Help with a Thinkpad G40 Keyboard.

[Happygeek10]

Hi everyone. Unfortunately, today, one of the keys on my beautiful G40 was accedentally forcefully ripped off. The switch broke off with it, so I can't just snap it back on. Whilst it's just a minor cosmetic flaw (key is still functional) and the key isn't all that important (insert key) it's really bugging me. I still have the key itself, fortunately, but as I said the switch broke so I can't clip it back on. I would really like the key back on the keyboard, just for cosmetic purposes. I don't need to use the key in question; it just ruins the amazing condition of my poor G40.

Can I have any advice on how to put the key back on without the switches/plastic bits? Doesn't have to be functional. New keyboard is not an option because of the rarity of these machines.

Thanks,
Gabe.

[wujstefan]

Hello Gabe,

Drop in some pictures. I personally love these systems so will happily put an eye on it.

[Happygeek10]

Here's a few pics; of the computer and the key itself. It's such an eyesore on my otherwise mint G40.

Thinkpad G40 (with broken key) https://imgur.com/gallery/usUutJy

[RealBlackStuff]

T40 came out about the same time.
How to replace a key on those: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKzbyJgsivc
It's more than likely that they use the same key mechanism.
Most of those two upper row keys look the same size, and would most likely also have the same mechanism.
Since you have the Insert keycap itself, just get any key in that group (e.g. Insert/Delete/Home/End/PgUp/PgDn or other Fn).

Check the back of your KB for its P/N or FRU.
Check in the G40 HMM if it is NMB or Chicony, then look for ANY language T4x KB from NMB or Chicony.
Or get an individual key e.g. here: https://www.ebay.ie/itm/324034724084