XPS 13, keyboard readability

I have exactly the same issue. It is a real problem in daylight. Nighttime is fine, I wonder if there is anything that one can do to improve it?

I had long conversations with Dell about this. They acknowledge the issue but can't offer an (acceptable) solution; - a wireless keyboard defeats the purpose of having a portable laptop, - they could send a technician to replace the keypads on-site but very expansive option! They say it is not a technical issue but a design issue. and as such not covered under warranty. Not sure if this argument 

I thought it is 15 days. And also, I have set up the machine now and don't want to take it all off again! Still don't understand why Dell manufactures keyboards like this!?  If they were sold via a normal shopfront (not on line) I would never have bought it!

For new systems in the US and many other places, it's 30 days.  Refurbished systems may have a shorter return period. 

At least in the US, the XPS 13 models are sold at retailers such as Best Buy, etc.

I am wondering if there is some way to turn off the backlight on the keyboard during the day i.e. in bright light? The issue for me is that the letters on the keyboard automatically turn white in daylight and are unreadable?

The F5 function key on your keyboard (at least on my XPS 15) allows you to cycle between various levels of keyboard brightness, including completely off. 

On my XPS this can be done on the F6 key. 

@AlfieTat and @StZill Thank you so much. I should have known that but I think that this does help greatly. It is also the F6 Key on my XPS13. Thanks for this!

have exactly the same issue. returned my xps and bought lenovo

@user_880c96​ May change the keyboard for black one with white lettering. Easy to do and available. But why on a new machine?

TDx

Yeah...just can't read/see keyboard of 9315. I have 7390 and 9305 and can read/see fine; I had expected 9315 to be the same...lo and behold it's like trying to type without any lettering/symbols on keys...completely ridiculous. The designer should be hung-"out to dry"! Returned for refund. After researching online, I started to look at HP, but then went to Costco to browse different brands in-person; HP keyboard wass not much better, and Lenovo keyboard is much easier to read/see than even HP. To user who bought Lenovo, which model did you get...presuming you selected mnodel that closely mirrors XPS13...in look/feel/specs?

Hi - went onto the Dell website and find the backlight toggle above numeral 6 can be used to toggle between no, low and bright illumination. It is the low illumination in daylight that seems to give difficulties.

@AlfieTat​  YES me too. thank you so much for telling us about F6 - works!

I am glad I found your post about readability. I will never ever buy this laptop again unless they change the keyboard back the black one I had on my previous laptop! I have been typing on this thing for a year now and want to scream it's so hard to read the keys in the daytime. Who ever thought this was a good idea must have not thought this through. I realize there is nothing I can do but buy a new laptop but hopefully their design team will read these comments and consider going back the black keyboard.