keyboard (swapping tackpoint buttons)

[achat_2]

this was originally a post in the X200 series, but I got no replies I ask here, keyboard is not specific to the X201s.
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I have two different keyboards for my X201s.
One has noisy keys but silent trackpoint buttons.

The other has silent keys but noisy trackpoint buttons.
I have put a bit of foam tape (if this is the correct term in english) under those one to live with it but:

Is there a way to exchange the trackpoint buttons between the keyboards?
I see the buttons are attached through some black small piece of plastic into holes in the metal base of the keyboard.
Can those be disassembled or not?

If yes, if someone could explain in details how to do I'd really appreciate.

A.

[Adda]

I have tried swapping trackpoint buttons on T4x series machines, they are not cross compatible, buttons from a NMB only fits on an NMB, Alps only fits Alps and so on.

It is most likely the same for all ThinkPad keyboards.

[achat_2]

in my case I have a NMB and a Chicony, looking at the holes scheme it looks the same.
are there any other characteristics that matter?

otherwise: how you actually get the buttons out of the holes?
should I press underneath the plates on the black plastic or what?

A.

I have tried swapping trackpoint buttons on T4x series machines, they are not cross compatible, buttons from a NMB only fits on an NMB, Alps only fits Alps and so on.

It is most likely the same for all ThinkPad keyboards.

[systemBuilder]

On the T4x series machines the touchpad is a separate unit from the palmrest, and can be removed and replaced as a touchpad module. The two pieces are not shown as removable in the exploded diagram in the repair manual, but they are (I have a stash of 5 touchpads) (see page 191) :

http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc ... 192_01.pdf

However, if you look at the back of a T4x keyboard it's one piece of aluminum which indicates that the keyboard is manufactured in 1-piece, which suggests that the key switches, while repairable, are not swappable:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ibm-thinkpad-t4 ... 2c53cd40f6

Normal 88-key keyboard switches are unique to the keyboard manufacturer across thinkpad keyboard types. The problem is, each key switch requires holes or metal hooks created in the aluminum backplate at unique locations. I have one keyboard where the middle trackpoint key has come off, and in reinstalling the key I almost ruined it so I would be very reluctant to play with the trackpoint keys.

Your exploded parts diagram is below (see page 137), and indicates that your keyboard is similar to a T4x keyboard.

http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc ... 192_01.pdf

[Adda]

in my case I have a NMB and a Chicony, looking at the holes scheme it looks the same.
are there any other characteristics that matter?

otherwise: how you actually get the buttons out of the holes?
should I press underneath the plates on the black plastic or what?

A.

I just put my thumbnail under the lower edge of the button, and lifted it off, I guess you could use a piece of plastic too.
It does require a bit of force the first time a button is removed, I can't grantee you won't break anything.
But I have moved these buttons (and keyboard keys) around a lot to make a nice looking keyboard out of several worn down ones, never broke anything.
The buttons look the same, attach the same way, but tiny variations in measurements prevented cross compatibility, between buttons from different vendors.

Edit: Oh yes systembuilder makes a good point, be very careful with the middle button, it's best to leave alone, if you decide to risk it, remove the other two buttons first.