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An x230 keyboard?!

X230-X280, X390 Series
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TOTAL
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Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2017 12:09 pm
Location: London, UK

An x230 keyboard?!

#1 Post by TOTAL » Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:32 am

My trackpoint mouse button is becoming unresponsive so seeking to buy the whole keyboard. That's how I have found this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334455008537 ... R4bKu9rQYw

Could it be compatible with x230 really, without soldering etc.?

dr_st
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Re: An x230 keyboard?!

#2 Post by dr_st » Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:58 am

That's an X220/T420/W520 keyboard by the looks of it. The sticker on the back says "45N2116" which an FRU for an X230/T430/W530 keyboard. This is an aftermarket keyboard, not a genuine Lenovo part.

Even if the images are not wrong and you would be getting the **20 keyboard - it is indeed compatible with the **30, but it requires a modified version of the EC firmware for all keys to work correctly. And there is also a matter of fusing / taping one of the pins/traces on the keyboard connector, which may or may not be required in some situations (to block the backlighting feature, which was unsupported on **20 keyboard).

The **20 keyboard in **30 laptop mod is for people who adore specifically the 7-row keyboard layout. If it is not critical for you, I suggest you continue looking for a proper **30 keyboard.
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T490 (20N3), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad

TOTAL
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Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2017 12:09 pm
Location: London, UK

Re: An x230 keyboard?!

#3 Post by TOTAL » Thu Mar 28, 2024 12:13 pm

Saves a lot of hassle. I did miss the x200 layout but not that much.

I am reading about the after market ones being rubbish. The one that I have is aftermarket for sure. Didn't have any complaints maybe because I have no comparison. That said, its mouse button did get broken after 4 years since I bought the laptop. There being currently no original ones on Ebay now, I will take the risk with what is the the.
Many thanks.

TOTAL
Freshman Member
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2017 12:09 pm
Location: London, UK

Re: An x230 keyboard?!

#4 Post by TOTAL » Thu Mar 28, 2024 12:28 pm

Actually, there is an original one for x230i, which I trust is compatible: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276351476423 ... R9T7DXAHDF

Is it worth taking the risk of buying a used original one vs a new aftermarket one?

Edit. sorry, was wrong link

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