T61 Squishy Trackpoint Buttons

[Stadsport]

While using my laptop today, I noticed the trackpoint buttons started feeling like they were "sticking". I didn't think much of it, but a little bit later, they started feeling squishy. All three have begun doing it. They still seem to work okay, but they don't have the "click" feedback like they used to. The keyboard itself is easy enough to replace, but is it possible to remove just the trackpoint buttons? I would like to try disassembling them before replacing the entire keyboard assembly.

[RealBlackStuff]

You can buy complete individual keys (keytop, mechanism and dome).
See e.g. here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Lenovo-T60- ... 0279213785
Make sure you get the correct parts.
For not much more you can get a decent, complete keyboard....

[Stadsport]

You can buy complete individual keys (keytop, mechanism and dome).
See e.g. here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Lenovo-T60- ... 0279213785
Make sure you get the correct parts.
For not much more you can get a decent, complete keyboard....

Um, thanks? I don't need any keys. I'm talking about trackpoint buttons. That seller doesn't seem to sell trackpoint buttons, anyways. Besides, I was just asking if it's possible/how to remove the trackpoint buttons. I don't think I necessarily need to replace them.

[RealBlackStuff]

What do you consider "trackpoint buttons"?
In my book those are the mouse buttons, one (upper) set as part of the keyboard, the lower set as part of the palmrest.
If you talk about the single button or stick (and the underlying mechanism), on which the trackpoint cap sits, you're out of luck, unless you have a matching spare keyboard.
The upper set can be replaced as parts of a keyboard.
The lower ones as a separate touchpad/keys combo, or a whole palmrest.

[Stadsport]

What do you consider "trackpoint buttons"?
In my book those are the mouse buttons, one (upper) set as part of the keyboard, the lower set as part of the palmrest.
If you talk about the single button or stick (and the underlying mechanism), on which the trackpoint cap sits, you're out of luck, unless you have a matching spare keyboard.

These. After using it some more, it seems the middle and right button are pretty much fine. The left button is still squishy.

[RealBlackStuff]

Those red-surrounded keys (my upper mouse buttons) are part of your keyboard, available from e.g. the link that I gave you.
If (s)he has not got them, someone else (on eBay or here) will.

[Stadsport]

Those red-surrounded keys (my upper mouse buttons) are part of your keyboard, available from e.g. the link that I gave you.
If (s)he has not got them, someone else (on eBay or here) will.

Again, I don't believe they need to be replaced, I'm just interested in learning HOW to remove them. Regular keyboard keys are easy to remove; the "upper mouse buttons" don't seem to be, and I don't want to break them if they're not.

[Stadsport]

I got a PM from a member here (not sure if he wanted to remain anonymous, since he PM'd me rather than replying here), but it was as follows:

The buttons can be removed, but be careful. Lift the left and right, from their bottom edge, first. Then you can pry-off the middle one. If you pick off the middle one first, then you will break it: it has axles that reach under the left and right buttons. Under the plastic buttons you will find rubber domes, these are what provide the "clickyness". These domes are the same on every ThinkPad I checked. So if you have any spare boards, perhaps damaged or missing keys, then they can serve as button-dome donors.

Knowing this, I popped the button off and found the little rubber dome had simply gotten wedged out of place. I placed it back in the little holder for it, and it's good as new. Just wanted to follow up in case anyone else had a similar problem!