Thinkpads Forum

hi there,

I've recently purchased a used X200 for use primarily as a c++ development machine. I'm very happy with the laptop, particularly given I got it for an amazing price with 3 years warranty remaining and high specs.

My only issue is the keyboard seems to be showing problems already - I use the VIM text editor, and swap the Caps-lock and Escape button codes for quick access to the Escape function (which is used loads in VIM).

Well I'm not someone who bashes the keys too hard though I do type pretty fast, but I've noticed that sometimes I go to press Caps-Lock and it's rigid and refuses to depress. Whenever this occurs, the same happens to the Tab and ` key, so I'm struggling to think what the problem is.

The only way to fix the 'stiffness' is to either remove the Caps-Lock pad and refit it, or to randomly press Caps, Tab, ` or F1 until they free up.

Any suggestions?

thanks

Don't mess with it. Call Lenovo and get a replacement keyboard under warranty repair. It is a CRU (customer replaceable) part, so they'll simply ship one to you, and you ship the old one back. No time lost.

Harryc wrote:Don't mess with it. Call Lenovo and get a replacement keyboard under warranty repair. It is a CRU (customer replaceable) part, so they'll simply ship one to you, and you ship the old one back. No time lost.

brilliant idea - for some reason using the warranty evaded my thought processes! (not used to warranties..)

thanks

phoned lenovo yesterday at 3pm, and the replacement keyboard just arrived on my doorstep 16 hours later - amazing!

Had a similar problem on my x200 when it was new, 1½ years ago. In my case, the TAB-key, located just above the keys that caused problems for you. Got the warranty replacement without any haggles, and without any request for return of the defective keyboard. So, knowing that the replacement was on its way, I took the courage to fiddle a bit myself with the defective keyboard. I could see that the key tended to get stuck on the metal flange surrounding the whole keyboard. The distance was a bit too small. I twisted this flange outwards a bit (locally) with a pair of pliers. Looks pretty ugly, if you make a close inspection, but since then no problems with sticking keys. So I have worked now more than a year with the old defective keyboard, without even bothering to install the replacement that arrived a few days later. Like to have it on store, however, in case of new problems. Of course, getting a warranty replacement is the right thing to do in this case, but my experience may be of value to those who are out of warranty or need a very quick fix. But beware, this kind of tinkering might void the warranty on your keyboard.

Great tip!

I'm certain it was the exact same issue