Abstract: An electronic luminescence keyboard system in a portable device which includes a plurality of keypads and an illuminated panel which displays information responsive to the pressing of at least one of the plurality of 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 the plurality of 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 keyboard when the surrounding area is dimly lit. The ELK system has no effect on the power consumption on the portable 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.