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    E4200 Keyboard on a D420 / D430

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by ing0c0, Feb 24, 2009.

  1. ing0c0

    ing0c0 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I was wondering if a E4200 (backlit) keyboard would fit on my D420. To me it looks like it is the same form factor, but I just wanted to know if anyone can confirm this or has any insight. Also, does anyone know where I can purchase the keyboard as well? Thanks!
     
    ing0c0, Feb 24, 2009
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  2. format C:

    format C: Notebook Enthusiast

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    eBay might be a good place to look. If it physically fits, you still would have to worry about the connectors and signaling. Even then, there is no guarantee the backlighting would work since the D420 wasn't designed for it.
     
    format C:, Feb 24, 2009
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  3. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    Well, the E4200 keyboard definitely won't fit in the D420/D430 by default. The keyboard looks to be the same size, but the tabs on the edges of the keyboards are in slightly different locations. With a bit of modding, you might be able to get the keyboard to physically fit, but even then, I doubt the D420/D430 will accept the E4200 keyboard connector.

    Long story short: no, it won't work. You can nonetheless purchase the E4200 keyboard from eBay if you wanna tinker with it. Sadly there's only one backlit model available right now for a whopping $100.
     
    Commander Wolf, Feb 24, 2009
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  4. ing0c0

    ing0c0 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes I did notice that there was only one on eBay, which not to mention looks like the tabs at the top are bent and seller has listed it as NEW. The connectors do not seem to be completely different (I will be taking my keyboard off to double check) as shown in this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=322802&page=3

    The only difference I see in the tabs at the bottom is the two tabs at the bottom of the arrows keys as opposed to the single table on the D420 / D430.
     
    ing0c0, Feb 24, 2009
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  5. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    Well, I mean even if they're both have similar looking ZIF connectors (which they are), it's impossible to tell if they have the same number of "pins" or if the ZIF connectors are even of the same width without a close-up comparison. And even then, you don't know if the "pin" assignments are the same on both keyboards, so unless you can somehow try it or find this information...
     
    Commander Wolf, Feb 24, 2009
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  6. ing0c0

    ing0c0 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Very true. Unfortunately, unless someone out there has both models and can check for me I am going to have to risk it... :(
     
    ing0c0, Feb 24, 2009
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  7. ing0c0

    ing0c0 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't know if anyone can help me with this, but here is a picture of my D420 keyboard connections (both connect to the board):

    [​IMG]
     
    ing0c0, Feb 24, 2009
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