T410 Keyboard - Better Keyboard Available?

Is there a way to find out what model keyboard you have, and moreover to order a new keyboard? I don't really like mine compared to my X61 Tablet's keyboard. It doesn't type as smoothly. My accuracy has gone down significantly when I try to type at my regular 80-100 WPM. It's not as responsive it seems even when I adjust keyboard settings in Vista.

Also, are these keyboards backwards compatible with those from the T400/T60, etc. era.?

Thanks in advance.

 

I do not believe the T6x and Tx00 keyboards are compatible with the Tx10 generation. You're stuck with the keyboard you have.
What is the problem, though? You don't seem to be complaining about flex? Give it a few days and you'll probably get used to the different feel.

Also, the T61 still used the solid-backed keyboards. It was in the Tx00 generation that Lenovo began using the weight-reduced perforated keyboards.

 

in one way to get rid of the flex problem is actually to install small felt pad under the points where there is flex, this usually solves the flexing problem.

 

Take a look at the comparison pictures in this thread, specifically at the third post in the thread. There were no complaints of keyboard flex until the Tx00 generation.

@OP: Your reduced typing speed may be due to the tweaked keyboard design in the new Thinkpads, which include tighter spacing. It's natural to have reduced typing speed when you move to a new laptop.

 

Have you checked the manufacture of your keyboard?

 

Midnightsun is correct. The "non-flex/better" keyboards ended with the T61. Any model after the T61 (T500/400, etc.) call came with the newer (non-solid backing) keyboard. I have no idea if this newer T410 keyboard has a solid backing like the T61's had.

 

The flex isn't the issue. The issue is just responsiveness of the individual keys, and just how loud it is. I can't explain it any other way except that it just can't keep up with how fast I type. I get errors where the letters at the beginning of words are switched around. I doubt it's a function of my poor typing skills since I can clock up to 146 WPM on typing tests with normal words. I'll see if I can get used to it. My D820 has a better keyboard than the T410 in my opinion.

We'll see how I feel about it in a week. I feel it's really similar to the Dell E4300 keyboard that I previously owned in terms of the overall typing experience.

 

If you have a Chicony keyboard, then it's just bad luck.

 

i doubt the old "manufacturer lottery" still applies to the new t-series - it is a whole new keyboard

 

What...similar to a E4300? Eww. I would never make that comparison. Of course the t410 I've used might have had a different keyboard, but I consider the thinkpad keyboards to be way better than the dell counterparts in my experience.

 

To be fair - it has zero flex. The Dell E4300 did to an extent. I just don't like the responsiveness of the keys which is similar to the Dell E4300, which is partly a function of the fact that the keys are really noisy (somebody beg to differ?), and it's probably the increased spacing that is slowing me down (but we'll see). I still can't get around the fact how noisy the keyboard is - I don't understand it.

 

Well some of the lenovo/ibm keyboards are clickier. Chicony ones are the loudest and most clicky if I recall correctly. I have an NMB keyboard on my x200 which is pretty quiet but not as responsive in the key presses. Regardless though the key action should be so much more enjoyable compared to the mush feeling of the dells. Or at least that is the usual take on it.