Keyboard on m15x

What is the keyboard on the m15x like? I am relatively new to the forum so I do not really understand the term 'keyboard flex' which everyone is speaking of. I've heard that the m15x keyboard is a lot like the one on the 15.4" Macbook pro. I actually dislike the Macbook Pro keyboard, having used it before. Also, how would you describe the Toshiba laptop keyboards, as I really like the feel of them.

 

the m15x keyboard has a bit of downward give to it, meaning when you do a keystroke, that section of the keyboard moves downwards a bit as well, especially in the lower right corner (arrows keys).

its really not all that bad, but its a difference between notebook keyboards that don't give at all and this one, so at first its quite dramatically noticeable.

after spending a few hours with it, you'll probably get over noticing the difference at all.

 

That's called flex. And it's bad.

 

He never said it was good, he said it's not that bad and so after a while you stop noticing it.

 

Hmmm.... I myself didn't know what flex was. Thankfully I do now!

 

Do you own an m15x or have you used one? Because if you haven't, then you can't judge.

The keyboard flex is only noticeable on the bottom right side of the keyboard where the arrow keys are. Yes it is annoying. However, those keys are not frequently used, at least by me, so I do not consider it a big deal for that reason. The regular typing area where the letters/numbers are is flex-free and very enjoyable to use. The m15x has a great keyboard.

 

I never said the M15x has a huge/bad flex problem, I'm just saying that any flex is bad. You must really like this notebook. When's the review coming out?
To me flex under the arrow keys would be a huge problem, since I used them daily, especially when gaming. It would be annoying. I just hope they will fix this problem soon.

 

in my original post i was trying to be "neutral"

here's my personal flavor added to the issue, and keep in mind i'm still considering returning my unit: the keyboard flexes. i really wish it didn't, especially for this money. all my cheaper notebook's kb's don't flex. but it functions, and there much bigger fish to fry with this thing. and i have gotten "used" to it to the same extent one has to get used to the quirks of any new keyboard.

i've added it to my list of "poor design decisions made by alienware on the m15x". 6 months down the road we'll see if it becomes a "real" issue, vis-a-vis cracking, breakage, electrical contact that shouldn't be happening, etc.

 

like i said in other posts i think its just because of the fancy lighting system under the keys. i dont have a problem with it.

 

I think it's more on a keyboard-by-keyboard basis. i've used a lot of keyboards, very few have noticable flex. even two from the same manufacturer/series, can have different amount of flex.

i think that's whats happening. I think this becuase Chaz says he's pretty specific about his keyboards and their flex, and he's happy with his, and his has the lighting on it...

 

oh yeah, that point too, there are two keyboards for this model, lit and unlit, have we heard of any comparison, like "i didnt get the lit kb and my kb isn't flexy" ??

 

It doesn't matter whether I like or hate the notebook. All that matters is that truthful statements are made.

 

I'm happy to hear that the m15x keyboard is like the m5550 keyboard, I just luv it.

 

Maybe I just ran into a lot of bad luck with Alienware in general (I have yet to use a computer of theirs that worked through n through) but I went through 4 of the Flex keyboards. I usually lost the abilities to use certain arrow keys.

 

Hello to all.

This is my first post, I think I can be helpful in the "flex keyboard problem".
I had that issue on 3 different laptops, and clue is very simple. Put under keyboard thin "packaging" sponge or foam as can call somebody. This is like thin paper and usualy is used for packing in the post offices. After application no more sound, and keyboard sits tight. Remember to cut out openings for screws and connectors for keyboard (on the pic two square cutouts) and that's all. Some of the manufacturers are doing this as standard.
As you can see under arrow area I put twice in thickness. This flex problem I met very often, especially in the arrow keys area and that's absolutely no AW fault. Others has the same...

cheers
Kitir

 

Nice job! Thanks for the pictures and welcome to the forums Kitir.

 

nice work, thanks Kit

 

Wow that's impressive, a useful and constructive comment and a great solution to boot.

Well done Kitir, it's nice to read a post about a problem that's not moaning or condeming AW and even better that you have a solution that's easy and cheap.

Welcome to NBR

OB

 

yeah, so cheap and easy, i'm sitting here scratching my head wondering why doesn't AW / Quanta do it.


theres your moaning condemnation! hah

 

They might if they though there was a need for it. I guess it depends on how much "flex" is normal?

