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Today we have here Lenovo’s ThinkPad USB keyboard, their newest external keyboard. If you are familiar with the ThinkPad T400s, you know Lenovo messed with tradition and revamped the keyboard a little. The ThinkPad USB Keyboard replicates the T400s keyboard design in this slim external version.
The Esc and Del keys were doubled in length and the spacing between keys tightened up through the use of larger key caps. The key enlargement change was made due to research showing that those are the two most commonly used keys on the keyboard, while the larger key caps were instituted to reduce the amount of crumbs and other debris that finds its way under the keys.
Design & Size
The overall design is very simple and classic. The all black scheme with classic blue Enter key and red TrackPoint (aka pointing stick, nubbin) are present, as they are on all ThinkPads. With the ThinkPad T400s and certain other models, Lenovo has begun bringing back the sacred red stripes and blue dots on the TrackPoint buttons as well. The system buttons at the top of the keyboard are of the T400s’ new sleek design, with audio mute and mic mute buttons featuring a light-up LED. You will also find a green LED on the CapsLock key.
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Lenovo designed this keyboard to be portable at only 1.45 inches thin and 1.34 lbs. To help with portability, there is a small alcove on the back of the keyboard to wrap the USB cable into. The lack of a touchpad and separate number pad also helped keep the size down, as well as the cost.
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Functionality
Unlike most “laptop” style external keyboards, which usually just have the flatter, shallower keys like a laptop, the ThinkPad USB keyboard actually has the Fn key and all the Fn+F-key combinations you’re used to. You also get volume and mute controls, along with the T400s’ new mic mute button and the defacto ThinkVantage button. There are even drain holes like you find on an actual ThinkPad.
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To get the full functionality out of this keyboard you will need to install drivers for it, which one wouldn’t expect from a keyboard. However the unique nature of the TrackPoint and the Fn+F-keys necessitates it. For those who purchase the keyboard, I suggest installing the drivers from the CD rather than the website. The keyboard operated fine, but there were a couple weird quirks with the drivers on the website for some reason.
Real World Usage
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The ThinkPad USB keyboard is everything you’ve come to expect from the legendary ThinkPad keyboard. Key travel is short, tactile feedback excellent, and flex non-existent, despite being so thin. TrackPoint aficionados will appreciate that the USB keyboard drivers allow for a highly sensitive setting on the TrackPoint, more so than I’ve experienced on any recent ThinkPad. That sensitive setting combined with my favorite <cap name> TrackPoint cap makes for a very nice pointing experience, all without taking my hands off the keyboard.
I did encounter one annoying aspect with typing. I am a rather fast typer, generally 70 words per minute or greater, and I found that capitalizing the first letter of a word usually resulted in the second letter being capitalized as well. It appears the timing associated with the Shift key is a bit off and it ends up staying active a few milliseconds too long. I don’t think this would affect a slower typer, but it got annoying for me. When I contacted Lenovo about this, they let me know the drivers are being worked on, although there is no timeline.
Despite the sticky Shift key, the thing I appreciated most about this keyboard was being able to use the TrackPoint without needing to have my ThinkPad right in front of me. For 8 hours every day, I’m at a desk where my ThinkPad LCD serves as a secondary monitor and I’m focused on a larger screen. A regular mouse is okay and indeed even a relief to change positions during a long day in front of the computer, but I generally prefer to be able to keep my hands on the keyboard during long periods of typing and not have to change up just to mouse around a little. The TrackPoint solves that problem, and this external version of the ThinkPad keyboard means you can keep your ThinkPad typing experience even if your machine is in a dock or otherwise out of reach.
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Conclusion
Lenovo’s ThinkPad USB Keyboard is a joy of a typing experience and recreates the functionality you’ve gotten used to on your own ThinkPad. The $59 price tag is competitive for a quality keyboard and offers a lot of unique characteristics over similarly-priced desktop keyboards. The initial drivers offered are a little shaky, but overall the keyboard is a quality piece that would be a great addition for your ThinkPad.
