I've had a few negative experiences trying to get a new 45N2211 keyboard for my T420. I had a refurb that I paid about the same as the cost of this keyboard and had soda spilled on it, leading to some of the keys like the left shift being a bit sticky and unresponsive, so I have bought replacements advertised as new 2211's and ended up with salvaged damaged T410 keyboards sent to me. In the end, I decided to buy this sunmall aftermarket replacement. All of the comparisons I make will be between this board and that refurbished NMB oem board that I was very familiar with. I had 2. One that came on the used T420 but was worn out and the refurbished one that I used for a long time before spilling soda on it and continued to use after. The Sunmall board is different, but not bad. The index font is a bit different than a stock keyboard, almost like a not bold version of the same font. Not a big deal, but if you are used to the look of the interface, this one is just very slightly different in a way that you will notice, but adjust to. The Trackpoint is functional but not great, somehow the nub feels a bit too fast, but I'm sure this can adjusted with software settings. The trackpoint buttons are a bit soft and mushy... totally functional, just not satisfyingly firm and clicky like the OEM. Now about the board itself. It's a snug fit in my T420. The metal backplate has smaller holes than the oem part, which actually makes it feel a bit more solid, with no noticeable flex once installed. The function row is raised a bit higher than the rest of the keys which is nice, and all of the letter keys seem to be ever so slightly deeper profile than the oem with a tiny bit more key travel, making the trackpoint nub less raised, more flush with the top of the keys. Because of this, the typing seems to be a bit clackier with keys that feel a bit less solid, more wiggly while typing. The slightly longer key travel with the more rigid backplate just make for a slightly different typing experience than an oem board. If you like a somewhat louder, clackier keyboard this might work for you. It's just a bit off between the board feeling alot more rigid, while the keys feel a bit more loose with more key travel. It's not a bad feel, just a different one. The smaller function row keys and tall Esc and Delete, by comparison feel firm with a sharp edge, and are easy to pick out. Overall it's a pretty solid third party aftermarket replacement for the oem T420 keyboard. It has it's positives and negatives. However, if you have ever tried to buy a new NMB board for a T420, and you know how much trouble and expense that can be, then just getting a brand new functional keyboard with no hassle at a low price might be enough to make you overlook this keyboard's faults, and actually enjoy some of it's advantages, like the more solid backplate and the raised, sharp edged function row keys. It's a mixed bag, but it's a solid enough third party replacement for my old 45N2211 that I'm okay with it. Not great, but good enough.
