Tutorial: How to remove and replace keys on a Thinkpad Keyboard Laptop 

Just what I needed. Thanks! Pro tip: Make sure you don't mash down the metal holds on the keyboard that the plastic nubs of the scissor switch slot into. It took me a while to realize that my angry mashing had flattened them, making it impossible to slot the switch into the holds.

Thanks for the video - I spilled a glass of wine directly into my X40 keyboard - it took me a little over 2 hours, but i completely took the keyboard apart, cleaned everything, and put back together. now it's like new.

Thanks! This was super-helpful, as last time I tried to replace a key I broke part of the back and had to buy and install a whole new keyboard. Your descriptions of the possible difficulties, how to fix them, and the extreme closeups of parts were invaluable. Five Stars!

I was thinking about contacting with Lenovo to talk about my warranty. But then I found your video. And I fixed the S key myself. I got tiny piece of walnut shell under the S key. This video saved so much time, thank you so much! : )

Thanks! Didn't want to break something on my t420 so your video helped a lot!

Great tutorial! My Lenovo ThinkPad L520 spacebar started working intermittently. Now after removing and cleaning under the keys, it works perfect again! Thanks so much!

cheers man this is by far the best and easiest video to follow, just followed your instructions and was done in 2 minutes not like thoses other 15 minute videos were you are listening to them waffleing on about nothing and falling asleep, plus your background music kept me from going crazy, cheers again

thank you, finally a person who's not trying to break someone's keyboard keys.

Thanks for the video, managed to fix the keys that kept getting stuck!

Some of my keys had been screwy for a while now. Thanks for this video, things are fixed now.

Thank you for so clear exploration. I didn't try yet, but I'm going to do it now. I'll give you a feedback on completion.

I don't have any thinkpads right now, but the next time I have one I'll do up a video showing the procedure- its really easy. Thanks!

One of my Thinkpad's buttons fell off and it really fucked me up cause I couldn't put it back. Thanks for the tutorial. You're my hero :)

Gave me enough confidence to get my screwdriver out and fix a key that wouldn't press.

Thanks a lot. I was trying to reinstall a few keys with the scissor part still on the key and getting nowhere fast. This was a big help.

Thanks a bunch! I was just about to order a new keyboard on ebay for my w500 because one of my keys fell off (rage typing), but after I saw your video I was able to repair it. Again, thanks for saving me 30 bucks. :)

Thanks! That helped a lot. I used tweezers. (I think the little microscopic nibs on my scissor switch have broken off, so my key only kind of stays attached.)

Yes, the keys all the way back to the T2x series are all very similar in construction (up until the T430 with island keys).

thankyou for the help. I really needed it

Thankyou for the great tutorial. I have one key (J) that popped off when cleaning, and then the blue rubber plunger also popped off. You mentioned that you need to buy a new keyboard if that happens. I'm wondering if there is another solution to re-attach the rubber plunger since it's only 1 key? If it can't be re-attached, would it still work if I can get the scissor clip attached to hold it in place?

Still very useful tutorial in 2021. Thanks!

No problem, glad it could help!

Thank you, very helpful!

the video did help thought. just needs more light.

It worked to re-attach the scissor clip on the right side like video shows, slide plunger into place underneath it, and then attach the left side of clip. I attached the "J" key it works! Hopefully the scissor clip will keep the plunger from moving even though it is not attached.

Thanks!! It was a big help

This is one of the greatest instructional videos I have ever seen! I would like to see this person do an instructional video on actually cleaning the keyboard with alcohol & toothbrush or cotton swab, as mentioned above. Again A+ on the video!!!

Thank you for a great tutorial. Just replaced the Y and 7 keys on a friend's T42 using this guide. Unfortunately he'd lost the scissor clips so I had to order replacements. I thought I was winning but just discovered keys 6 and 7 are not functioning, any advice on how to fix this problem or are we looking at a new keyboard?

