, Xiaomi Mi Gaming Keyboard with the RGB-The backlight is customized through the app, and the Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard may not have this feature at all. So first determine the exact model of your keyboard - this will save time and nerves.

1.What Xiaomi keyboards support color change letters and backlights

Not all Xiaomi keyboards allow you to change the color of the backlight or keyboards, and here are the key categories of devices where possible:

• 🎮 The game keyboards (Mi Gaming Keyboard, Redmi Gaming Keyboard) support the game. RGB-lighting.
• 💡 Mechanical Keyboards (Xiaomi Mechanical Keyboard, Yuemi Mechanical Keyboard) – often have removable caps or programmable backlights.
• 📱 Keyboards for tablets (Xiaomi Pad Keyboard) - usually without backlighting, but with the possibility of replacing caps.
• ⚠️ Budget membrane models (Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard, Mi Compact Keyboard) – as a rule, do not have customizable backlighting.

If your keyboard doesn't fall into the first three categories, you probably won't be able to change the color of the letters or the backlights, so you'll just have to physically replace the caps or use stickers, which we'll talk about in one of the next sections.

To know exactly what your model is capable of, check its specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the documentation. Pay attention to the items “Backlight” and “Customizable Keys”.

2. change the color of the illumination through the proprietary application (for RGB-model)

If your keyboard supports RGB-Backlighting (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Gaming Keyboard or Redmi Gaming Keyboard) K600), The easiest way to change color is to use the official Mi Keyboard Master app (formerly Mi Gaming Center), which is available for Windows and partly for macOS.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download and install the Mi Keyboard Master from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Connect the keyboard to the PC through USB Bluetooth (depending on the model).
3. Launch the app and select your keyboard in the list of devices.
4. Go to the Lighting Effects tab.
5. Select one of the pre-set modes: 🌈 Rainbow – smooth transfusion of all colors. 🔥 Breathing – pulsating light of one color. 🎯 Static – a fixed color for all keys. 🎶 Music Mode – Lighting responds to sound (requires microphone).

Adjust the speed, brightness and color palette with sliders.

Apply

If the app doesn’t see the keyboard, try:

• 🔌 Reconnect the device to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Update the keyboard firmware through the same application (Firmware Update tab).
• 🛠️ Install drivers manually (you can download on the Xiaomi website).

Install the Mi Keyboard Master|

Connect the keyboard to USB|

Update the firmware of the device|

Check the compatibility of the model-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Gaming Keyboard first revisions) require power saving switching off USB In Windows settings, otherwise the backlight may flash or turn off. To fix this, go to Device Manager. → Controllers USB → The properties of your hub → Power management and uncheck the box with "Allow disconnection of this device to save energy».

3. adjusting the backlight through MIUI (for keyboards connected to a smartphone)

If you use the Xiaomi keyboard with a smartphone or tablet on MIUI (For example, Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard, some of the backlight settings can be accessed directly on the system:

• 📱 Bluetooth keyboards usually don’t have customizable backlighting – only on/off.
• 🖥️ Tablet keyboards (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Keyboard) can support color change through Settings → Connected devices → [Keyboard name] → Lighting settings.
• 🎮 Keyboard game controllers (such as the Xiaomi Game Controller Keyboard) sometimes have a separate application to customize.

Instructions for MIUI 14+:

1. Connect the keyboard to the device via Bluetooth.
2. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Press the badge. ⚙️ next to the name of your keyboard.
4. If you have a Lighting or Keyboard Settings tab, go to it.
5. Choose a color from the palette or enable dynamic effects.

If there is no point for backlighting in the settings, then your model does not support this function at the level of the lighting. MIUI. In this case, it remains only to use third-party applications (about them in the next section) or physically replace the caps.

