Keyboard illumination for computing devices having backlit displays

Apparatus is disclosed for illumination of a keyboard in a computing device having a display contained in a portion of the computing device which is hingeably attached to a keyboard portion, the display having a backlight. The system comprises one or more translucent elements associated with the keyboard and one or more light-conducting fibers for conducting light from the backlight of the backlit display to the one or more translucent elements associated with the keyboard. The level of illumination is varied by means of the one or more light conducting fibers transmitting light through two portions of transparent material, the two portions of transparent material have an area of contact between them which may be varied. A color adjustment mechanism is also provided.