problem with key 'caps'

[nofish]

Hello, I'm having a problem with the keyboard of my (fairly old) T61, namely some keys aren't working anymore or I have to press them extremly hard.
Please have a look at this pic, where the problem becomes obvious.

http://i.imgur.com/D8Zr9S6.jpg
(not embedded due to being quite large)

Left key is working fine, right one is not working due to the missing 'top of the plastic cap' (being worn out I guess).
There are a few keys where this can be observed.

So, what are these 'plastic things' properly called, where can I get them and how would I replace them ?

Thanks.

[Radioguy]

There is a a seller on eBay who does sell those (easily found) and even including the hinges below them.

However, it sounds as if swapping out the entire keyboard would be a better idea. It can sometimes be just as cheap if you hunt smartly on eBay too.

I'd recommend finding the NMB version of the keyboard, as it is (generally held to be) the best made.

[nofish]

Thanks for the reply.

I think you're right, I've searched a little on ebay meanwhile and replacement keyboards are not that expensive as I thought, so not sure if it's worth the hassle replacing those caps one by one.

Some additional questions though:

- If I go with replacing the caps, how are they attached ? Couldn't figure out so far. Do I have to take the keyboard out to replace them ?

- If I go with replacing the entire keyboard: I have a T61 widescreen version. Are the keyboards for widescreen and non-widescreen versions the same ?
Does any keyboard offered for T61 on ebay fit or do I have to look for one saying 'widescreen' explicitly ?

Thanks.

[brchan]

All T61 models share the same keyboard.

[nofish]

Thanks, that's good to know.

[Radioguy]

But there are three different versions with three different part numbers.

In terms of quality, they are as follows: Chicony < Alps < NMB.

I have replaced Chicony's with NMB's, and immediately felt it worth the effort even had both been new.

[Shredder11]

Another vote for NMB keyboards. Alps are also a good second but Chicony are more like other laptop brands, e.g. cheap and flimsy, with a not very pleasant key action and mechanism.

[brchan]

I personally prefer Alps over NMB. The trackpoint buttons are especially firmer and not as 'soft' as chicony or nmb ones.

[nofish]

But there are three different versions with three different part numbers.

In terms of quality, they are as follows: Chicony < Alps < NMB.

I have replaced Chicony's with NMB's, and immediately felt it worth the effort even had both been new.

Oh, I was unaware that there are different versions.
Good info, thanks.

[RealBlackStuff]

Also see my post here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 69#p780769

[Johan]

@ nofish:

I have several T61-keyboards available (= for sale!), both with English/US layout (incl. a brand-new, unused NMB w/PN 39T0928 & FRU 39T0958) as well as several with German layout. Let me know if any of these have your interest?

As to the difference between the different T60/T61 keyboards, see the thread T60 Keyboard Comparison (with embedded pics)

Johan

[nofish]

Thanks for the offer, I've already ordered one on ebay though.

[Radioguy]

I personally prefer Alps over NMB. The trackpoint buttons are especially firmer and not as 'soft' as chicony or nmb ones.

Personally, I think the balance of choice would be more toward comfort of keyboard use than trackpoint buttons. Although, unless I already had an NMB in hand to swap in, I wouldn't necessarily seek to swap out an Alps if it were in good shape. They are decent.

However, if I had a new Chicony, I would still want to swap it out for one of the others, and I might as well go NMB if I have the choice.