T61 keyboard feels odd comparing with earlier T-series models

[arabianights]

i recently purchased a used T61. the model number is 7659-W96, and the production date is 07/12.
the laptop itself is in good shape.

since i'm a long time t23 user, by comparison the keyboard on T61 just feels odd. specifically, everytime when i press 'Return' key on t61, i always accidently press the '\'. it seems the L shaped Return key is at the wrong place.

the left side of keyboard palm rest also flex under the hand, it feels like I constantly pressing a oversized Return key. and it just doesn't possess the solid feel of T23 and T42.

[dr_st]

First, it sounds like your T61 keyboard has a different layout compared to the T23 keyboard. That is certainly possible, if one uses an American (ANSI) layout, and the other a European (ISO) layout.

Regarding flex - well, the keyboard does flex more on T6x than on T4x (not sure where the T23 fits in it, as I never owned one), but if the keyboard is properly seated, the difference should not be overwhelming, and it can be reduced.

There are also 3 different keyboard manufacturers for T4x, and for T6x, and the keyboard feel somewhat different between the 3.

[kenzking]

I like the T60 14", it is the best feeling keyboard behind the 600x. I have used 600x, T23, T43, T60, T61. The widescreen T60/T61 seem to have more flex then the 14". Honestly never used a 15" T6x so no opinion on them here.

[Qing Dao]

If you are used to US layout keyboards and then try to use a European layout keyboard, I can imagine it would feel weird too. I always have trouble on my friend's T400 with an Italian keyboard. I have an X61 coming to me with a Japanese/English keyboard, so I'll get to try that one out as well.

Another problem is that the keyboard may be a flexy T500 one.

[axur-delmeria]

Another problem is that the keyboard may be a flexy T500 one.

That's possible, as the T400/500 keiyboard is physically and electrically compatible with the T60/61, but has a different construction, especially with the stiffening plate.

the left side of keyboard palm rest also flex under the hand, it feels like I constantly pressing a oversized Return key.

Well, it is a 2nd-hand laptop. Who knows how the previous owner treated it?

[redking]

I love the T61 keyboard. In fact, when I got a T400 to mess around with, I pulled the T61 keyboard and put it into the T400. It worked like a charm and I can't go back to the original T400 keyboard.