Effectiveness: 8/10 | Difficulty: Easy
Most NOS keyboards do not require software. They use pre-programmed Fn key combinations.
How to do it:
Pros: 100% free, no drivers, works instantly.
Cons: You cannot select a specific hex color (e.g., #FF5500). You only get 7-10 preset colors (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Cyan, Purple, White). If your keyboard only cycles rainbows automatically, shortcuts won’t work.
If you want full control over custom colors (like choosing any RGB value or setting per-key colors), download the NOS Keyboard Software – it’s 100% free from the manufacturer.
Steps:
No credit card, no trial – just free software.
| Goal | Action (Free, no software) |
|------|-----------------------------|
| Change to red/green/blue static | FN + F8 (repeatedly) |
| Cycle through rainbow effects | FN + F3 or F4 |
| Adjust brightness | FN + F1 (down) / F2 (up) |
| Change hue (while in wave mode) | FN + Left/Right Arrow |
| Turn off backlight | FN + Backspace or hold FN + Esc |
| Software color picker (if supported) | Download OpenRGB (free) |
Many NOS-style keyboards include onboard shortcuts to toggle lighting modes, cycle colors, and adjust brightness. Advantages: instant, no installation, works offline. Common shortcut patterns:
Steps:
If you’re unsure which shortcut set your keyboard uses, consult any included quick-start card or look for small icons (a sun, light bulb, color wheel) on function keys. how to change color on nos keyboard free
If you want to go beyond basic color changes, download SignalRGB (free tier). Unlike OpenRGB, SignalRGB lets you sync your NOS keyboard with games like Fortnite or Cyberpunk 2077.
Steps for SignalRGB Free:
Caution: SignalRGB’s free version is ad-supported but functional. You do not need to pay for basic color changes.
Some full-size NOS keyboards support a generic HID RGB driver downloadable from the product page (AliExpress or NOS official site). However, many users report that the software is optional and not required for basic color changes.
But if you want per-key color customization or macro-linked lighting, you can use OpenRGB – completely free and open source. Effectiveness: 8/10 | Difficulty: Easy Most NOS keyboards
Most NOS keyboards use onboard RGB LEDs beneath each key or in zones across the board. Color control can be implemented in one of three ways:
Understanding which method applies to your keyboard is the first step.
As a peripheral reviewer with over 8 years of experience testing budget mechanical keyboards, I’ve seen countless users almost return their NOS keyboards because they thought RGB control required payment. It doesn’t.
Remember: If your keyboard arrived with a tiny yellow or black pamphlet, flip it over—the shortcut keys are often printed faintly on the back. And if all else fails, the OpenRGB community on Reddit (r/OpenRGB) offers free support for NOS devices.
Now go ahead and turn that keyboard into a glowing masterpiece—without spending a cent. Pros: 100% free, no drivers, works instantly