Keyboards for the homelab | Lenovo ThinkPad keyboards

In this video, I want to introduce you guys to a couple of Lenovo Thinkpad keyboards that I think are great for the homelab environment. I was using one of these keyboards in my last video and I noticed some people commented about it, so I thought I should share with you guys what I like about these keyboards.
If you want to buy these keyboards from eBay, checkout these links:
Lenovo Thinkpad wired USB keyboard with TrackPoint: ebay.to/413xhxT
Lenovo Thinkpad TrackPoint Keyboard II: ebay.to/3Ef1PmM
If you'd like to support this channel, please consider shopping at my eBay store: ebay.to/2ZKBFDM
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The eBay links in this video description are eBay partner affiliate links. By using these links to shop on eBay, you support my channel, at no additional cost to you. Even if you do not buy from the ART OF SERVER eBay store, any purchases you make on eBay via these links, will help support my channel. Please consider using them for your eBay shopping. Thank you for all your support! :-)

[@vincei4252]

Louis Rossmann approves of this video.

[@ArtofServer]

Are you his official spokesperson?

[@vincei4252]

@@ArtofServer Not really, however, we all know he loves Lenovo laptops and the track ball? They're almost always used to demo the deficiencies of similar Apple devices :-)

[@sneu420]

not now, not anymore ::)

[@GreenStorm01]

Also the differences described in the video between those keyboards isn't up to wired or wireless, but are two different models. The KT-1255 is the "wired" one, that was also available with Bluetooth (no dongle back then, and only BT 3.0) - the "wireless" one is the Trackpoint Keyboard II.

[@ArtofServer]

Thanks for sharing the additional details!

[@cernejr]

I have several of these keyboards, both models. I love them.

[@ArtofServer]

cool! me too!

[@sysadmin102]

Another great video my friend. I’m a thinkpad lover as well

[@ArtofServer]

Thanks for watching!

[@ajoydas-Watch-It]

bought the wireless today for my sim racing cockpit exited to have it in my hands soon, only used one back in the 90s but it left a lasting impression to this date.

[@ArtofServer]

awesome! hope you like it! :-)

[@andviktor]

so good overview, thank you!

[@ArtofServer]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@ptzzz]

Watched your video and a few more about the ThinkPad USB TrackPoint keyboard vids and decided to go with the wired one. I'll be following what you did with the magnetic cable to avoid destroying the USB Micro B port, which will also finally give me some use for the micro B magnetic cable I got a while back. Something I realized about magnetic cables is that metal dust or rust can be attracted to either end and when I was using one on my phone after a week or two I had to clean the phone end off due to it collecting tiny metal particles in the air and forming enough of a gap to not make the magnetic cable work. So I've been using them only at stuff I leave at home, which the ThinkPad USB keyboard I got will.

[@BennyTygohome]

Very interesting. I loved the thinkpad laptops back in the mid 90s but i couldn't afford one. I've recently gotten into DIY mechanical keyboard building with selecting, tuning and lubing the hotswap key switches, changing springs, stabilizers, various plates, PCBs, gaskets and foam, tapeing, etc and course keyboard keycaps. So I'm really sensitive when i try an inferior keyboard such as a corsair etc. Would love to try the thinkpad keyboards to compare. I'll keep a look out for them.

[@ArtofServer]

yeah, they might not be for everyone. I know some people don't like them. and some diehard thinkpad lovers still miss the older thinkpad keys from pre-2012 when they transitioned to the chiclet keys with the backlighting. definitely try it out to see if it suites your tastes.

[@AndrewFrink]

like you i'ev been a fan of thinkpad keyboards. I didn't know they started making these as standalone.

[@ArtofServer]

yup. if you liked Thinkpad laptops, you'll like these too. :-)

[@ThomasTomchak]

I love the MagSafe micro usb idea. I didn’t even know that existed. Personally, I’ve never been able to get used to the red “nub” on the keyboard. The dynamics of the movement always made it difficult (for me) to control. But in this use case I do see the value of it being so compact and not needing a mouse. I have one of theses that came with my KVM folding monitor and use it at the rack all the time.

