I know the thread title sounds ridiculous, but hear me out. The light gradient on my Kobo Forma is subtle but it's driving me crazy. I thought I would get used to it, and maybe I still will, but I don't think I can until I've satisfied myself that I've tried everything I can to mitigate it.
The gradient on mine follows the usual pattern. There is a light bar next to the buttons, which doesn't bother me. Next to that light bar is a large darkish patch. With the screen light on, it looks almost like a faint bruise. (See diagram.) My thinking is that there is no way to get rid of that "bruise." But if I can stain the rest of the screen, I can at least make the screen
even, which is all I really care about. (See diagram 2)
I have accomplished something like a proof-of-concept already. Using some ballpoint pen ink and a cotton swab, I darkened the brightest areas of my kobo screen pretty effectively. The effect is a marked improvement over the status quo. Unfortunately, the effect is not permanent—it can be worn away using a cloth or even a fingertip. (The longest I've given it to "set" is a half hour—maybe it would become permanent if I gave it longer?)
One possibility that I am considering is darkening the screen and then putting a screen protector on to hold the ink in place. Any other suggestions?
EDIT: Please see my
most recent post in this thread for more information. I believe I have found a workable solution, and it greatly improves the experience of reading on my Kobo.