keyboards, keyboards, keyboards

[drwho9437]

I've been using ThinkPads for only the past 6 years. I had a T60 which I reviewed for Notebook review.

There are two main reasons (historically) to get a Thinkpad: serviceable/durable and the keyboard.

Now I note in the recent launch we have at least different keycaps on the keyboard. The board looks like that of the X100/X1 series.

Here is my question: how do these feel in terms of key travel and force, and auditory feedback? (Please state what models you are familiar with using the older the better T40s...)

My X200 still has a lot of life in it to be honest, and I am not sure that I can scrape together the cash for an X220 right now, but I'd hate to be left without a laptop with a keyboard I like to type on.

(I am assuming that because the X220 keyboard looks like the X200 one it is the same).

[AboutThreeFitty]

My x100e had a lot of travel and it was easy to push down each key. I can't explain it, but the sensation when you typed on it was great. Huge preference based thing though. If you can, I would see if there any places where you test out a model that has a chiclet style keyboard on it.

I actually liked the x100e keyboard more than my T61's keyboard. (Don't tell anyone though, they'll oust me for saying that... )

[Quanger]

I did a bit of typing on my parent's x120e I bought for them and although it's acceptable, I still would prefer the traditional thinkpad keyboard. Just personal preference I suupose.

[drwho9437]

My x100e had a lot of travel and it was easy to push down each key. I can't explain it, but the sensation when you typed on it was great. Huge preference based thing though. If you can, I would see if there any places where you test out a model that has a chiclet style keyboard on it.

I actually liked the x100e keyboard more than my T61's keyboard. (Don't tell anyone though, they'll oust me for saying that... )

I wish it were possible (to test one) as it looks like what I would think is the best bits to get on a X220 would set me back about 950 right now. (IPS is important also, glad they retained that on the X230).

[AboutThreeFitty]

I wish it were possible (to test one) as it looks like what I would think is the best bits to get on a X220 would set me back about 950 right now. (IPS is important also, glad they retained that on the X230).

It's just so hard to predict on how you will react to it though. They're two completely different styles and when you throw in user preferences, it just makes it nearly impossible guess whether or not you would like it....

[drwho9437]

I would guess I won't like it as I don't like any other notebook keyboard I have ever used... If it really is just a completely different keyboard design odds are I will hate it. Though clearly the alternative is possible the preponderance of data is contrary.

What I am learning from you is they have nothing in common? IE it isn't just the keycaps that are different?

[Jack Watts]

I've been using the "traditional" keyboard for a long time, and I spent about 2 weeks using an Edge 420, which is similar to the new keyboards. I actually preferred the Edge keyboard, and I've hated every other chichlet keyboard I've tried. It's hard to explain, but the key tops are larger--but with their shape your finger kinda falls into the middle. The "reach" feels the same. I'm a 70wpm typist, so faster than normal but not crazy fast. The only time I tested over 80 was on the Edge keyboard.

The "travel" and feel is more similar to an old-school desktop keyboard, almost like a Model M. It's long-travel and "clicky", to use scientific jargon... It was also very loud! Not sure if it was the specific model or what, but it was a very noisy keyboard. I like the audible feedback, but I imagine there are situations where it would be a bit annoying. So, all-in-all I really like the keyboard.

As far as the "durability" aspect though...I have to wonder how much of that is simply perceived more than reality? My T61 certainly didn't fit the bill--in 3 years I lost 2 keyboards, 2 fans and one wireless card--and eventually the motherboard died from the Nvidia graphics card meltdown. The Edge was on its second keyboard in 2 weeks (along with a host of other problems), and the X220 with which is was replaced was shipped with the wrong display. I'm trying to resolve that, and customer service has been massively disappointing. So, it seems that the the "business class durability" is largely trading on the brand of days gone past. I don't see any sort of advantage in build quality. If anything, the opposite in my limited experience.

Keyboard feel is very subjective, but you may find that you like the new keyboard. OTOH, if you think that the Thinkpad brand offers advantage of durability, quality and service, my honest opinion is that you can probably do better.

[Thors.Hammer]

I'm wondering if the new keyboards are like the U300s and allow for the machine to breath from the top. Looking at the pics of the T430 and others seem to indicate the new machines are bottom breathers.

For those of you that haven't had the opportunity to use the X1, I think you'll dig the new backlit keyboards (assuming they are of the same quality). Of the chicklet keyboards on the market, they are sure to rank close to the top.

So get over it already.

[ajkula66]

So get over it already.

It's rather difficult for some of us to get over it, since it's the new layout that we're opposed to and not the island-style keyboard per se.

Count me amongst those who are about to ditch more than a decade of brand loyalty when it comes to ThinkPads.

[Thors.Hammer]

Count me amongst those who are about to ditch more than a decade of brand loyalty when it comes to ThinkPads.

I wonder how this is going to impact sales for 2012, and if Lenovo is prepared to offer "classic" keyboards in case this "new Coke" test fails miserably.

I know in my case, I won't be needing another ThinkPad for quite some time. If the Carbon gets rave reviews, has IPS, and I get a good corp discount, I will surely add it to my ThinkPad collection. But that isn't going to happen right away.