X30 Sticky Key Problem

[billp117]

I recently acquired X30 and did some cleaning...I followed the instructions found in the http://www.thinkwiki.org using various techniques.

I also cleaned under some keys using a can of air-blaster to blow out some stuff and that worked. However, my "ctrl" key is a bit sticky and I would like to remove the key and clean the contact pad area...then replace the key.

Does someone have the best suggestion on how to remove the ThinkPad keys (only need to do one) and replace it without breaking anything.

Thanks for you help.

[rkawakami]

Generally you can just pry the keycaps up from the side and pop them back on. However, I don't think you can get to the actual electrical contacts since the keyboards that I have done this to (600E/X and T2x) have rubber domes over the switch pad. Admittedly, this is a small sample to base this opinion on but I would think that the keyboards on the newer systems would have a similar arrangement as this prevents contamination from getting to the contacts. It might be possible to remove the dome, clean the contacts and then cement the dome back on, but if it's really a problem, a replacement keyboard is probably the better (and easier) solution.

[icebag]

I recently cleaned some sticky keys on my X31. I just squirted some isopropyl alcohol from a spray can of switch cleaner under the keys and pressed the keys repeatedly while it evaporated off. I then finished off with a very light application of WD40 oil on a cloth to restore the gloss on the key tops. It worked fine.

I have removed and replaced keys but it is a fiddly and tedious business.

[billp117]

Thanks for the advice...I finally got the guts to pop off the key caps on two keys (ctrl + alt). If you gently pry the key evenly from the front and tip it toward the screen, the key cap will pop off. That then exposes an interesting hinged key mechanism that required cleaning. Just blowing the key with dust spray did not work. I then tried some alcohol with a Q tip and then used the dust spray. The Q tip cleaned and some quick tapping on the exposed key worked the alcohol into the key.

I replaced the cap very carefully by placing the key cap staight onto the key and pressed down until the front and back snapped into place. If it sticks again I will not be affraid to remove the caps.

I did find a new keyboard on eBay for $29...but the part number is the FRU for the X31. I don't know if that will work as it is a different part number for the X30.

[billp117]

Finally fixed the sticky keys as they came back. Used a spray silicon and it did the trick for good. Popping the keys off is OK if you are gentle.