OB

 

Nicely done kitir. I am going to try now and report back here is the flex is gone. +rep

 

nice kitir but how do i remove the m15x keyboard? and does that mess up the lighting? how does it feel?

 

Removing of keyboard

http://4help.alienware.com/cgi-bin/...TEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD1tMTV4&p_li=&p_topview=1

 

Is it just me, or do some of those red arrows in Image 7 look...wrong? I'm just sayin'...

 

ooops..

optical effect caused by the distance or... what??

 

Hey I fixed it already. No more flex on the the arrow key area no matter how hard i hit.

I have tried the paper foam type - its too high. It solved the arrow key problem but the flex goes to the delete key area. The keyboard becomes uneven.

Instead I use a thick name card on the arrow key area. BAM its perfect.

A note of caution when opening - remember to remove the 2 screw next to the batt. (it did not show in AW support page and I almost break my keyboard -- dammn)

Here is my pic;
http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00453resizeiy9.jpg

Dun worry about the back lights cause it stick together with the kb - Its one piece.
http://img520.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00451resizede1.jpg

I think u should all do it. took me 15 mins .. Now I have the perfect keyboard. - No more flexing.

I wanna say thanks to Kitir.

Edit: After u fixed it back remember to check both fans are working.

 

two questions for you rex

1. did you bond the plastic card to the chasis?
2. how long did it take and was it easy?

also if anyone could tell me if this increases the risk of a fire with the laptop.

 

1) Yeah I use a scotch tape to paste it on the aluminum chasis. However u can just slip it under w/o tapping. I doubt it will slip.

2) Took 15 mins and it was easy. I suggest u print out the AW Keyboard removal page b4 u do it. Just follow exactly.

I really doubt there will be a fire cause the whole KB is protected by a aluminum chasis (KB back and base are both aluminum--card is in between them) with no expose to electrical circuit or the back light. Once u open up u will see what I mean. But its really up to you about the fire thing. U decide.

Here are some guide:

1) remove back cover.
2) Remove GPU fan (3 screw) - 1 screw on the board
3) remove CPU fan (2 screw)
4) remove 2 screw next to batt (the one next to the batt lock) - I think AW guide missed that out
5) Now remove Kb by grabbing. If u cant grab it - it means there are still screw attach to it. The KB should just fall off by just flipping over.
6) slip a name card at the Kb area or whever there is flex. (suggest u use name card cause thickness fit prefectly.
7) Put back KB and press KB down. Now start pounding on the KB and see if there is any flex b4 u screw back everything. If no flex - U have succeeded.
8) now box back everything.
9) start PC and make sure both fans are blowing. (I forgot to attach back the cable once).

Once u are done. Run to the mirror and u will notice a smile from ear to ear

 

Umm...what's a "name card?"

 

I think he means business card, although if that's true any thin-ish card would work, cereal box etc.


OB

 

some milk jug plastic would work as well, and maybe not be as bio-degradable

 

Just got my m15x...

keyboard flex is only noticable IMO when your realy pushing on the number keys and TRYING to find it... during nomal use, I have yet to notice it. I probably would have never noticed it in the first place if it weren't for this thread. I think everyone is entitled to their own opinions and this may be a big issue for some, but I realy agree with Chaz on this one... its no where near a deal breaker and It should not effect your purchase of this PC.... so far my m15x is perfect.

 

Hey hey !! +rep to Kitir and rexi for the idea and instructions respectively
Soo.. The heating related downclocking is (90%) solved & there is a DIY fix for KB flex if it's a prob.. Only thing left is to release new drivers, new cases & improve shipping times..
Oh and I still have to order my m15x !!

Ps. Welcome to the forum Kitir & grats on your baby !!

 

Has anyone had issues with various keys "sticking" too long?

I end up typing words like "www" and "common" and such and I get "w" or "comon" -- capitalization also has issues so words like Performance would come out as "PErformance" like the shift key is sticking too long.

If I type really slowly it seems to be happy but...just seems a bit odd (and I've been through 3 keyboards so far on my m15x -- all trying to resolve the issue except one arrived broken...

Any ideas would be great...

 

There are a number of users, including myself and Callidor that have noticed this same issue. try enabling filterkeys in the ease of access settings, then telling it to ignore repeat keys, and turn all the options for it off (leaving filter keys on).

your expierience should improve significantly, however, upon restarting, the problem may persist. currently this is a workaround, not a fix. stay tuned till someone finds the fix. (i'm working on it myself )

 

any fix for this poor-response keyboard yet?