X300 vs T61 - keyboard

[maciejs]

Hi,

Just a quick question - is T61's keyboard the same as X300's, in terms of overall size, individual keys size, keys placement and such. Also, even if look and feel of those two keyboards is essentially the same (is it?) I presume they use different parts, so would one be able to, let's say, pick few keys from T61 and put them on X300?

Thanks,
Maciej

[ryengineer]

X300 uses a full sized T series keyboard so it's the same in terms of size and key's proportionality but differs in terms of feel since X300's keyboard has new matte texture finish on the keys that feels better than before to type on and lasts longer as compared to other keyboards on released machines available today. Also, some exceptions to key's placement are the new volume, power and thinkvantage buttons.

However I'm not sure why you want to pick-up few keys from T61 keyboard and put it on X300's, it will work though but the feel on some keys would be different.

[maciejs]

However I'm not sure why you want to pick-up few keys from T61 keyboard and put it on X300's, it will work though but the feel on some keys would be different.

My reason is simple: I really like big Enter key that can be found on keyboards with UK layout but I'm much more used to US layout (placement of keys like @ or # is different, to give an example). So I figured I could get UK keyboard with large Enter and than swap those few keys to make US layout.

It's not really a big issue for me since I'm a touch typist and therefore I could just set US layout in operating system while still enjoy large Enter - it's more a matter of consistency... T61s keyboard came to my mind cause keys are the same as X300s (well, almost) and they quite easy to get online.

If the texture is different as you say I probably won't bother. Thanks for letting me know.

[erik]

My reason is simple: I really like big Enter key that can be found on keyboards with UK layout but I'm much more used to US layout (placement of keys like @ or # is different, to give an example). So I figured I could get UK keyboard with large Enter and than swap those few keys to make US layout.

in that case, what you need is a UK layout keyboard.   there's no way to take a US keyboard with a wide enter key and swap out a tall europe/asia enter key as the keys won't physically fit the other respective keyboard.   you'll need to call your local parts department to purchase a UK-layout keyboard.

i run linux on my thinkpad x30; it's stable, fast, secure and it's a great way to stay in shape

love the family guy reference.

[maciejs]

in that case, what you need is a UK layout keyboard.   there's no way to take a US keyboard with a wide enter key and swap out a tall europe/asia enter key as the keys won't physically fit the other respective keyboard.   you'll need to call your local parts department to purchase a UK-layout keyboard.

I am well aware of that. Besides they're pushing X300s with UK keyboards around my place anyway (one pricey son of a wh**e). Got that layout keyboard at work (somehow I've never bothered myself to change it... ) and it's not all that bad. I'm however raised on US layout and that's what I have at home.

i run linux on my thinkpad x30; it's stable, fast, secure and it's a great way to stay in shape

love the family guy reference.

So I watch Family Guy, so what? Wanna fight about it?! (-;

[erik]

hilarious

i myself am used to japanese layout keyboards.   they have the big enter keys and a few english characters have been moved around.   after switching to this layout in college while learning japanese, i've since ruined my own ability to use a US layout.   it's frustrating sometimes.

[Maccess]

X300 uses a full sized T series keyboard so it's the same in terms of size and key's proportionality but differs in terms of feel since X300's keyboard has new matte texture finish on the keys that feels better than before to type on and lasts longer as compared to other keyboards on released machines available today.

Don't all thinkpad keyboards have the "matte finish" that lasts about a month before "regular use" transforms the most used keys into "shiny finish."

[erik]

yes, but as ryengineer said, the X300 uses a new matte texture that should hold up longer than previous models.   the new keys have a coating applied where the old keys are just bare ABS plastic.

i've had the X300 since march and there's no sign of shine whatsoever.   none of my keyboards have lasted this long without having shine somewhere—especially the spacebar.

[frankausmtank]

Just for clarification: Is the X300 "just" a T-series sized keyboard or are X300 and T keyboards interchangable?

[erik]

Just for clarification: Is the X300 "just" a T-series sized keyboard or are X300 and T keyboards interchangable?

the keyboards are not interchangeable.   both the outline shapes and bolt patterns are different.

[frankausmtank]

Thanks!