Weird keyboard dilemma - I have two in my hands

Hello everyone! Well, here's the story:

I am getting my keyboard replaced my Lenovo. There is a very minor problem with it (one that I can live with, but I paid for the higher-end warranty, why not use it?).

Well, I asked them to send me the replacement keyboard instead of sending an on-site tech, since this would be faster. I can change the keyboard myself.

Halfway through changing the keyboard, I started to compare part numbers because the keyboards looked slightly different.

My original keyboard turns out to be a Chicony (white tape on the back - FRU 42T3273).

And the Keyboard I received now turns out to be an NMB (blue tape, fru # 42T3143, already confirmed it's NOT a rebranded Chicony).




Here's the weird part: everyone claims that the NMB keyboard is better - but I'm thinking the opposite. My Chicony's keys are firmer, sharper, have less "wobble" and more tactile response. They make a bit more noise, but I'm liking that since it's a result of having firmer keys.

The NMB's keys are lighter in color, have more wobble (side-to-side), less stroke, less tactile response. In general, I feel it is less true to classic IBM keyboards and more akin to HP laptop keys.

So, what do I do? I supposedly have an inferior keyboard that I feel is of higher quality. I have the NMB here, it's brand new, but I just feel it is inferior in every way to the Chicony one.

My choices at this point (since I can't call Atlanta back until Monday) are:

1. keep my old keyboard.
2. swap in the new NMB keyboard
3. Call IBM and try to convince them I want the Chicony sent to me instead of the NMB.

Weird, I know. I'll swap in the NMB board right now so I can feel what it's like when it's installed. Just feel like I'm backwards.

thanks,
Sean

 

So are you telling me you feel that Chicony keyboards are better than NMB's??

It's interesting that you describe the NMB to be lighter in color, I haven't read that before.

 

yes, that's what I'm saying....

It almost seams that the keyboards have a different "finish on them". The Chicony one looks to be a bit darker and slightly more rounded. It reflects lights a bit more (it's more glossy/shiny).

If you look closely at the letter markings on your keys, you'll notice that there white lettering has a slight black outline from the sticker. On the Chicony keyboard, the plastic on the keys matches this black color very well. The NMB's keys are ever so slightly lighter - you can see the black outline a bit easier on them.

The Chicony keyboard just feels more solid to me. The main thing that's upsetting me is the excessive wobble of the keys on the NMB keyboard. Place your finger on one of the keys. Don't push the key, but rock your finger back and forth. You'll notice a slight movement right to left on any keyboard - but the NMB's keys wobble more (about .5-1mm more).

Also, the Chicony's keys don't tilt as much as the NMB's keys. Press one corner of a key - the Chicony's keys still go straight down while the NMB's keys twist.

 

Call Lenovo, their open on the weekends. Tell them that the new keyboard you recieved is not up to quality and request them to send you a Chicony and just put the new keyboard back in its box and use the return labels to send it back. Also put on it "wrong Part" so they know its not a used keyboard.

 

Good luck...I know this would not work for getting an LG LCD panel replaced with a Samsung, or vice versa. If the part they send you works as they believe it is intended to, they've told me they won't swap anything for it.

 

Lenovo is more lenient with keyboards than LCD's.

 

Or you can do a swap with someone here who wants an NMB.
That's the first time tho I heard about the 'wobble'. I tried but couldn't get mine to wobble...if I push any harder I'll be pushing the key. I think keyboards are very subjective. I know alot of Alps users who prefer that over the NMB and certainly the newer Chiconys are better than before. I like having less of a clickety feel and less noise.

 

I just swapped in the NMB keyboard, and i have some more things to share with you guys:

I definitely hate this NMB keyboard. It's mushy. The keys almost feel more cramped. There's isn't as much stroke and tactile response as the Chicony. I'm making 10 times more mistakes typing on the NMB keyboard than I was on the Chicony one.

There is a shorter stroke on the NMB keyboard than on the Chicony one. However, as far as noise, I don't think there's much difference now that i'm typing on it.


On another note: the trackpoint differences.

The NMB's is better. the shaft of the trackpoint sticks slightly higher up - it's more elevated off of the keys, making it easier to use. It's also easier to push around - it takes less pressure to move the trackpoint than on a Chicony one. In addition, on the same sensitivity setting, the NMB's trackpoint moves farther.

The color is definately lighter on the NMB. On the Chicony keyboards, you can't differentiate between the color of the casing and that of the keyboard. On the NMB, there is a distinct lighter tone to the keyboard.

