Law Technology

Help! Ideas to Fix Sticky IBM Trackpoint II Keys

By Ross Kodner et al.

Folks,

Just received a 1998 vintage IBM Trackpoint II keyboard from an eBay purchase. A bunch of the keys are sticking. Before I complain to the seller (whose ad said it was in perfect working order), I’d like to see if I can fix these keys.

I’ve taken off the keys that are exhibiting problems - the keyboard is very clean so it doesn’t seem to be mucked up with anything. The sticking keys are in the same area - three of the four arrow keys and then the top row of the number pad and finally the top row of the HOME/PG-UP section.

I don’t see anything obviously wrong EXCEPT that it is possible the cutout for the keys might be rubbing againt those particular keys.

Any ideas? I really want to keep the keyboard and wouldn’t rather not return it.

Full post as published by Ross Ipsa Loquitur on May 10, 2009 (boomark / email).