Feedback on ThinkPad DESKTOP Keyboards

I have become so accustomed to my T60's keyboard with the UltraNav that I have begun looking for a desktop keyboard that can emulate the same design.

I have found the following on Lenovo's website, which lists a
- ThinkPad USB Keyboard Part # 31P8950
- ThinkPad Travel Keyboard Part # 31P9490
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...?category-id=32DC77FF9F7C48E78298CB802038DD45

Does anybody here have experience with either one? I am considering buying one of them but dont know which one to go with. I have seen photos of the Travel Keyboard and how it comes with a nice case for transport as well, which does appeal to me. I dont really think I would need the num pad as I currently dont really use mine. The only other thing that worries me is that Lenovo uses the same NMB/ALPS/Chicony trio to make these, therefore there's a 1 in 3 chance I could get a crappy one... right?

 

I have the non-travel version... keyboard just like the T series but with a num pad on the right.

It's OK but only OK. Not NMB (not sure if ALPS or not) and since it replicates the thinkpad keyboard the key travel is that same as a notebook, which means it's far less than normal desktop keyboards and not as good for a lot of typing. Feels very similar to a thinkpad keyboard, if not quite as tight as the NMB on my T43.

The most annoying thing is that the plastic used for the casing sucks! The texture on the plastic was worn smooth on the palmrest and on many of the keys within a few months. I actually had IBM replace it under warranty for that reason but the second one I got wore smooth at the same speed. Now there are two shiney patches on the palmrest. Looks ghetto. Perhaps I'm especially oily?!

I ended up going old school and buying an old Model M clicky keyboard, which has increased my typing speed considerably. Actually got a black Model M13 Looks like it could eat the other keyboard for a snack.

 

oh... hmm... maybe I'll stick with the Travel keyboard then... perhaps it has higher grade plastic for portability o.0... who knows hehe

Now to get it at a cheaper price... /hmmm...

 

I also own a 31P8950 and I agree with pipspeak that it is not a very high quality keyboard. I feel that it will not last any longer than a cheap scissor switch keyboard. It is believed to be made by Silitek: http://park16.wakwak.com/~ex4/kb/main_ibm_travel_keyboard_with_ultranav.htm

You can see the internals of the travel keyboard in the above page. Incidentally, I have also taken mine apart and I saw the same electronics. The numpad is an addon using a ribbon cable to the controller board. I believe 31P9490 and 31P8950 will have exactly the same feel.

The reason I took mine apart is that I want to replace the keyboard with an nmb unit (that you can get from IBM as an FRU). I do not know which FRU to get yet. There are screw holes to match, and there will be a power button on the IBM units. I am not hopeful, but after I have worn out my current keyboard, this is the route I would try first.

I also note that, given the quality of the keys on the IBM, there could be other comparable touchpad keyboards, e.g., Adesso AKB-410US. I have not tried it though. The trackpoint is definitely unique to IBM, and the Adesso uses Cirque and IBM uses Sypnatics. Their drivers may have different features.

 

Oh ok. Thanks for the info fatmav. I think I may just stick to my traditional keyboards that I currently own then... as wonderful as the UltraNav is, it isn't worth a lower quality keyboard I guess.

And besides, if I want to type on a great keyboard I just turn on my laptop

 

Well, I still bought the keyboard for my desktop even though I was fully aware of the quality. I think I may have sounded too negative and so here are some positive things:

1. The layout is unmistakenably the same as your thinkpad. This alone makes the keyboard worth considering. (Think about all those Home/End keys.)

2. The keyboard is built according to an IBM/Lenovo spec. Therefore, the key travel distance, force, cap size, etc are at least in the same ballpark as your laptop keyboard.

3. Furthering the point above, well, since you read this forum you must have already seen a lot of discussions about the differences and preferences among chicony, alps and nmb. But I also know a lot of people who tout "thinkpad keyboard" without ever making that precise distinction. To me, this says as long as the spec is right, the feel cannot be too wrong.

4. I happen to know two other nmb diehards and they both settled on this keyboard for their desktops. It's not really that bad (besides the slightly larger-than-normal play of the caps).

So the question really is: do you want to have a low-profile desktop keyboard? If you do, then this is the one to get at the moment, even though the price is a bit steep. Otherwise, I am sure some forum fellow will tell you to get a buckle spring if you haven't got one already.

 

if you're interested in a keyboard with trackpoint, check out this: http://www.pckeyboard.com/ep104.html

 

I dont particularly like that one bradmw, I want the thinkpad keyboard. In response to fatmav, I already do have a low profile keyboard, the Logitech UltraX. I love it.

I still dont know if I will order the keyboard, but oh well. I guess that's a matter for another day.

 

Do you use that personally? Anybody else use a desktop keyboard with a trackpoint?

 

I ended up buying a standard size & a travel size from Provantage:

http://www.provantage.com/lenovo-31p8950~7IBDO03F.htm

http://www.provantage.com/lenovo-31p9490~7IBDO04L.htm

I like the slimness and the feel is ok, nowhere near the M series and I doubt anyone would be building something comparable. The travel one came in and it works fine, however, the standard size one had a series of dead keys intermittently and IBM replaced it in short order. I have mine for only a month or so, and cannot comment on the wear. In the end, it is still much better than all the logitech's or MS KB I have used in recent years.