T400/T500 keyboard

Message

Tommy the cat · #1 Post by **Tommy the cat** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 7:53 pm

Fellow Thinkpad lovers,

As you all know, the keyboard changes in the T400/T500 series has given many emotional responses throughout the internet.

Since my T61 is going to be replaced by a T400 by Lenovo because I had some issues with it, I'm rather anxious about what I'm going to get. Especially since I LOVE the feel of the T61's keyboard.

There have been a lot of speculations, but now I want to be sure. What does the Thinkpad community think about it?

Please participate the poll and comment.

Info and more opinions, see:
http://lenovoblogs.com/designmatters/?p=228
http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/?p=155#comments

kingweb · #2 Post by **kingweb** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 9:57 pm

I just had my T400 replaced by Lenovo with another T400. The first one is 2 months older than the second one.

I did notice a difference between the two.
The older one had more flex in the keyboard. The newer one barely had any flex at all.
I had actually bought a Chicony keyboard to replace the flex keyboard from the older T400.
WIth my new T400, I don't even plan on swapping it with the Chicony, since the flex is very minor.
Maybe Lenovo adjusted something in the more recent builds.

Also on a side note, the DVD ROM door closes much easier now. The older one, I would have to push it completely shut while the new one, closes much easier. Kind of hard to describe in words here, but they are definately different.

bobbarker · #3 Post by **bobbarker** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:23 am

I'd have to agree with the post above. My T400 took awhile to get to me because of the 9 cell and I can't feel anything bad with my keyboard. I had a shiny worn X31 before this and the new keyboard is simply great. I only feel flex if I push on it obscenely hard (much harder than anyone types). My friend got his T400 about a week before me (same config but 6 cell) and his keyboard feels a little flimsier...don't know what it is but...it just doesn't feel as good.

seanax · #4 Post by **seanax** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:26 am

It has a different feel, but I'm happy.

comptiger5000 · #5 Post by **comptiger5000** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:14 am

My W500 has minimal flex, and it's only if you press on it, not when typing. However, I did have to reseat the palmrest and tighten it to death to keep the bottom right corner of the keyboard tray from rattling. However, all in all, it's a different feel than my dad's T60, but I wouldn't say it's worse. It is louder, however. Around the K-L keys is loudest, as if there is a hollow space under there.

harpyeagle · #6 Post by **harpyeagle** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:57 pm

@kingweb

-good to know that recent T400s have improved in the keyboard area.

Do you notice any weight difference at all?-Just curious if they added any new material beneath the keyboard or wherever to make it more solid.

Let us know.

Regards,[/code][/quote]

dr_st · #7 Post by **dr_st** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 5:34 pm

Good heavens, anyone who thinks, even for a second, that it is possible to notice the weight difference between a T60 keyboard and a T400 keyboard, when inside a laptop, needs to get his screws fixed.

Tommy the cat · #8 Post by **Tommy the cat** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:48 pm

Well ok, now it is time for me to vote: it feels different, but I'm happy.

I have had a T61 for over 3 months, and I have the T400 now for about a week (Netherlands/Europe). I really loved the T61's keyboard.

The keyboard of the T400 definitely has a different feel. It feels softer, less rock solid. Nevertheless I do not think it has more flex or less quality. It's just the sound and the feel of it that gets me to this conclusion (hard to explain).

Well of course the keyboard has the same layout and key sizes so I can type on it just as good as I could type on the T61.

Conclusion: I rather have the T61's keyboard, but I cannot say this keyboard gives any problems.