Looking for a three-button trackpoint keyboard

[rubenvann]

Hi there!

I've been using a Lenovo Thinkpad T410 for a while, and really love the keyboard and especially the trackpoint. I've decided I want something similar as a standalone keyboard.

While there is the Lenovo compact which closely resembles the Thinkpad keyboard, I don't like the fact that the fn and the ctrl key are switched. On the laptop this is the same but you can switch the function of the keys in the BIOS. Of course for a standalone keyboard this is impossible. Also, the keys that are in the corners of the arrow keys annoy me because I often press them accidentally, causing the browser to go the last page. Also, I think I would like keys with a higher profile.

So, I have compiled a list of things that I want from a keyboard:
  - Trackpoint with three mousebuttons (middle one for scrolling), no touchpad
  - Either 65% or 80% with a standard or almost standard layout

I know this list limits the options. There are some keyboards which are close (EnduraPro, Tex Yoda, IBM m4-1), but most have only two buttons, or some other oddity in the layout. So far the only one I've found that satisfies all demands is the IBM space saver II. I've found one seller on ebay, but I need to contact them about shipping to the Netherlands (it is stated that they do ship to the Netherlands, but ebay won't let me simply order one; I have to contact them about the shipping) - I contacted them last week and haven't got a message from them yet, so I don't have much hope of ordering one.

Now, if anyone can recommend a similar keyboard, or knows another seller of IBM space saver II's, please let me know (although I believe they are quite popular)! Also, if anyone is willing to go through the trouble of ordering one (or more) and sending one to the Netherlands that would be awesome.

The only other option I see is to try to make my own (it would be either layout 1, 2, or 3). While I actually have been wanting to make something physical in this spirit for a long time, I am very hesitant to start with such a complicated thing. A DIY keyboard without a trackpoint seems not easy, but doable, and I wanted one I would probably already have started. Unfortunately the trackpoint makes everything quite annoying and while there are some great resources available (1, 2, 3, 4) I suspect I don't have enough expertise, equipment, or time, to make this a project worth doing at this time.

Yet another alternative is to buy an existing 65% or 80% and try to hack in a trackpoint.

I would like to have some help or general advice about the topic (or just some banter is fine too ).

[E TwentyNine]

If you're using the keyboard with the T410, the bios setting should apply as well.

Otherwise a software solution may do the trick, e.g. Autohotkey might cover you (https://autohotkey.com/docs/misc/Remap.htm).

Beyond that, a programmable adapter (https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=orihalcon&_armrs=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xsoarer.TRS0&_nkw=soarer&_sacat=0) would do the trick.

[rubenvann]

Thanks for your answer!

If you're using the keyboard with the T410, the bios setting should apply as well.

Otherwise a software solution may do the trick, e.g. Autohotkey might cover you (https://autohotkey.com/docs/misc/Remap.htm).

Of course! No, the keyboard on the thinkpad is fine. The reason for me wanting a standalone keyboard is that I can plug it into any computer and use it directly (without installing anything).

Beyond that, a programmable adapter (https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=orihalcon&_armrs=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xsoarer.TRS0&_nkw=soarer&_sacat=0) would do the trick.

I haven't heard of that. Looks powerful but possibly complicated! I have to look into this more carefully.

Another option I just thought of would be buying a lenovo compact keyboard and replacing the controller to disable or change some keys. But to be honest I would much prefer a keyboard with bigger (higher) keys.