X201 ESC + Fn + Volume Key Flex Fix
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:02 pm
I just received two i5 520M X201 and both had the same manufacturing problem.
Issue:
-------
The Upper+Left most keyboard has significant flex. ESC, F1-F5, + Volume Keys are all exhibiting the same problem.
The keys in that area would depress beyond the plane of the keyboard "downwards" 1-2mm and can also cause a creaking sound for each press. Very annoying and nasty.
Solution:
----------
1) Follow the Lenovo PDF guide to keyboard removal. It's a matter of just removing 4 screws on the back that have the "keyboard" icon on them, and then sliding the keyboard up toward the screen then up/out.
2) Once keyboard is removed, you will see at the upper left corner space which is mostly occupied by the main cooling fan.
3) At the very upper-left corer, cut a piece of A4 paper, make it into a 4-fold (to make it thicker), and then cutting it just small enough to insert/wedge it into the upper-left corner but make sure it's not too big as to cover the fan opening. I recommend a triangle shaped paper-wedge.
4) Put the keyboard back and test to make sure the fix is secure and the keys no longer sag.
5) Put the screws back.
Notes:
----------
Freaking Lenovo manufacturing is making these X201 machines' support structures off by 1-2mm on the upper left side so the keyboard is not 100% flat.
When I first got the machine I was mad as hell but once I took off the keyboard and tested my fix, it was all good. Still, I wish it didn't have to come down to this but better than sending it back and wasting my time for a rather simple fix.
Hope this help you all.
Issue:
-------
The Upper+Left most keyboard has significant flex. ESC, F1-F5, + Volume Keys are all exhibiting the same problem.
The keys in that area would depress beyond the plane of the keyboard "downwards" 1-2mm and can also cause a creaking sound for each press. Very annoying and nasty.
Solution:
----------
1) Follow the Lenovo PDF guide to keyboard removal. It's a matter of just removing 4 screws on the back that have the "keyboard" icon on them, and then sliding the keyboard up toward the screen then up/out.
2) Once keyboard is removed, you will see at the upper left corner space which is mostly occupied by the main cooling fan.
3) At the very upper-left corer, cut a piece of A4 paper, make it into a 4-fold (to make it thicker), and then cutting it just small enough to insert/wedge it into the upper-left corner but make sure it's not too big as to cover the fan opening. I recommend a triangle shaped paper-wedge.
4) Put the keyboard back and test to make sure the fix is secure and the keys no longer sag.
5) Put the screws back.
Notes:
----------
Freaking Lenovo manufacturing is making these X201 machines' support structures off by 1-2mm on the upper left side so the keyboard is not 100% flat.
When I first got the machine I was mad as hell but once I took off the keyboard and tested my fix, it was all good. Still, I wish it didn't have to come down to this but better than sending it back and wasting my time for a rather simple fix.
Hope this help you all.