Thinkpads Forum

Hello all
I have a T22 on which some of the key legends are getting worn. I was therefore looking for a cheap way to buy some new keys. I bought a replacement keyboard via eBay, which turned out to be in very good condition, but arrived damaged in transit ;-(.

OK, I thought, instead of replacing the whole keyboard I can just swap over the worn keys (for some reason, 'A', 'S', and 'Delete'). However, after flipping off a couple of keys, it became clear that the keyboards, although looking identical, had different construction of the mechanisms, so that the keys cannot be swapped between these two samples ;-( ;-(.

Is there any way I can check this in future? Are there opinions as to which 'style' of key mechanism is best? Are the FRUs different? Any information very gratefully received.

Mine is actually a UK keyboard, as that's where I'm based, but I guess this applies to other locations.

Thanks & Regards
Jon N

jkn wrote:Hello all
I have a T22 on which some of the key legends are getting worn. I was therefore looking for a cheap way to buy some new keys. I bought a replacement keyboard via eBay, which turned out to be in very good condition, but arrived damaged in transit ;-(.

OK, I thought, instead of replacing the whole keyboard I can just swap over the worn keys (for some reason, 'A', 'S', and 'Delete'). However, after flipping off a couple of keys, it became clear that the keyboards, although looking identical, had different construction of the mechanisms, so that the keys cannot be swapped between these two samples ;-( ;-(.

Is there any way I can check this in future? Are there opinions as to which 'style' of key mechanism is best? Are the FRUs different? Any information very gratefully received.

Mine is actually a UK keyboard, as that's where I'm based, but I guess this applies to other locations.

Thanks & Regards
Jon N

I'm not familiar with the procedure for purchasing parts in your area. However it is important for you to know that there are 2 different keyboard manufacturers that Lenovo uses for the T2x series. NMB & Alps. Here is a link to the Fru Numbers in the USA. Keyboards

Perhaps you could do a search on Google and find a reseller that would be able to sell and ship a new keyboard to you from the US. Or maybe once you have the numbers you can find someone locally to assist you.

Hi there
OK, thanks for the info. So now I know that the FRUs are different I can check for next time. I'm about to open up my T22 to try & mend the keyboard bezel anyway, so I'll check the FRU (and maybe the manufacturer, if there's a marking to that effect).

Thanks again
Jon N