T400 Unpacked - Keyboard Flex Nonissue

I just took out my new T400 from its packaging, and I got to say, the whole issue with the keyboard flex had been bugging me since I ordered it.

But after playing with it for the last 20 minutes, there really is little noticeable flex; at least, if your fingers aren't 5lb weights.

Comparing the T400 keyboard to my gf's T60 and my old Dell Inspiron, I'm very impressed.

Lenovo keyboards are still #1.


Yari

 

+1 on the keyboard experience.

 

+2 for me.

 

-1 for me. After putting my NMB board in, I noticed a huge difference. Did anyone else rate the flex AFTER switching?

 

-2 for me. Flexing was minimal on the left side, but after putting in a T60 keyboard flex is completely gone.

 

I had no issues with my keyboard. Now with the rest of the machine, however, that's different.

 

You are the vocal minority on the keyboard being a nonissue. If I was A LOT smaller, I might be able to use parts of mine for a springboard.

 

there is some minor flex on my keyboard... but not enough to bug me. i can't even notice it unless i'm trying to make my keyboard flex on purpose.

 

Definetely +1

 

I don't notice any keyboard flex on my T400.

 

I stand by what I said earlier;

Just personal experience so far -

Normal Typing - No Flex Noticeable
Heavy Typing - No Flex Noticeable
Normal Pressure - Slight Flex Noticeable on the Right Side (of Keyboard)
Heavy Pressure - Slight Flex on the Left Side; No Change of Flex on the Right Side

Honestly, if Kevin had not mentioned the flex in his review, I feel like those complaining about flex would be the minority - if your typing, the T400 FEELS like a thinkpad. It still has the clicky feeling typical of Thinkpads and loved by Thinkpad users. I have a T60 right next to my T400, so I have access to both oldschool and newschool keyboards for comparison.

Yari

 

I just got mine, and Yari is right, unless your fingers are super heavy then you wont notice anything. The screen and everything else about this computer is just awesome.

 

I should admit I'm bothered with the responsivess of T400 keyboard. I dont have a problem with flex, but the whole keyboard feels a little tight.

I'm evaluating my options, if this makes a big hassle in the coming days, I'll go with the NMB keyboard.

 

PS. for those worried about shipping; in my experience, I ordered on September 15th, and I received my T400 on September 24th. (loc: Berkeley, CA)

I'm hella impressed with Lenovo right now.

 

I just got my t400 and the keyboard definitely isn't as responsive as my t42. I'm not even sure if it's because of the flex, but it is noticeable.

 

I don't have a problem with the keyboard. I wonder if some people who don't like it are just used to a different keyboard. What I mean is if you took a group of people who were all using some other keyboard, transferred half of them to the old thinkpad keyboards and half of them to the new keyboards, I think you would find they like them the same. I think anybody could get used to the new keyboard, but some people prefer to drive themselves crazy over this sort of thing, so I guess in those cases swapping the keyboard is a good idea.

 

If you don't like the keyboard, just swap it out and call it a day. Why complain about something so minor when you should be enjoying a great laptop like the T400 is?

 

I checked out a T400 at my university's computer store yesterday. The keyboard felt very good, with minimal flex throughout. It was certainly nothing that detracted from the typing experience and was only apparent when I watched adjacent keys depress slightly when typing. I was impressed overall with the build quality of the machine. There is mild flex in the palmrest, especially compared to the very solid feel of my Macbook (which lacks any flex), but the keyboard and screen are a step up. The Macbook keyboard doesn't flex at all, but the keys have a loose feel and are noisy unless using a silicone cover. I'll likely pick up a T400, unless the Macbook/Pro refreshes are far more affordable for an equivalently spec'd system (comparing Lenovo's EPP prices to Apple's student discount).

 

Does flex make the keys louder? All my keys are medium-loud (i.e. not noticeable in a lecture hall), but my space bar is something else. It's cracking loud! I cringe every time I hit it. Would getting another keyboard make this go away?

 

no flex on mine machine, can't find any.

 

That's very reassuring.

 

Interesting. Please, please elaborate. I want to know what you're unhappy with.

 

... preference.

 

lol i like how people are automatically assuming he has no keyboard flex, he is simply stating that it isn't an issue for him, as it shouldnt for a lot of people unless you're really looking for it. What I would like to know is if the NMB keyboard feels better and is less noisy despite flex.

 

My new T61 has more flex than my friend's T400. Go figure!

However, I don't type that hard so it doesn't annoy me except for the area surrounding the "enter" key.

 

+1 for no flex on my t500