If you set the screen to auto adjust the brightness the keyboard will stay lit when it's dark.

 

I have mine set to auto brightness, and the keyboard backlights fade in and out randomly independent of the screen. It drives me nuts. I'll be in a darkish room, like dusk darkness. The screen will be a constant brightness, but the keyboard will go to black, then after 4 or 5 seconds come back, then a few seconds later go to black, etc. It's really annoying!

 

Are you using / have you looked at Screebl?
J.

 

I do use Screebl and it's wonderful for keeping the screen on when I'm using the phone, but it hasn't seemed to change the nature of the keyboard lighting for me

 

check the prefs under brightness and check full brightness and keyboard. from my testing I think this keeps the keyboard on.
j.

 

sweet, i didn't even notice that setting before, i'll give it a shot and see if that helps. thanks a bunch for the info!