Nice. I've got a T42 with some caps that are in pretty rough shape. I've got a dead X40 that's missing keys but that also has the ones my T42 need in good shape. I guess I've got a project to work on now!

No problem, glad it could help

thanks for your help men

many thanks, i need this, and it help me too much

Thank you so much!

Thanks for this!

thnx alot man....actually my niece spilled juice on my keyboard...took out some keys n cleaned it myself using dis video.. ;)

Off Topic: I can't believe the music I'm hearing n the background! It's a demo from a Yamaha PSR keyboard, right? I had the 410 and the 510, I think it was from the 510? I never thought I'd hear it again after selling my keyboard long, long ago ...so cool!

Thank you very much. My "A" key is working again thanks to your video.

you really need better lighting.

where can i buy these scissor switches because 4 of mine broke while cleanin

I had a rubber plunger come unstuck. In fact, I managed to stick it back on the keyboard again using cyanoacrylite. You have to be really careful doing this, as it has to be lined up exactly with the round hole in the key-scissors. The background music really doesn't bother me. The info is what is important - particularly on which way up the scissor key goes.

Awesome, glad it worked out. I've had to clean countless keyboards with rubbing alcohol, works everytime

Thanks dude!

Thanks! You've saved my keyboard!

I aware that this video has been a while, I wish to find out where else can I get some of these scissor switches, i broke few of them on my thinkpad r50e. Any website to recommend?

thank you man you are legend!!!

Simply superb

THANKS!

Is the scissor still connected to the key, or to the keyboard? If it is connected to either, you should be able to just firmly press the keycap back into place. If it is not connected to anything, what you want to do is take the scissor parts in your hand. Play with different orientations (just the 2 scissor parts) until you find the one that will get them to lay flat with each other. Once you have found this, there are only 4 possible ways the scissor can go back onto the board.

@brendinoglackino Thanks! I added the music with the windows movie maker if anyone is curious

Thanks for the tutorial. It saved me $20 USD.

Thank you..saved me

So I pried one of mine off a T60. The mechanism is the same unfortunately, so I can't really be of much help. The general principle, however, is to first make sure that your metal tabs are not bent. Then, replace the plastic brace piece. Once you have that in place (and are sure that it is not loose), you can put the scissor back into place. The key cap should snap back on once your mechanism is fluid. If I get a T420 in anytime soon I will post a video

Thanks! Something got under my "W" key and I couldn't press it, now I can.

You make this look easy, I hate you. Glad I have spare keyboards At least I can remove and replace the keys

Thanks for taking the time to shoot this video. Do you know whether its possible to remove the trackpoint mouse buttons? Both the left and scroll buttons have started to squeak and I am curious if ts something that can be corrected with a bit of teflon spay or the only solution is to purchase a new keyboard.

No problem, that's what its here for. On a side note- its not so bad once you have done a few keyboards, you kind of get the hang of it and they go faster.

"so if you do that then you'll have to buy a new keyboard. So... don't do that." Hahahaha!! idk why i find that funny. dropped some cookie crumbs into my keyboard and trying to get em out. Your video helped! Thank you!

@joeyhcmc You're welcome!

what about the shift key? which side do i pull from so that i dont break it

I have a T420s, most of the keys work just like the video, but the arrow keys seem to be different. Any tips on putting those back on? I had something stuck under the bottom key and now can't get it back on.

Thanks

gracias

No problem!

@jonk512 Thanks! Glad you were successful

@fanimeboy No problem!

Sure thing!

Thenk you!!!

dude... thanks! big time!

hello - where to get the keyboard online? I am residing in Canada. I have this sticky keyboard problem on the left-side of my T420.

Did it stop working, or did you buy a laptop that the spacebar doesn't work? You can pull off the space bar and hit the button itself to see if it works. Pull from the bottom of the space bar, and remove the key. Hit the blue nub while the computer is on (in word or something). If it is still not registering a space, then your keyboard is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Can this fix stick keys problem?