The only question you really want to ask yourself is around features like a touchpad, number pad, or wireless connectivity. Lenovo [does/did] offer the old UltraNav USB keyboard that had both the TrackPoint and touchpad, with one version sporting a true number pad as well. The number pad model obviously isn’t as portable, as it is quite long, but may be a better solution if it’s just going to sit on your desk. Wireless connectivity is also preferable for many people and is currently being considered by Lenovo.
Personally I would love a Bluetooth or RF version of the existing keyboard – perfect for navigating an HTPC from the couch.
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
*cough*Fn-Ctrl*cough*
The dimensions&weight specified at the lenovo website (and cited in this article) are wrong, and *almost* convinced me not to buy this fine keyboard (OMG soo big&heavy)
here’s what i’ve measured:
width:313mm
depth:221mm
heigth between 10 and 20 mm without feet
weight:~450g
i also got that problem with capital letters not being where they should be, but i thought i was incapable of typing..
i downloaded the driver from the website since i got the keyboard without cd
Thanks for the review. Does this works with Linux?
The keyboard works with Linux, except some of the Fn-Combos. Buttons for multimedia/volume control do work.
I have the version with the TouchPad at the bottom. Oddly, I never use it on my ThinkPad, but I use it all the time on the external keyboard… probably because I’m standing.
I think the thing ANY combo keyboard needs to have is an extra USB connector. Obviously, you are getting this because you need max portability and you are short on space. Having a single USB port that allows use of memory sticks and the like would be a perfect upgrade.
I must say that both of my copies have some flex in the center, especially noticeable when compared to T60 keyboard.
I’m experiencing exactly the same problem with the shift keys, which is very annoying when programming. Is there any new information on how to solve/workaround this?
I also have the initial caps issue. It’s pretty disappointing, because it makes the keyboard very frustrating to type on.
It turns out that this is not just an initial caps issue, but also occurs when double-typing single characters, even with the latest drivers (11/5/2009). It’s too bad, because this would have been such a nice keyboard.
Does this initial cap, double-tiping issue also happen in Linux?
Thanks for your help.
Yes. Looks like a h/w problem, not a driver issue.
That’s crap!
I think I’ll buy the old one then.
hey man are you sure about that?
I just had a guy confirm me that it works perfectly in Linux, Solaris and BSD!
I only use Linux so I don’t really care it won’t work in Windows…
Well, my copy has this problem. I do a lot of programming in Linux and DOuble CAps is a frequent case when I’m typing too fast.
The driver for this keyboard is a step backwards from earlier versions. I am comparing the USB Trackpoint v1.02 (dated Nov2009, downloaded from MIGR-73235) on an XP desktop, the UltraNav Wizard 2.01.00(copyright 2003) on a T43p running WinXP, and the USB UltraNav Keyboard on the same XP desktop.
Scrolling is a showstopper. Problems include:
* When set to “standard”, scrolling a browser window (Firefox or IE) appears to be accomplished by moving the cursor position up and down, which results in jerky or non-existent scrolling.
* When set to “smooth” or “auto select”, scrolling a browser window works, but NOT on list items within that window (eg. selecting an item from a drop down list, or scrolling a large text box).
Update on the scrolling issue…for no apparent reason, the USB keyboard with scrolling set to ‘standard’ is working pretty close to the same as my TP. It still does not handle list/text boxes, whereas the TP and the UltraNav USB keyboards handle these ‘sub-windows’ just fine.
Hi,
I just got the Thinkpad USB Ultranav keyboard, and I cannot make it work in Windows 7. I tried to run the setup drivers with Vista compatibility but it does not work.
I looked around and I cannot find drivers for Windows 7. Do you guys know any workaround for this problem ? or how long will it take till lenovo comes out with the drivers ?
I appreciate any help on this.
Does this keyboard really not work with Windows 7 like Josep commented? If so, it truly is a dealbreaker.
