W530/T530 classic keyboard mod (Pic warning)
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 3:34 pm
This guide will teach you how to fit a classic keyboard from the T420/T520/W520 generation into a T530/W530 generation laptop with default chiclet keyboard.
For future reference, T520/W520 palmrests are not compatible with W530/T530 models. Thinkwiki was incorrect with the 15.6" models. There are numerous additional plastics around the bottom of the trackpoint area that don't line up with the magnesium frame. Even after removing them, the top left corner of T520/W520 palmrests will always want to 'shift' downwards. There is also noticeable 'bowing', at the trackpoint area. Lastly, the short screw hole of palmrest that is next to the W530/T530 logo (near the hinge) is offset just enough that it will not align properly with the magnesium frame hole.
It is therefore much easier to use the default W530/T530 palmrest with the classic keyboard, and do the following:
1. Sand/cut only the front nub at the trackpoint buttons on the classic keyboard.
2. Cut the little double plastic tab inserts on the palmrest where the different nubs of the left and right sides of the keyboards insert into the palmrest. This is very easy and will allow the full size nubs of the classic keyboard to fit in. These double plastic tabs were added to fill the gap between the flat nubs on the chiclet keyboard, compared to the thicker ones on the classic one.
3. After modifying the palmrest and seating it back into the machine, Insert the back of the keyboard first, then press down on the front. The nubs of the keyboard will probably not fit in right away, so you can remove the 'alt', 'arrow down', and left 'ctrl' keys and get better leverage for fitting them in.
All done! Now you can enjoy the classic keyboard in T530/W530 models.
Sits flush with palmrest:
http://i67.tinypic.com/t8kl02.jpg
Tiny cutout visible because classic keyboard does not cover it:
http://i65.tinypic.com/29wnakj.jpg
Closer look at keyboard:
http://i64.tinypic.com/2q0nc06.jpg
Trackpoint nub insert is not noticeable at all:
http://i64.tinypic.com/2vl7acn.jpg
MOD edit: you've been on this forum long enough to know better about pictures and allowed sizes etc...
For future reference, T520/W520 palmrests are not compatible with W530/T530 models. Thinkwiki was incorrect with the 15.6" models. There are numerous additional plastics around the bottom of the trackpoint area that don't line up with the magnesium frame. Even after removing them, the top left corner of T520/W520 palmrests will always want to 'shift' downwards. There is also noticeable 'bowing', at the trackpoint area. Lastly, the short screw hole of palmrest that is next to the W530/T530 logo (near the hinge) is offset just enough that it will not align properly with the magnesium frame hole.
It is therefore much easier to use the default W530/T530 palmrest with the classic keyboard, and do the following:
1. Sand/cut only the front nub at the trackpoint buttons on the classic keyboard.
2. Cut the little double plastic tab inserts on the palmrest where the different nubs of the left and right sides of the keyboards insert into the palmrest. This is very easy and will allow the full size nubs of the classic keyboard to fit in. These double plastic tabs were added to fill the gap between the flat nubs on the chiclet keyboard, compared to the thicker ones on the classic one.
3. After modifying the palmrest and seating it back into the machine, Insert the back of the keyboard first, then press down on the front. The nubs of the keyboard will probably not fit in right away, so you can remove the 'alt', 'arrow down', and left 'ctrl' keys and get better leverage for fitting them in.
All done! Now you can enjoy the classic keyboard in T530/W530 models.
Sits flush with palmrest:
http://i67.tinypic.com/t8kl02.jpg
Tiny cutout visible because classic keyboard does not cover it:
http://i65.tinypic.com/29wnakj.jpg
Closer look at keyboard:
http://i64.tinypic.com/2q0nc06.jpg
Trackpoint nub insert is not noticeable at all:
http://i64.tinypic.com/2vl7acn.jpg
MOD edit: you've been on this forum long enough to know better about pictures and allowed sizes etc...