[@ArtofServer]

Thanks for sharing! yeah, I know for some people the Trackpoint is hard to get used to. I've used it for so long now, I prefer it over touchpads. On my laptops, I actually disable the touchpads, especially the large ones where my palm might actually touch it unintentionally.

[@benbaselet2026]

Having a compact keyboard would really be a pretty nice thing to have. Usually I just plug some junky old crap in that takes way more space than it needs to.

[@ArtofServer]

yup, been there. i had an old USB keyboard I was using in my lab for a while. it was bulky, and I had to shove it around when I needed more space on the workbench. that and the mouse... this keyboard replaced both and takes up less space.

[@rklein]

Oh I know, I really really know. True Lenovo ThinkPad fanboy here and I just purchased the Trackpoint Keyboard II like 10 minutes ago. I was sitting here using the big keyboard on my Legion 7i Tower and super missing my ThinkPad keyboard. I have a P50s which also has a huge keyboard and I'll use the new keyboard with that as well. I'm tired of using keyboards with the numeric keypad built-in. Great video and always great to meet a long time ThinkPad fanboy!

[@ArtofServer]

I still have a P50 myself! Great machine minus the problem with the palm covering cracking on some models. I've been using Thinkpads since the IBM days. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! Welcome to my channel! 😄

[@rklein]

@@ArtofServer mine still looks brand new, no cracking and it all just works. On my 2nd set of batteries. I replaced the original hard drive with an SSD and wow does it boot super fast! I decided recently to get rid of any of my computers that can't run Windows 11 to simplify stuff. But now I'm thinking it might be time to just go pure Linux.

[@mostlygibberish]

So, how was it? I have seen two extremes. Some said it's the best, while others complained it's cheap and plasticky, nowhere remotely resemble a true Thinkpad. Which one is it? Thanks

[@rklein]

@@mostlygibberish I'm using it right now and love it. It's not cheaply built at all. It's solid and I enjoy using it. The keys are not backlit and I can't figure out how to lock the function keys so I don't have to keep doing the Fn+Esc key combo every time. It would be nice to have a battery level indicator too. Otherwise, best money I've spent in a while.

[@Poetry4Peace]

The love unceaassry task bit if out of batteru lol.

[@s-code-b]

I have both versions. Had the wireless version first. Just received the wired version now. The Function-Lock key (Fn + Esc = FnLk) does not work on the wired version.

[@ceterfo]

So my dad bought like 20 track balls back in the 90s because he really liked them and I really love them they're great for gaming even in my opinion. And think pads best laptop I ever owned durable the nubbin is hands down my favorite thing I refuse to call it the track point it's en oven for my nipple. My only issue is these things that probably cost $10 to produce nowado snow it is like the lenovo you're paying 90 to a 100 soma dollars with something with a track point and my dad's mice I can find them for like 30 but if you want them available at least the ones he bought back in the day they are like a 100 up.

[@ArtofServer]

Thanks for sharing!

[@horrorspidey7033]

I ordered mine and it’s coming today. Question, why aren’t we seeing similar models, with i build mouse functionality like ThinkPad keyboards, out in the market? This seems to be so intuitive and easy to use.

[@ArtofServer]

I love the trackpoint stuff, but it's one of those things that is an acquired taste. there are people who just don't like it and prefer the touchpad.

[@22Chazzels]

Currently make use of a wireless dell keyboard work was tossing. Some rechargeable batteries loaded in. It leaves a lot to be desired. This would be a great upgrade when it dies.

[@ArtofServer]

glad this was useful to you! :-) thanks for watching!

[@chrismoore9997]

Can you give a link to where that magnetic USB cable comes from?

[@ArtofServer]

I wish I could. the place I bought mine is no longer available. there are various vendors/brands that sell things like this on ebay and amazon, but they don't seem to stay around long and come and go every year. I would search on those sites to see if you can find something similar. nice to see you Chris! thanks for watching!

[@Telopead]

To anyone who can get used to track point, this keyboard is the end game. You will never feel fully satisfied with anything else. I have 2 of this, older models wireless and wired, now looking to buy the latest wireless model( one with dongle).

[@ArtofServer]

Glad you're loving these! I still use mine every day.

[@huboz0r]

Are you reading our minds or something? If i only knew this existed sooner!

[@ArtofServer]

indeed.

