R3 Keyboard just OK (inferior to R2 and M15x)

I'm a bit disappointed with the R3 keyboard. It seems to be a step down from both the R2 and M15x keyboard, both of which I found to be excellent.

When I got my M15x, I loved the keyboard. When I got my R2, I REALLY loved the keyboard (and number pad!).

As my R3 is replacing my M15x as my work laptop, I was pretty excited about being able to work all day on the R2 keyboard. When I got it, I found that the keys' stroke seemed less sure. I couldn't type as fast because there was more lateral movement.

The keys also seem a little flimsy. I've already dented my spacebar from normal typing.

I'm more than a little disappointed that after getting it so right with the R2 keyboard they've seemingly taken a step back. I assume it's a cost-saving move.

You guys agree? Disagree? Don't care about the keyboard at all?

 

Man! I need to own an M17x R2 and a M15x to answer your question.

Apart from that, great specs on your R3.

 

I have owned quite a few R1,R2,R3,M15x's and i can tell you i have seen different keyboards on the same machine so i am pretty certain they have more then one supplier for the same part.

The difference your seeing might be down to which company manufactured your keyboard vs it just being the R3 keyboard is no good.

You might be able to request a replacement keyboard and see if you have any luck with the replacement.

 

I have owned an R2. hmmm I haven't noticed much of a difference. Keyboard quality is standard. I have taken out both keyboards several times and I can safely say construction wise its pretty same.

Perhaps its differs from user to user. But for a system which is not aluminium bodied like R2, I would say R3 is a very well built system. Comparing both are like apples and oranges. R3 is very well reinforced with magnesium alloy frame at the bottom, the entire middle frame that along with the entire palmrest and finally a well designed magnesium alloy frame for the LCD panel. They do need to change the plastic material used to make the control cover panel. That is very feeble and also the top part of the LCD panel. Thats another area of plastic they should have worked on. They should have made it as thick as the sides rather than thinner rubbery attachement that acts as a hood.

 

My m17x r3 has more flex than I would like. M15x I had was superior in keyboard quality.

I will say one thing the m14x has the best keyboard I have used besides a Thinkpad. Excellent all around.

 

I haven't personally used the R3 keyboard, but I have had an M15x and still have my M17x R2. Comparing the keyboard to the M18x, I do notice what your are saying about the keys being a big flimsy. At least more flimsy than my M17x/M15x keys were. Other than that though I still enjoy typing on this behemoth lol.

Edit: After revisiting my M17x, they keyboard feels absolutely superior compared to my M18x.

 

Thanks for the replies, all.

I think overall the R3 is very impressive machine. I love the performance and battery life and its looks. I am freaked out about damaging the soft touch plastic and ruining the looks, but I'll get over it, I suppose.

Also, the keyboard is perfectly fine. If I didn't have the R2 and M15x keyboards to compare it to, I'm sure I'd be content with it.