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    X201 - (some) keyboard keys dead

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Zeratul, Feb 22, 2012.

  1. Zeratul

    Zeratul Notebook Guru

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    Hello,

    I have a X201, less than 2 years old, and today I noticed that the tilde/grave (`~), F1 and F2 keys are dead.

    I've tried removing the caps, and I've noticed that the contact is made on a thin plastic layer. Apparently, there is no problem on the keys... it's looking just the same as the remaining keys that are working. The rubber dome goes down as well...

    I'm afraid it may be an electrical problem, or maybe something even worse. I don't like the coincidence of that being exactly over the exhaust vent.

    Since I live in South America, far away from the nearest Lenovo authorized service center, I'm considering buying a keyboard replacement and replacing it myself. I know how it's done, but I'm wondering if it's worth the shot (see worries in the last paragraph)... or who knows, if some of you have any idea of what may be going on.

    Thank you for any help,
    David
     
    Zeratul, Feb 22, 2012
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  2. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    I assume you've never had any liquid spills?

    Before taking the plunge and ordering a replacement, try removing the keyboard and reseating the connector.
     
    MidnightSun, Feb 22, 2012
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  3. Zeratul

    Zeratul Notebook Guru

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    You assumed right... I'm extremely careful and I wouldn't have omitted such relevant info. :)

    I'll try reconnecting it. Thanks.
     
    Zeratul, Feb 22, 2012
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  4. Zeratul

    Zeratul Notebook Guru

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    I tried. Update:

    - The keyboard is indeed faulty. I need a replacement.

    - I was surprised by how easy it is to replace. I've followed the manual on the IBM site and I lost 10 minutes. They clearly made it easy for us, to a point that a child can replace it, so kudos to the Thinkpad design.

    - The keyboard/touchpad price is "fair". $40-50 USD.

    Whenever I actually get the keyboard, I'll update the post.

    Meanwhile, I've found a temporary solution to remap the tilde/grave diacritics: KeyTweak.
     
    Zeratul, Feb 25, 2012
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