[@edwinkm2016]

I use a laptop with similar keyboard. I have one main issue with the layout. The pgUp is above the arrow button. It is also raised. I always press this button instead of the arrow moving my input cursor. It is really annoying.

[@ArtofServer]

I've never had that problem. I actually like using the PgUp and PgDn buttons where they are for scrolling up/down a page when reading a document.

[@user-mh7gh3yp1x]

Спасибо за информацию !

[@ArtofServer]

пожалуйста

[@edwinkm2016]

Another main complaint is about the “wrong” order of FN and CTRL. With Lenovo laptops you can change the order in the BIOS. This is probably not possible with this external keyboard.

[@ArtofServer]

I've had that problem, but I've gotten used to it now so it doesn't matter anymore. I had similar problems with old Sun microsystems keyboards with the unique location of their esc, control, and caps lock keys...

[@KrisLowet87]

The order "fn-button left of ctrl" has been there since the early 1990's when ThinkPad was still produced by IBM. Just like the Apple keyboards nowadays. Other manufactures decided to swap both keys. The ThinkPad series and the Apple keyboards just stick with the original layout. In my opinion that is not "wrong". Maybe conservative, but not wrong. At least, I like it and am confused when I use a coworkers Dell. I like these external ThinkPad keyboard a lot. They do have exact the same layout as the ThinkPad laptops. So I don't have to switch my mind typing on a laptop vs a external keyboard when searching the home/end/insert/delete and the pgup/pgdn buttons. They are in exact the same place.

[@GreenStorm01]

That is actually the reason, why I could get my mind to switch. With the external keyboard, it is either possible to do that with AutoHotkey or something, or actual resoldering.

[@cultist7931]

I actually prefer the Thinkpad layout, with the Fn to the left and the CTRL to the right.

[@vaddimka]

Logitech K400 is what I’ve been using for years for ‘mobile’ setups, doesn’t require a table and is light. Otherwise, in a home lab in any normal situation you’ll be using ssh or RD from your laptop anyways

[@ArtofServer]

yeah, for homelab core infrastructure, i don't normally need direct access to my servers. but, there are occasions when something breaks and you just need to get on the console to troubleshoot something because something on the network went bad. in those situations, I like the USB wired one for reliability. I use the wireless for testing and building new machines. The logitech K400 is the one with the touchpad on the side?

[@xmlthegreat]

Oh lol I thought this video was about DIYing standalone keyboards from the laptop parts. I have 4 or 5 ThinkPads in the home and used by my family but sometimes I want to use the keyboard at work as well. This might be a good option if the DIY part is too difficult.

[@ArtofServer]

That's a great idea!

[@betterthinker3352]

thanks for the detailed video. having Magnetic USB was the cherry on the top suggestion. however, I have a question. Can we use wireless one as wired by replacing dongle with some sort of USB cable , making the wireless on as reliable as the wired ones ?

[@ArtofServer]

I don't think so. The USB port on the keyboard is only for charging I believe.

[@betterthinker3352]

@@ArtofServer I see, okay . Thanks

[@GimmeASitrep]

What's the magnetic microUSB adapter/connector and the wire you use at 9:30? Couldn't find it on Amazon or online it seems...

[@ArtofServer]

It was just some generic one from Amazon. they seem to be getting harder to find. might try eBay instead of Amazon as 3rd party vendors usually stop selling older stuff like micro usb on Amazon.

[@retroip]

I almost buyed the wireless one, but I was dissapointed that you cannot switch FN with CTRL on the left side of the keyboard (not sure if even with 3rd party software). Can you confirm this ? I ended on Lenovo Professional Ultraslim which gives me same typing experinece as all my Thinkpads.

[@ArtofServer]

sorry, i don't know of a way to swap Fn and Ctrl keys.

[@OrganicGreens]

I want one with full size arrow keys so bad.

[@ArtofServer]

that's cool thought, but I don't think it exists.

[@OrganicGreens]

@@ArtofServer I just learned they are out there but they are pricy. Ibm and thinkpad have a full-sized. They want over 100 bucks for one on ebay tho.

