How can I get a "clickity" Keyboard? T400

First this is NOT an issue about keyboard flex.

This IS about comparing my old T43 keyboard to my new T400 keyboard.

There is too much travel in the 400's keys, too hard to push and no "clickity" like I'm accustomed to in my old T43.

I've read in some threads that if you buy a T60/61 keyboard it will be like my T43's.

Has anyone done this? Any info yo can share is appreciated!!

 

http://www.aldzsoft.com/

 

Appreciate the thought, not looking for it to sound that way.

I'm looking for the feel and short key travel.

 

It was probably a different manufacturer.

Lenovo/IBM sources keyboards from ALPS, NMB, and Chicony. General preference seems to be for the NMB as they are quieter. The Chicony is supposed to be the most clicky (this is what I have and it has a very reassuring sound and good feel/travel).

The easiest way to tell what brand your keyboard is by visual inspection.

Look underneath the keys for the switch technology [this may require a keyboard removal].

Blue Pads = NMB
White downward right ('\') = Chicony
White upward right ('/') = ALPS

Also, you can tell if you have a T400 or T61 design based on the number of holes in the bottom. The T400 used a weight reduced keyboard and this introduced flex for some people (although the x200 uses a similar design and has no problems). The T61 keyboard is much more solid, has a thick backplate, and very few holes (although it does weigh about 2 ounces more). I say this, because Lenovo has now switched to the older T61 design on recent T400, T500, and W500 models and you could already have a T61 keyboard.

My best guess is that your new keyboard is NMB or ALPS, and your old one was a Chicony. If this is the case, you should try and source a replacement Chicony keyboard (probably from a T61) for your T400.

 

Jon:

Really apprecieate your detailed comments. Candidly, I'm not sure I get this part,

Blue Pads = NMB, I'm clueless on the "blue pads"
White downward right ('\') = Chicony, Do you mean the color of the backslash key top?
White upward right ('/') = ALPS, Do you mean the color of the backslash key top?

Both of those are white if you do.

I have part #'s off the back of my T43 keyboard. They read as follows.
Parts NO:13n9926
FRU NO:13n9957
ID NO:59A55l
Model RM-US

There is a separate tag that reads:59%113079

And on the circuit board behind the joystick it reads:TT60

I don't know which manufacture that keyboard would be from but you are so knowledgeable on this subject I wondered if those #'s might help you determine.

Any guidance is greatly appreciated!

Mike

 

I think Jon's referring to the rubber pads underneath the keycaps. If you pull one off you'll see they're held on with little plastic clips and there will be a round rubber pad in the middle.

A caution about pulling keycaps off, there usually isn't a problem pulling them off and putting them back on, but the tiny plastic bits on the underside of the keycap that hold it to the clip, or the clips themselves can break off. If that happens you're going to need a replacement keycap or clip (there are a few sellers on ebay who will sell individual keycaps with clips).

 

I am referring to the pads underneath the caps. You may be able to see this under the arrow keys without any dis-assembly. Just tilt your laptop back and shine a flashlight and see if you can tell if the switches are blue or white, and if white; whether they slant downward right (like a '\') or upward right (like a '/').

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you for that guidance gents!

OK so i have blue caps on my keyboard, under the keys. So that means I have a NMB?

On my old T43 I have White downward right ('\') = Chicony.

So I need to order a Chicony from a T61, right? That will fit my T400?

Again, you guys have been a BIG help! Thank you!

Mike

 

That is pretty much what I figured (quiet NMB on the new one, loud Chicony on the old one).

You should get yourself a T61 Chicony keyboard if you want the noise back (although A LOT of people love the NMB boards, so I would use it for a couple of weeks before you invest money in a replacement).

 

Roger the tryout period. It is starting to grow on me a bit. But you know how it is when you get used to something. It's like an old pair of socks.

Thanks again for your help.

 

Hi,

I just received a X200, and love it. The keyboard is GREAT. But, because there's always a but, the space bar for instance, is a bit too clicky for my taste. First thinkpad I had was a R51 and it had a very good keyboard, and silent. My T60p then didn't have such a good one, though still superior to whatever I could find anywhere else.

So, I took out the Fn key on the X200 to see. I don't see anything blue, that rules out nmb. Now, the key is attached by a white plastic mechanism, that looks more like a X than a / or \. A question is: from which angle should I look under the key (following the advice to look at the arrow keys with a flashlight).

Then, I can't find how/where to find replacements. I guess I want a NMB. Where to find these? And how to make sure it's compatible with a X200?

Thanks for reading,
amo