How would you do this with the smaller arrow keys?

will this work on a Lenovo Thinkpad T410?

I went ahead a did a video of an Elitebook keyboard. Maybe your keys are similar. I posted a link in the description section.

I have two F function keys that have been pulled off my X220. The scissor mechanism seems to be sideways compared to what I see in the video. I have no idea how to put them on again.

Personally, I would take a pick and gently remove the keycap (leaving the scissor on the board) of another F key. This will help guide you on how to put the scissor back on the board.

Very well done tutorial. I would suggest that the music be just a few more ticks lower than your voice though.

I use cats to remove my keys. They walk over and sometimes the claws get stuck. Works great!

Thx mate

Are t60 (t61,t400, t500) and t40 (t41, t42, t43) keys interchangeable? The upper rows and the two keys above the left and right arrows at least? I want these old school grey keys on my machine.

hey great video, thank you for sharing....quick question - I lost the little blue plungers for a few of my keys...does anyone have a good idea for something to put in there? or are they cheap and available at staples or something? trying to avoid spending too much money on the 12 year old thinkpad ..Thanks!

hello can this fix certain not working keys on my toshiba laptop?? my letter y my number keys 7 8 9 and 0 are not working.. (note i'm typing on different computer) btw thanks

Thinkpads are so awesome.

Thanks but background music was completely unnesseccery.

I owe you my life

Usually I hate it when somebody makes a video to convey information and then thinks it necessary to add a "soundtrack". In this instance, I got so involved listening to and enjoying the vibes (Milt Jackson?) I barely was able to absorb the key information. I wish everybody who felt it necessary to add noise to their video had your good taste. I've got a couple keys on my T420 that are sticking so will follow your instructions. Thanks!

Since it is plastic, anytime you do something like this you run the risk of it breaking. Unfortunately, if you need to remove it for some reason, this is really the only way to do it. Not to be pedantic, but the 'best' way to break it is to push/pull from the top or bottom. Pulling from the side like this allows for the most flex in the plastic, reducing chances of breakage.

Where can I get the full list for corresponding key to solve 0210 error?

I would check ebay for a replacement key, they often come with the plastic part underneath that you will need.

Lower the background music though! Thanks for the video 👏🏻

This saved my T60 from my retardation. Thank yee.

Hey, are t61 and l420 keys interchangable? Greetings

First, I would try and clean the keyboard. You can either bathe it in rubbing alcohol, or remove all the keys and scrub the surfaces lightly with a toothbrush. Failing that, You should be able to find a keyboard for around $30 on eBay for a T420. I believe these models share the same keyboard- T400S, T410, T410I, T410S, T410SI, T420, T420i, T510, t510i, W510

np!

Great to know. I have removed on of the keys on the bottom of the touchpad. It has two metal levers inside... I am not sure on how to get them back on... uh oh

I have a T410 and the Z and the Spacebar are not working well. I found that it's just if I press on the far right side of those keys that they won't take (pressing the spacebar's far left side doesn't work either). I took the caps off and inspected underneath, and all looked fine visually - no tabs broken or disconnected or anything. I saw a small dust/fur clump in the center of the right scissor clip of spacebar, and I hoped that was the culprit for that key, but cleaning it out didn't help. I didn't remove the clips, but like I said, they looked fine and were seated securely. The rubber things looked in fine condition too. What else could be the issue if pressing the edges of a key don't work? I don't want to replace the entire keyboard just for those two keys randomly not working, but not sure what else to try.

saved my ass :D thx for the vid

thanks!! My sister smashed a glas of limonade over the keyboard. Now it's clean!!

You can get them on ebay for a very low price. I also have a video of replacing the LCD, so check out my other videos when you buy one. If you have a T60, I think you can get a normal XGA LCD for around $30 on ebay.

my think pad laptop screen broken and i don't know where to get one