[@harryvendryes]

I sought out the earlier model of this keyboard (non island keys). Found a UK version for not many £'s . Has the older PS/2 connectors, but a cheap converter allows it to connect via USB. Truly excellent. Otherwise it's a ZSA Moonlander as my desktop keyboard. By the way, seem to remember a company out East that makes a very nice modern version with TrackPad (think it's non island and clicky too). Cost is more than yours though. Perhaps someone here can remember the company name.

[@ArtofServer]

Thanks for sharing that info. I didn't know there was an older PS/2 version of these keyboards.

[@harryvendryes]

@@ArtofServer There was an even earlier model called the IBM Space Saving Keyboard I, which had buckling spring key switches (probably now expensive). Mine is the later IBM Space Saving Keyboard II (RT3200), with rubber dome key switches. What makes it unusual is that the three buttons are right on the very front edge. There is no bezel or plastic between the edge of the switch and the user. Nice and compact. As mentioned earlier, can still be found in perfect condition for little £'s. For more info and differences between the two: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXS7qmN4Z6mtkLc

[@robertvaldes3]

Anyone know if there is a full keyboard version with number pad available? That would make it perfect.

[@sharkozaur]

Hey there, nice video. I'm an avid Thinkpad user and love their laptop keyboards. Noticed there's a usb-c connector on the wireless version. Does it ONLY charge or you can use the device via cable as well? A second question if i may, are the trackpoint buttons protruding that's an important aspect of using them. I've noticed the trend to flattening the whole design on Lenovo keyboards lately and i think it is destroying the whole ergonomics of their keyboards. Thanks.

[@ArtofServer]

Welcome fellow ThinkPad fanboy! :-) I believe the USB-C is only for charging the battery. I miss the older generation ThinkPad keyboards too! But I'm ok with the new design as well. It hasn't been a problem for me to get used to.

[@sharkozaur]

hey @@ArtofServer, thanks for this. cheers!

[@gwojcieszczuk]

I used to like thinkpads, and still have four x230. But the newer models aren't for me, mainly because of limited upgradeability. Also, once you try newer Panasonic Toughbooks (CF54, FZ-55, CF-33), you will realize how flimsy thinkpads actually are.

[@ArtofServer]

I've only ever seen a Toughbook once or twice, but that was many years ago. not familiar with any recent ones. some of the more recent "thinner" thinkpads are not upgradeable or very difficult to service. i loved the older thinkpads that were easy to service, had clear markings where the screws were, used the same screw in almost every hole, and even had access panels for ram/hdd and other commonly needed areas. my T460 is plastic "snap" together and a pain to take apart. I feel like I might break something every time I open it up. the internal frame is still solid, but yeah, I think I know what you mean. still, I would pick a thinkpad over anything from Dell, HP, or even other Lenovo laptop product lines.

[@Cavi587]

The most recent Thinkpad I have is a T440p, I love it so much. I also have an oldie, a T61. Both of these have amazing keyboards. I think I like the T61 a bit more, but 440p is great too. How do new ThinkPads and the keyboards from the video compare to the 440p? Are they still just as good?

[@ArtofServer]

Yeah, I have had a lot of thinkpads before and I do somewhat miss the older keys like on your T61. But the newer "chiclet" keys feel very good too. These are more like your T440 and newer thinkpad keys.

[@Cavi587]

@@ArtofServer Well, sounds good. I might pick one of these up.

[@leonardotoschi585]

When you get a thinkpad you won't go back. Fan with an x301 and x1 carbon 1 gen and 2 gen, for money purposes i chose acer this time but the x1 carbon is part if my homelab (if only i can get pterodactyl to work)

[@ArtofServer]

Yeah, love the X1 series too; great for portability. but my favorite has always been the "middle" grade T-series - really well balanced machine and still very light and thin. I've also owned a few of their W/P series as a mobile workstation.

[@Magicairsoft9]

Your cat doesnt own any Thinkpad? Impossible, when you start one, there is always some cat around defending it :-) Those keyboards has only one problem- they are wireless only. Those wired one are not available in some areas.

[@ArtofServer]

lol. where are you located that the wired one is not available? both are available in N.American market.

[@Magicairsoft9]

@@ArtofServer Actually I'm not from USA but from Europe- Czech Republic (some US citizens knows at least our capital Prague by name 🙂 ). I havent seen those cabled anywhere- so I stick for many years with IBM/Lenovo Preferred Pro USB Keyboard.

