Scott Muellers Upgrading and Repairing Laptops, Second Edition

In most cases, replacing an external keyboard is cheaper or more cost effective than repairing it. This is especially true if the keyboard has an internal malfunction or if one of the keyswitches is defective. Replacement parts for keyboards are almost impossible to procure , and installing any repair part is usually difficult. In addition, many of the keyboards supplied with lower-cost PCs leave much to be desired. They often have a mushy feel, with little or no tactile feedback. A poor keyboard can make using a system a frustrating experience, especially if you are a touch typist. For all these reasons, it is often a good idea to replace an existing keyboard with something better.

Perhaps the highest quality keyboards in the industry are those made by IBM, or, more accurately today, Unicomp. In 1991 IBM spun off its keyboard/printer division as Lexmark, which then spun off the keyboard division as Unicomp in 1996. Today, Unicomp still manufactures and sells "IBM" keyboards with the classic buckling-spring capacitive switch technology. Many models are available, including some with a built-in trackball or even the revolutionary TrackPoint pointing device (a small stick mounted between the G, H, and B keys). This device was first featured on the IBM ThinkPad laptop systems, although the keyboards are now sold for use on other manufacturers' PCs. The technology is being licensed to many other manufacturers, including Toshiba.

You can purchase new Unicomp (IBM) keyboards direct by calling toll free 1-800-777-4886, or you can visit the online store at www.pckeyboard.com. Unicomp maintains an extensive selection of more than 1,400 Lexmark and IBM keyboard models and continues to develop and sell a wide variety of traditional and customized models, including keyboards that match the school colors of several universities.

The IBM/Lexmark/Unicomp keyboards with buckling-spring capacitive switches are essentially the best keyboards in the world, and for as low as $49, they aren't that expensive either. Their durability is legendary, and because these keyboards never seem to fail, they are the one thing that has remained relatively constant in my systems over the years . Many other keyboards with mechanical switches use Alps Electric mechanical keyswitches. The keyswitch ratings are shown in the Table 13.9.

Table 13.9. Mechanical Keyswitch Types and Features

The main difference between the two is not seen in these specs ”it is the overall feel. The IBM/Lexmark/Unicomp keyswitches have a slightly longer way to travel before going "over center" (the click point). Also, the tactile force changes much more dramatically during a keystroke, especially right as the over-center point is reached. This makes both the audible and tactile feel of the key click much sharper and better defined. This equates to improved feedback, better feel, and greater typing accuracy as compared to more linear rate switches with a muted over-center point, such as the Alps. Some of these same Unicomp keyboards are available in the retail market under either the IBM or IBM Options brand name . Items under the IBM Options program are sold through normal retail channels, such as CompUSA and Computer Discount Warehouse (CDW). These items are also priced much cheaper than items purchased as spare parts. They include a full warranty and are sold as complete packages, including cables. Some feature the IBM UltraNav, which includes both a Trackpoint and a touchpad. Table 13.10 lists some of the IBM Options keyboards and part numbers . Models marked with an asterisk (*) are also available from Unicomp.

Table 13.10. IBM Options Keyboards (Sold Retail)

Other manufacturers of high-quality keyboards that are similar in feel to the IBM/Lexmark/Unicomp units include Alps, Lite-On, NMB Technologies, and the revived Northgate designs sold under the Avant Prime and Avant Stellar names . These keyboards have excellent tactile feedback, with a positive "click" sound.