Thinkpads Forum

I have a T60 that has a 3 key that works about every 2-3 presses. The keyboard looks like new and to my knowledge has never had anything spilled on it. I have about 8 other well-worn keyboards that work but I was curious if anyone knew of a guide for repairing these things.

Just to clarify, the key does not feel stuck in any way, it just doesn't function half the time. There's no scary crunch sound and no crumb-farm going on here either.

Practice on a worn-out keyboard of the SAME make first (i.e. if the good KB is NMB, practice on NMB, if Alps or Chicony, play with those), to remove a key (only the cap), remove the rubber dome and put both back on.
When you got the feeling for it, remove the "3" key, and replace the rubber dome with one from your spare KB.
That dome is most likely the culprit.

Any tips on getting the cap off without breaking anything?

@Coolrunnings: From personal experience it is not always necessary to remove anything. Just try pressing down on the key very heavily for a couple of seconds and see if that cures the problem. (It always used to work on IBM System 360 consoles ... and that was a donkey's years ago. )

@killer I did try that but still no luck.

OK, mate, it was worth a try.

To remove a key top I would use a long, flat, thin object such as a letter knife together with a long, flat, thin fulcrum. If you are lucky enough to have a second letter knife then that would be perfect. A ruler would also do the job. Carefully lever off the key cap using this simple mechanical system.

When the key cap flies off you will need the eyes of a wicket keeper to see where it lands.

Good luck!

Make sure you don't have any crumbs under the key. Has happened to me several times. Try some canned air to blow under the key.