Variation in construction between Keyboards? (T2x)

[jkn]

Hello all
I have a T22 on which some of the key legends are getting worn. I was therefore looking for a cheap way to buy some new keys. I bought a replacement keyboard via eBay, which turned out to be in very good condition, but arrived damaged in transit ;-(.

OK, I thought, instead of replacing the whole keyboard I can just swap over the worn keys (for some reason, 'A', 'S', and 'Delete'). However, after flipping off a couple of keys, it became clear that the keyboards, although looking identical, had different construction of the mechanisms, so that the keys cannot be swapped between these two samples ;-( ;-(.

Is there any way I can check this in future? Are there opinions as to which 'style' of key mechanism is best? Are the FRUs different? Any information very gratefully received.

Mine is actually a UK keyboard, as that's where I'm based, but I guess this applies to other locations.

Thanks & Regards
Jon N

[archer6]

Hello all
I have a T22 on which some of the key legends are getting worn. I was therefore looking for a cheap way to buy some new keys. I bought a replacement keyboard via eBay, which turned out to be in very good condition, but arrived damaged in transit ;-(.

OK, I thought, instead of replacing the whole keyboard I can just swap over the worn keys (for some reason, 'A', 'S', and 'Delete'). However, after flipping off a couple of keys, it became clear that the keyboards, although looking identical, had different construction of the mechanisms, so that the keys cannot be swapped between these two samples ;-( ;-(.

Is there any way I can check this in future? Are there opinions as to which 'style' of key mechanism is best? Are the FRUs different? Any information very gratefully received.

Mine is actually a UK keyboard, as that's where I'm based, but I guess this applies to other locations.

Thanks & Regards
Jon N

I'm not familiar with the procedure for purchasing parts in your area. However it is important for you to know that there are 2 different keyboard manufacturers that Lenovo uses for the T2x series. NMB & Alps. Here is a link to the Fru Numbers in the USA. Keyboards

Perhaps you could do a search on Google and find a reseller that would be able to sell and ship a new keyboard to you from the US. Or maybe once you have the numbers you can find someone locally to assist you.

[jkn]

Hi there
OK, thanks for the info. So now I know that the FRUs are different I can check for next time. I'm about to open up my T22 to try & mend the keyboard bezel anyway, so I'll check the FRU (and maybe the manufacturer, if there's a marking to that effect).

Thanks again
Jon N