[@hhhhh-kj8dw]

I got the magnetic cable for the wired keyboard and it didn't work :( Windows wouldn't recognize the keyboard. Was there any adjustments you had to make to get the magnetic cable working? Like maybe a specific setting or driver?

[@ArtofServer]

Some of those USB cables are wired only for charging/power and don't have the wires for data lines. Make sure you get a cable that says it can be used for data transmission too.

[@hhhhh-kj8dw]

@@ArtofServer thanks!

[@be-kind00]

Do the different o/ses support wireless keyboards (bfs, Lunix, truenas, etc.)?

[@ArtofServer]

It's just a USB keyboard.

[@ShapezPuller64]

*gesticulates in ThinkPad*

[@ArtofServer]

lol

[@MyChannel-vm6dw]

Have they finally added backlighting to these yet? Deal Breaker.

[@ArtofServer]

backlighting is overrated. if you need to see your keys when you type, take some touch typing lessons online. LOL

[@angelsjoker8190]

It's just a pity that they don't offer a version with numpad.

[@ArtofServer]

Yeah, that would be cool, but this is also smaller footprint.

[@angelsjoker8190]

@@ArtofServer Yes, but in an office setting where you have to crunch in a lot of numbers, a numpad makes life so much easier. They should have both versions. I'll probably buy the wireless version (because of the possibility to connect it to two different devices via dongle an BT) and look for an extra standalone numpad. I even fancy the idea of buying a replacement keyboard for the T5xx series that have the numpad and somehow build a DIY desktop keyboard out of it, but I fear to be a bit too tech illiterate to build it.

[@jonarment1229]

I really love ThinkPad keyboards. The feel is outstanding, but that damned function key 😑

[@ArtofServer]

LOL... hit Fn instead of Ctrl?

[@jonarment1229]

@@ArtofServer precisely

[@rklein]

@@jonarment1229 I suspect if you are hitting Fn instead of Ctrl then you aren't used to ThinkPad laptop keyboards. It's definitely different, but once you love them there's no going back. 😀

[@mdtaylor2274]

Are either one of those with backlight? I’ve checked the website but it doesn’t mention it.

[@ArtofServer]

No, neither have a backlight.

[@mdtaylor2274]

@@ArtofServerthanks! I just ordered the wireless one and your video helped.

[@arvinpaunil7265]

is there a version with backlight?

[@ArtofServer]

no, not that i know of...

[@oussama4629]

the old ThinkPad USB keyboards are far better and more convenient with a bigger palmrest

[@ArtofServer]

which models you referring to?

[@oussama4629]

@@ArtofServer this one SK 8855

[@AlexanderIsDead]

It seems theyre not available in India. How unlucky I must be!

[@ArtofServer]

That's too bad. You should be able to order from other markets outside India I think, but shipping costs may be prohibitive.

[@5333092]

Ya but that Fn key at the corner instead of Ctrl... =.=

[@ArtofServer]

exactly where it belongs.

[@robertbokke]

Lenovo need to upgrade the keyboard to backlit keys.

[@ArtofServer]

Maybe for the USB version. On the wireless version, I think it would just drain the battery faster.

[@Andriyapps]

Thinkcat

[@ArtofServer]

😂

[@jonathanbuzzard1376]

If you need a keyboard for a "homelab" then you are doing it wrong.

[@ArtofServer]

nice. so you have everything voice activated now?

[@jonathanbuzzard1376]

@@ArtofServer No but I don't need an "extra" keyboard or monitor or mouse for a home lab. I do have a "spare" keyboard which is smallish, and way better than any Lenovo junk (reproduction F77😁), but it's in a draw and barely used (long story blame COVID). Now there is a KVM in the data centre at work, but that's hundreds of metres from the office. As I said if you need a special keyboard or monitor or mouse for a lab then you are doing it wrong and it's not a lab because you don't do that for real in none lab situations it should *ALL* be remotely manageable. That should include your switches and routers. Second-hand ethernet to serial devices are really cheap on eBay.

[@youthserg9066]

this talking with hands thing... not good

[@ArtofServer]

Thanks for your feedback. It's good with me. :-)