Third-party programs for illumination control

If Xiaomi’s proprietary software is not suitable (for example, it does not support your model or works unstable), you can use universal utilities to manage it. RGB-Here's the most checked out lights:

Before installing third-party software, consider:

• ⚠️ Some programs require administrator rights and may conflict with antivirus software.
• 🔧 To work correctly, you may need to disable Xiaomi proprietary software (for example, Mi Keyboard Master).
• 📥 Update the keyboard firmware before using third-party utilities – this will reduce the risk of errors.

Example of settings in OpenRGB:

1. Download and install the program from the official website.
2. Connect the keyboard and start OpenRGB.
3. In the main window, select your keyboard (it should be determined automatically).
4. Go to the Modes tab and select the effect (like Direct for manual color setting).
5. Set the color for each zone or key separately.
6. Save your profile through File → Save Profile.

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If the keyboard is not defined in OpenRGB, try manually specifying its model in the program settings. → Devices and select Xiaomi Mi Gaming Keyboard (or similar) from the list of supported devices.

5. Physical replacement of caps or key stickers

If your keyboard does not support software color change (such as the Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard or Mi Compact Keyboard), only a physical change remains:

• 🎨 Replaceable caps – you can buy a set with a different color of characters (for example, white letters on black keys or vice versa).
• 🖌️ Keyboard stickers are a temporary solution, but allow you to quickly update the appearance.
• 🔧 Repainting of symbols – suitable for mechanical keyboards (special paints for plastic are needed).

Where to buy replacement caps for Xiaomi keyboards:

How to replace caps:

1. Carefully put the old cap with a plastic spatula or screwdriver (do not use metal objects - you can damage the mechanism!).
2. Install a new cap by combining the mounts with the switch.
3. Press before clicking (for mechanical keyboards) or just sit tight (for membrane ones).

⚠️ Note: When replacing caps on mechanical keyboards (e.g. Xiaomi Mechanical Keyboard), keep an eye out for the type of switches (Cherry) MX, Gateron, Kailh. The caps must be compatible in size and attachment. MX standard caps with cross-mounting are suitable, and special thin caps are needed for low-profile switches.

If you want to repaint the symbols yourself:

• Use acrylic paint for plastic (such as Tamiya or Revell).
• Before painting, degrease the surface with an alcohol solution.
• Apply the paint in 2-3 thin layers with drying between them.
• Use a matte varnish (such as Mr. Super Clear) to protect you.

6. Alternative methods: lighting from below and external LED-ribbon

If your keyboard doesn’t have built-in backlighting, but you want to add color effects, you can go for a little upgrade:

• 💡 LED-tape under the keyboard - attached to the bottom of the body and highlights the keys from below.
• 🔦 USB-LEDs are miniature lamps that are inserted into USB-port and light up the work area.
• 🖥️ Monitor backlight – some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Monitor Light Bar) can light up the keyboard.

For installation LED-We'll need tapes:

1. Buy a flexible one LED-ribbon 12V or 5V (for example, WS2812B address-light).
2. Solder or connect the tape to the power supply (can be used) USB-adapter).
3. Fix the tape on the bottom of the keyboard using double-sided tape.
4. Connect to a power source (e.g., to a power source) USB-computer hub).

If you want to control the backlight from your phone, select a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled tape (e.g. Yeelight). LED Xiaomi's Strip, which you can configure through the Mi Home app:

1. Connect the tape to the network via Wi-Fi.


2. Add it to the Mi Home app.




3. Select a backlight scenario (e.g., "Work" or "Game").




4.Tune the color and brightness through the "Smart Light" tab.

⚠️ Attention: When installed LED-tapes inside the keyboard body do not close the vents - this can cause electronics to overheat. Also avoid contact of the tape with metal parts, so as not to cause a short circuit.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the color of the backlight or change the caps, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to eliminate them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Reset the keyboard to factory settings (usually by clamping Fn) + Esc + Del's 10 seconds).
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi with the model and firmware version.
• 🛒 Buy external lighting (for example, Xiaomi Mi) LED Desk Lamp to Light Work Area).

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If the keyboard stopped working after changing the backlight settings, try connecting it to another device. If the problem persists, it's a hardware failure, and you'd better contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions