New ThinkPad T420s with loud keyboard sounds in one area of keyboard

[veechee]

Hi there,

I just took delivery of a new ThinkPad T420s which was shipped to me express directly from the Lenovo factory in Kunshan, China.  One group of keys makes a very distinct, loud noise versus the rest of the keys: the DELETE, HOME, END, PGUP, PGDN group.  I'm very familiar with ThinkPad keyboards (I am writing this on a T410s).   When I press one the keys in the group, there is a very noticeable clunking sound coming from underneath them.  The keys do work, but it is a horrible sound compared to the rest of the keys on the keyboard.  My T410s does nothing like this, and I just configured three other T420s systems for other people a few weeks ago and I don't recall them exhibiting this kind of sound.

Has anyone else noticed this on the T420s?  Should I be returning this system or arranging on on-site service call to have it looked at?

[ThorsHammer]

I would probably remove the keyboard and inspect it.

[veechee]

Hi,

Considering this is a brand new machine, I'm not taking anything apart myself.  Either it's going back to Lenovo or they are sending someone to repair it (I have onsite warranty).  Considering it's brand new, I would prefer the prior.

Here is a video I have posted which shows the sounds: 'Clunking sound on ThinkPad T420s keys (Delete, Home, End, PgUp, PgDn)'.  I recorded both my T410s and the new T420s to show the difference.  The keyboards on these two models is identical I believe, and my T410s doesn't exhibit any similar sounds from the Delete, Home, End, PgUp & PgDn group of keys.

I'm just trying to make sure that this isn't the way it should be, although I am pretty sure it isn't.

[Agotthelf Community Moderator]

Hi,

I would suggest the same as ThorsHammer said.

Lift up the keyboard and put some tape under it. Only a few screws to remove.

I had the same "problem" with my first R60 at the region where the Ctrl-FN keys are. Tape solved it.

[ColonelONeill]

Taking off the keyboard doesn't void warranty, assuming non-negligence.

As identical as the keyboards may look, there are three parts suppliers each with different tolerances and different mechanisms. You can try picking off one of the keys on each and seeing if the switches are different.

[veechee]

Thanks for your replies.  I am going to ask Lenovo to send me a replacement unit.  I am buying ThinkPads for the quality, and this variation in sound isn't acceptable to me.  I've disassembled laptops for upgrades before, but I have no interest in spending my time doing so on a new machine!

[veechee]

UPDATE: I received two new T420 ThinkPads this morning and I immediately opened them to check the keyboards.  They do not exhibit the same sounds.

I've talked to my salesperson at Lenovo and I'm purchasing a new T420s from Lenovo now and they are going to return the one I have and credit be back for it.  This is the fastest way for me to get another machine.

[Soduku]

Congratulations. Seem's like you're happy.