Is there any T61 keyboard close enough to a T4x?

[Orclas]

So, I need some input from you folks. The question spans over the T4xx, t6x and T4x forums, but I choose to post here since the only input I'll really trust is from T4x fans (current or former)

Long story short, a few months ago I thought that my T40 had caught the SB flu and went ahead and bought a used T400. It was partly a waste of money since I still prefer my T40 for home use (which is the largest part of my TP time), but the T400 is my travel companion due to better battery time and since it can handle streamed media and media decoding beyond low resolution SD content.

It's about the keyboard. It sucks. And I'm not talking about flex, since I don't feel it has much and might be so that it's of a late enough model to be cured from such. It's about feel. Compared to my lovely T40 keyboard it feels clicky, rough, plasticy, simply not right.

So, assuming that it may have the "rollback" T61 keyboard already, is there anything else to do? I know there are different makes of the same keyboards, but are any of them as good as a T4x keyboard?

Edit:
- yeah, can remove the keyboard to figure which make it is (when I'm off this train )
- TP build 6475-W32 (if of any use)
- probably making sure this wont be easy: I would need an SE/FI keyboard...

[RealBlackStuff]

There are several KB manufacturers, the best liked is NMB, formerly of Thailand, nowadays in China.
Alternatives are (middle of the road) Alps and (least liked) Chicony (probably what you have).
AFAIK T60/T61 KBs also fit in the T400.

[Orclas]

Thanks!

I'll check, and most likely conclude, that I have a Chicony when I get home and then see if there are any SE/FI NMB keyboards to be found (at reasonable prices).

[Johan]

The following threads may perhaps be useful in your search for the best T6x keyboard; see T60 Keyboard Comparison (with embedded pics) and WTB: New NMB keyboard w/US layout for 15" (4:3) T60 (containing information about ThinkPad keyboard "cross-compatibility") and Indepth analysis of keyboard sturdiness: T4x vs. T6x (Long)

Johan

[Orclas]

Thanks Johan!

So, if I ge this right, any T6x, R6x, Z6x or T/R/W400/500 are interchangeable, that leaves some room for luck of finding a SE/FI NMB (or at least Alps).

I may add that "of course", my T400 has a Chicony and my T40 indeed an NMB. Well, just goes to show that NMB is better than Chicony, since I noticed it pretty much right away (and am now properly fed up and have the time to look into it). Now off to scout for keyboards