Troubleshooting Keyboard Issues

[daro346]

I've been having problems with the x220 keyboard. I followed the steps outlined at http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/migr-4yqklq

It's like there's a surge and the system "hiccups" and skips a character that's being typed.

The problem started 2 days ago.

I checked the BIOS, I have the current version.

Any recommendations?

[85101]

Wash the keyboard in warm water and wait for it to dry. It usually cleans any particles stuck under the keys.

[rkawakami]

Washing the keyboard with distilled water may not solve the problem. It might remove any dirt / dust / hair / food under the keycaps, but there's a (usually sealed) rubber dome that actually makes the electrical contact. I'd go with a gentle vacuum instead.

Does the skipping of characters only happen with certain keys, or all of them? Has any program or system update been installed in the last 2 days?

[daro346]

It doesn't seem to be limited to any specific letter or key.

I don't think there have been any updates to the software. How would I check

I used an air spray on the keyboard. I'll try a vacuum.

[rkawakami]

If there were any Windows updates you should be able to check by going to Windows Update and viewing your history. You could try launching Task Manager and seeing if the system Performance is taking a big hit when you notice the keyboard stuttering. I'm not sure if there's a PC Doctor for DOS version for the X220 and even if there is, it might be hard to find. That diagnostic has an interactive keyboard test which could prove that the keyboard itself is okay and that you have a problem elsewhere.

[daro346]

The last windows update was 12/5 - well before this problem developed. There were two other programs update on 12/23 (yesterday which was after this problem started)

I ran Lenovo Thinkvantage toolbox. (I think it's based on PC Doctor) I ran the keyboard hardware test. the keyboard tested OK based on pressing the keys.

I'll get out the vacuum, but I'd be surprised if that helps... they problem keys are random with no pattern.

any other thoughts?