It does work in Windows 7. I have the 1.02 drivers installed myself. The driver app does sometimes crash, but very rarely. Unfortunately the issues with the key sensitivity/lag I describe in the review are still not fixed. I need to dig out the original driver CD with v1 and see if that is replicated there.
Hi John,
I bought the UltraNav USB Keyboard (same as the one in your review but with numeric keyboard) and none of the drivers work for windows 7.
I can type but I cannot make the trackpoint and touchpad work. Plus, when windows 7 restarts it crashes if the keyboard is plugged. I am using the following sources for drivers
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/WIN7-BETA.html
and this one installing the vista drivers with windows compatibility:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-66917
As said, none of them work. If you know any other source where I can get the drivers, please let me know.
Thanks for the help.
Josep
Hi Josep – I think the keyboard you bought is actually not the same as mine, but it is an older version. I wouldn’t expect Win7 drivers to be available for that. I would start by finding the product support page for your keyboard on Lenovo Support by searching for the part number listed on your keyboard.
I really want a keyboard like this for my desktop because I prefer a trackpoint over an actual mouse but the double-shift issue that you mentioned would definitely drive me insane.
I might go for the older version that looks like a T40 keyboard but most of the ones on eBay are used and I’m afraid of what the previous owner could have possibly dropped (or squirted) in there.
I just got the keyboard to use with my X301 when it’s plugged into an external monitor. This is quite nice. I was concerned about the issues that have been pointed out above, but I’m not experiencing it. I didn’t install the drive from the CD or from the ‘net, just plugged it into my X301 and everything seems to work except that the Fn key does not respond. I will probably need to install a driver to get it to work, but with all the issues pointed out in the above points, I think I’ll stick with this for now…
I’ve been a ThinkPad user since the 750 (started with a monochrome display!) and the keyboard is a big reason. I’ve used the earlier full-size external USB keyboard at work for the last three years–and when it went on the fritz (I’m a heavy user) picked up this new model.
The new key positions, sizes and positions threw me for a few hours, but I’ve come to really appreciate them (esp the oversized Del and Esc keys). I _have_ experienced the double-initial-cap issue, but I think it’s important to note that I experienced it on my previous keyboard too–often, but not as frequently.
Otherwise, I’m fully delighted. This is a great value.
This keyboard has an awesome form-factor, pretty good key response, and who doesn’t love the trackpoint, but I do want to reiterate that the sticky shift problem can be very annoying.
I have had an IBM laptop and am a retired IBM employee. But that trackpoint is the worst idea IBM had since they tried to enter the copier business. Id you have to use it much, as for photo editing, it turns your hand into a cramped ball of twisted fingers. Lenovo should bite the bullet and admit everyone else with just a trackpad, or even better, a built-in trackball has the right idea.
Other than that, they keyboard looks great. Anyone with a tablet PC without a regular KB should consider this as a “must have” accessory.
I’m sorry but that’s bullshit.
Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean “its the worst idea IBM ever had”.
Besides, why would anyone use a trackpoint for photo editing? That’s nonsense. Not even a trackpad is good for that. For photo editing and games (for example) you definitely need a mouse.
My thoughts exactly – any by the way, I use my ultranav for photo editing all the time and love it! (not for making art, mind you, just for photo editing).
As far as cramped ball of twisted fingers – this is what I get from using a trackpad. The trackpoint is a blessing and possibly the best idea anyone has ever had in the whole history of mankind! lol… and I dread the day lenovo agrees with you (cause I’m sure it’s coming).
m1
I’d really like to get a desktop keyboard with TrackPoint but NEED an ergonomic keyboard layout. I’ve devloped carpal tunnel syndrome on the standard layout and the ergo form was a blessing. I’m a programmer and HATE having to reach for the mouse – the TrackPoint is a real productivity boost. What are the chances that you’ll come out with an ergonomic version of the Lenovo ThinkPad USB Keyboard.
