When most people think of the best keyboard on the market, the Lenovo ThinkPad keyboard is always at the top of the list. Lenovo recognized this and came out with an external keyboard designed for desktop and notebook users who want the same typing experience but might not own a ThinkPad. In this review we take a look at the newest ThinkPad USB keyboard and see if its updated design is worth buying.

Lenovo ThinkPad USB Keyboard Specifications:

• Legendary ThinkPad keyboard look and feel
• Low profile, ergonomic design
• Integrated TrackPoint
• Spill resistant design
• Function (Fn) key provides access to variety of ThinkPad features
• Red backlit buttons for volume and microphone mute
• Volume up/down keys
• 3-year warranty
• Compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7

Build and Design
The new ThinkPad USB keyboard uses the same keyboard assembly from the newer ThinkPad laptops, with a plastic frame and palmrest surrounding it. Compared to older design made under the IBM name they removed the touchpad and updated the keyboard to the newest version seen in the ThinkPad T400s and X200 series. The design is very basic with a thin frame and a large fixed palmrest. Lenovo kept the same large palmrest design from the older model even though they removed the integrated touchpad. This turned out to be an arguing point for some of the editors in the office. Some were split on it being wasted space and others enjoyed the added comfort of it being a huge palmrest.

The keyboard feels every bit as good in the external frame as it does inside the ThinkPad T400s. The plastic frame does a good job of providing support while laying flat and only has minimal flex when it is supported by its two extending feet. The design also incorporates rubber pads which keep the keyboard firmly planted on your desk. Lenovo did a good job of making an external chassis for one of their keyboards usually only seen in notebooks.