Call me crazy, but I'm going to try my best to get another Chicony keyboard instead of this NMB one.

In short: The Chicony keyboard is more akin to older IBM keyboards (circa pre-2000), while I would compare the NMB keyboard to those of higher-end HP's and Dells.

 

Just a point I would like to make:

I might be exaggerating the differences quite a bit. To the average person, they wouldn't be able tot tell the difference. the wobble, tilt, and color I'm describing is very minute in difference. In fact, neither one wobbles as much as most other keyboards, but I can just tell that the NMB keyboard is slightly mushier than the Chicony one.

take everything I say with a grain of salt. I just hate this NMB keyboard. For some reason, I can't seam to be as productive on it.

 

A higher trackpoint? My trackpoint already touches the screen very slightly. That shouldn't be good at all on the NMB.

To viewers of this thread: no matter which brand of keyboards you get on a ThinkPad, it is still far better than any other on the market.

 

Rkit3kt, I was thinking the same thing.

 

I wish Lenovo had sent me an NMB to replace my Chicony but they insisted on sending me the exact keyboard my system originally came with.

I agree with the OP's description of the NMB vs the Chicony, but everything he says he hates is what I prefer about the NMB vs the Chicony. I just traded a Chicony for an NMB and am really enjoying that much quieter, slightly mushy, cushioned, short throw. The Chicony was hurting my hands and making a racket, but I was used to an NBM from before and as I said, I much prefer it.

Perhaps the OP can find someone to trade keyboards with. As I think there are a lot of people like me who would rather have the NMB. I still have a backup Chicony, same model as yours, I would be tempted to trade it for the NMB, but don't really have a need right now, except to have as a backup.

 

I think that the newer NMB keyboards are a bit worse than those in the T4x series. I have an NMB on a T40, and that one feels less mushy and more clickety-clackety. The tactile response on that one is better than this NMB on my R61.

Nothing beats the keyboard on a 600 series, though. Those are the best

 

Update:

Well, I called Lenovo today. Explained them the situation and had all part numbers ready. The guy at the other end of the line was a bit confused at first as to why I was requesting different part numbers for parts that showed are interchangeable.

Well, he checked stock on Chicony keyboards and they were there, so he's sending me out a new Chicony keyboard and told me to send the NMB back to them

Another A++ for Lenovo service. I don't understand where all these people are coming from when they say CS from them sucks. I've called them 3 times now, and all three times they've done exactly what I needed without question.

1. LCD replaced because of "water spot" or "pressure point" from behind screen. Sent a service call to the on-site tech. He called my within 48 hours to set up an appointment, everything went smooth as silk.

2. Replacement keyboard. Sent me a replacement NMB keyboard no questions asked. It was here 16 hours after I called them via DHL. Unfortunately, they sent me an NMB keyboard instead of a Chicony one.

3. Swap NMB for Chicony - again, no problems. Expecting a new keyboard by Wednesday.


Now, I have the on-site 3-year warranty - I wonder if this means I get better service and they're more lenient? I don't know - but they're getting high marks from me every time I'm calling Atlanta. And it seams, every time I call, we end up small talking about something. Football, weather, time differences, etc... They're never reluctant to do what I need/want them to do, always . And they're very friendly as well.

Miles ahead of the no-brainers we get when calling other CS departments overseas. At least I can understand these guys.

Will keep you all updated.

 

I'm glad Lenovo CS is doing wonders for you. Do you mind if I post that in the ThinkPad Appreciation Thread?

 

go for it and send me a link, please

 

It's in my sig too: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=196888

Just post what you posted here there please.

 

I'm not sure what kind of keyboard I have, but I think it's a chicony. I have no doubt that many people would die for it, but I think I may prefer something mushier I'm not sure. I've never experience an NMB. This someting that is just a little too "crisp" for this keyboard.

 

Update #2:

Lenovo CS comes through once again.

The 2nd keyboard, this time a Chicony (as I requested) showed up this morning via DHL again, only 16 hours after I placed the call. Talk about fast turnaround. I must live right next to an IBM warehouse or something.

Well, I'm so glad I finally have my Chicony keyboard back! The crispness of this thing is again wonderful! I love it!!! Sorry NMB fans, I just prefer the "sharpness" and the "click" of the Chicony boards. I can see why some would prefer the NMB board, but the Chicony just fits me better.

3rd time in a row I've given an A+ to Lenovo service. I'm now a fan for life. And I'll be ordering the on-site support from now on with every laptop. It's worth it.