It baffles me why haven’t anyone yet made a split ergonomic keyboard with a trackball in the middle. I mean, Logitech makes both trackballs and ergo keyboards, why not combine them. And Microsoft has a blooming scroll wheel where the trackball should be. What are they thinking?
Oh, I just got it. They make mice as well. So they want to sell them too.
I have looked at these external ThinkPad keyboards for several years. I have used ThinkPad computers for over 8 years now and love them. What stopped me from buying their external keyboard was NO finger print scanner. When the computer is docked, I still have to open the computer case just to scan my finger then shut the lid again. This gets very annoying and I would have bought two of the instantly if they just had a finger print reader on the keyboard.
Any owners of this keyboard around here? Is the sticky key issue solved with the recent driver update (from Nov 19th)?
been using this for over a year, with every revision of the driver updates. I never thought the sticky key issue was a huge deal, got used to it. The biggest issue I had was using firefox the scroll function required a setting change in firefox. The latest revision of the driver definitely appears to have fixed little bugs.
Highly advise getting this if you dock your thinkpad, specially if you have one of the newer thinkpads with this same revised layout.
I’m not sure how much the stick key will bother me, it’d just be ideal if it’s gone at all.
So it’s still there?
Here in Germany the keyboard costs 60 Euro and enters the price range of mechanical keyboards, so I don’t want to get something that’s just slightly annoying occasionally, therefore might not quite warrant a return, but ultimately fails to satisfy.
I would have bought an external Lenovo keyboard if they would just put the finger print reader on it. I get tired of having to open the docked notebook just to swipe my finger. When you open the cover there is a wait till the till the computer transfers the video back to the onboard monitor then when you close the cover you have a wait again.
I own one of these keyboards, after a decade of using a nipple mouse I couldn’t get used to an external one.
I am one of the lucky ones who does not have a ‘sticky’ shift problem, however it did take me a couple weeks to get used to the closer keys, low response (god, I love the fast action of these keys), and the lack of a ‘tier’. I did get DOuble CAps for a while, but increasing the tilt of the keyboard above the standard and being aware of it eliminated it from my typing. I believe the problem is merely mechanical as the lack of response of Lenovo (and the subsequent price cut, which I jumped on) indicates. The current consensus on various boards is it is NOT a driver issue, and as such will never be fully ‘fixed’ by Lenovo.
The shift key is on a level with all the other keys, rather than slightly recessed…meaning those with a proper typing ‘form’ will experience less issues than those with a ‘sloppy pinky’. Not that this reviewer or anyone else types incorrectly. As typists, or people who need to type continually at a high speed, will know; Hand structure and finger length effect style and speed. Having a longer, agile pinky helps (I use it for Fn,Ctrl,Shift,caps,tab,tilde,esc constantly while programming).
There are various forums reviewing this issue and a quick google search will get you some results (jump to the last page in the forums for test-results, general consensus, etc.). Lenovo still hasn’t given an official response, lending credence to a design/mechanical ‘issue’ (read: difference).
I bought a second one recently for my work – and it is ideal for my tasks. The ability to: type code, enter a quick alt-tab, then moving mouse around to test, then alt-tab to continue coding – is great. With some practice you will get the hang of the keyboard in no time.
To sum up: I love this keyboard, but YMMV. It definitely takes a while to get used to it if you used ‘standard’ keyboards in the past. It’s not perfect, yet. I’m hoping their next release includes wireless (the HTPC market would eat up these keyboards in an instant), and slight changes to key size and height. I loved this review and the issues outlined are present, but surmountable. One additional issue I found as someone who regularly eats lunch at his desk – The keyboard is very prone to issues if you get a crumb or dust in the keyboard. Canned air takes care of most of this, but if you get a crumb in there and you crush it with a key there could be issues. I’ve had to take keys off occasionally to get a good cleaning (do this carefully! I’ve broken more than one in the past by being careless!)
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