Illuminated keyboard system

An electronic luminescence keyboard system in a device which includes one or more keypads and an illuminated panel which displays information responsive to the pressing of at least one keypads is disclosed. The improvement comprises a conductor element for conducting a portion of the light from the illuminated panel and illuminator element coupled to the conductor element for illuminating one or more keypads with the portion of the light from the illuminated panel. Through the use of a portion of the light from the display panel is utilized to illuminate the keyboard thereby allowing for observation of the keypads on the to keyboard when the surrounding area is dimly lit. The ELK system has no effect on the power consumption on the device. In an embodiment the ELK system provides for backlighting the keyboard. In a second embodiment the ELK system provides light to a top portion of the keypads.