Hardware modding FN/CTRL swap on SK-8855

[Kocane]

Since there's no existing method to swap these two buttons on the SK-8855 keyboard, I got to thinking whether the two keys can be swapped thru hardware somehow?

Does anyone know how these keyboards look internally? There was a guy who did this on the newer external ThinkPad, and I'm wondering if the same could be applied to this.

My idea was the source an extra keyboard from a T410/T510/X220/T420/T520 and do the mod on it.

[RealBlackStuff]

Don't forget that there are three KB manufacturers: NMB, Alps and Chicony, all with different parts!
And is such a swap really THAT important?

[Kocane]

Do they differ much in how they basically work?

and no, maybe a swap is not that important but I'll admit that the wrong placement of CTRL does annoy me to an extent where I dislike using the otherwise great keyboard.

[axur-delmeria]

From a theoretical standpoint, there are two ways to go about it:

* replace the keyboard controller with one that can be programmed (there are existing Arduino/Teensy/Pico projects that convert Thinkpad keyboards to USB).

* Change the "wiring" of the keyswitch matrix, which involves opening up the keyboard itself to expose the plastic membranes, cutting the existing circuit at certain points, then drawing new circuit traces with conductive ink.

[Gonzaleitor]

Since there's no existing method to swap these two buttons on the SK-8855 keyboard, I got to thinking whether the two keys can be swapped thru hardware somehow?

Does anyone know how these keyboards look internally? There was a guy who did this on the newer external ThinkPad, and I'm wondering if the same could be applied to this.

My idea was the source an extra keyboard from a T410/T510/X220/T420/T520 and do the mod on it.

Does this work with the IBM SK-8845RC?
The Fn and Ctrl swap is pretty annoying when you're used to swapping pcs, laptop and keyboards all the time.

[Kocane]

replace the keyboard controller with one that can be programmed (there are existing Arduino/Teensy/Pico projects that convert Thinkpad keyboards to USB).

I've thought about this. Curious how it'll affect the trackpoint though. Probably will be harder to make work?

Change the "wiring" of the keyswitch matrix, which involves opening up the keyboard itself to expose the plastic membranes, cutting the existing circuit at certain points, then drawing new circuit traces with conductive ink.

I guess I could try on a X220 keyboard I've laying around.

[axur-delmeria]

I've thought about this. Curious how it'll affect the trackpoint though. Probably will be harder to make work?

There have been a few DIY Thinkpad keyboard USB controllers over the years. For me, the most interesting one is this experimental RPi Pico-based T61 keyboard controler by Frank Adams, who had previously designed controller board based on various Teensy models (3.2, 4.0, LC). The Trackpoint works in all of them.

[Kocane]

I've thought about this. Curious how it'll affect the trackpoint though. Probably will be harder to make work?

There have been a few DIY Thinkpad keyboard USB controllers over the years. For me, the most interesting one is this experimental RPi Pico-based T61 keyboard controler by Frank Adams, who had previously designed controller board based on various Teensy models (3.2, 4.0, LC). The Trackpoint works in all of them.

It's interesting for sure. But of course it's a lot of work for swapping two buttons. I've largely gotten used to it, but no doubt I'd love to swap em if I could.