The secret behind the 'red dot' on ThinkPad laptop keyboards.

Many users don't know what the red dot on a ThinkPad laptop is for.

If you've ever held a ThinkPad laptop in your hands, you've undoubtedly noticed a prominent "red dot" located right in the middle of the G, H, and B keys. First appearing in 1992 when IBM launched the ThinkPad line, this iconic detail has become an unmistakable brand identifier.

However, despite this familiarity, the majority of technology users today remain vague about its true usefulness, and some are even unaware that this legacy, over 30 years old, is facing a life-or-death situation.

What do the red dots on a ThinkPad keyboard mean?

In fact, this red dot isn't a regular button. Its official name is TrackPoint – a miniature joystick designed to replace or support a computer mouse. According to David Hill, former design director of Lenovo (which acquired IBM's PC division in 2005), TrackPoint was created to allow users to type and move the mouse cursor smoothly without having to lift their hands from the home keyboard.

What is the purpose of the red dots on the ThinkPad laptop keyboard?

PHOTO: GEMINI

Technologically, TrackPoint operates using a system of force-sensitive resistors deeply integrated beneath the keyboard's circuit board. When your finger lightly presses on a red button, the system instantly measures the pressure and direction of your finger to translate it into cursor movement on the screen. In the context of a 2026 technology market witnessing a surge in component prices, proprietary heritage features like TrackPoint are Lenovo's key weapon in retaining users within the ThinkPad ecosystem, preventing them from switching to other high-end laptop lines.

Nevertheless, the existence of the TrackPoint has always been a controversial topic in the tech community. Those who prefer 10-finger typing see the TrackPoint as a "lifesaver" thanks to its excellent sensitivity, helping them optimize their work speed without expending much effort. Conversely, many ordinary users complain that this red button is too sensitive, difficult to control, and superfluous compared to the spacious modern trackpad.

Currently, the future of this iconic design is more uncertain than ever. For the first time in history, Lenovo has launched the ThinkPad X9 series with a traditional clamshell design, but completely devoid of the iconic red dot. This groundbreaking but risky move raises questions about whether Lenovo is quietly preparing to discontinue the previous generation, or if this is just a short-term experiment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bi-mat-sau-cham-do-tren-ban-phim-laptop-thinkpad-185260519140200425.htm