Keyboard comparison: X32 vs. X40 - any difference?

[elray]

While still researching my "new" thinkpad purchase, I noted that the X20/21 have a legitimate backspace key, while subsequent models X22-X41 put it on a diet, making it less touch-typeable.

I was able to play with an X40, as well as an R52(?) and a T43 at the local university store. I found that the X40 keyboard was of limited appeal; its backspace being too small, was too much of a stretch for my right-ring finger to find, and the palmrest induced pain. A Dell Ispiron 700m (4 pounds portable, 12" widescreen 768x1280) had shorter keys and an annoying touchpad, but was actually more comfortable to type upon, when taking into account the offending and completely unnecessary wristguard. (Can you taste my bias?) The R52 and T43 keyboards were usable, but way below par compared to my 365x, Model M, Model F, Selectric, or C. Itoh 101.

I can't seem to get my hands on an X32, but it appears to have the same keyboard as the X40. Anyone with relevant experience care to compare the two?

[azX32]

Not having used an X41, I can't compare the two. But there should be no noticeable difference, since the form factor of the 41 is only minimally smaller than the 32.

Touch-typists learn to feel where the keys are, so I'm sure you could adapt to any X keyboard with practice. Also, the left edge of the backspace key on an X32 is at exactly the same distance from keyboard center (between G and H) as it is on a full-size desktop keyboard: 5 inches.

[pphilipko]

I can type perfectly well with the shortened backspace. I must be gifted typer.

[beerak]

I've read somewhere that X series has 95% sized keyboard from T series, but I am not sure But X32 is bigger than X40 so the keyboard should be at least the same size or bigger. On the X40 is very comfortable typing.

[LearningThinking]

Both X32 and X40/41 have 97% pitch (18.5mm) of T, and 100% stroke (2.5mm) of T.

[em500]

X31 top, X40 bottom, from
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2003 ... ile223.htm