this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2023
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I really wish they wouldn't cut the numpad from so many mechanical boards. Theres tons I like the look off but my job is very numbers based so I need that numpad.
Try putting the numpad on a layer underneath the homerow (456 being SDF) and the layer key being something easy to reach that has no business being on the base layer (I'm looking at you, Capslock). It's a game changer for me. Not having to move my left hand from home row and being able to input numbers while using the mouse
You can also get a side number pad
https://www.keychron.com/pages/keychron-q0-customizable-mechanical-number-pad
its not the most convenient but it is still good for saving space if you have a smaller form factor board.
And keychron also has some nice keyboards with numpad.
Any suggestion on a smaller form factor wireless *with a numpad?
I'm running the Keychron K4: https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k4-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-version-2
It took a little while to get used to the smooshed layout. For the first week or two I kept hitting numlock when reaching for backspace. But I did get used to it and I enjoy having nearly all the keys (no print screen, FYI) with a footprint about the same as my old TKL board.
I like my Keychron K4
That's what I'm using. Lovely keyboard. Aluminum frame feels high quality, keys feel good, and design is very minimal and understated.
I spent a lot of time debating between the k4 and the k3. I think I just like compact layouts.
Oh I love this one. How are gateron switches compared to MX? I had shitty romer g on logitech and replaced it with another one with MX and its day and night difference
I have a wired FL-Esports FL-980, which I love at the price I paid ($45 "used" board on Amazon + $15 aliexpress keycaps + $30 switches). Even if I hadn't sprung for the keycaps or switches, it came with Kailh Box Whites (same as this 8bitdo IIRC) and some decent double-shot PBT Dolch keycaps (if a little thin) in Cherry profile. They make a wireless, but I'm not sure I love it as much at 2x or 3x the price of my bargain basement board. The basic types you're looking for are called "96%" or "1800" though.
Nah, I just brought a full form factor from eagletec and customised it a bit for sound dampening and added pudding caps, which was its own headache as I'm in the UK so my layout is just off what most cap sets are made for, lol.
Exactly! I have tried 40%(which is utter hell on earth), 60%, and TKL and it never lasts more than a day where I get so frustrated at the lack of numpad and calculation keys.
The keyboard I brought to work is a Royal Kludge RK920 with reds(nothing special) because no one here likes hearing blues.
Oh, that's a nice looking board. May replace the eagletec one I got with it. Like the edge lighting, only have key lighting at the minute.
TKL keyboards are a lot more ergonomic. Getting a separate mechanical numpad and putting it on the left side of the board also boosts productivity considerably
I don't know why we're getting so much hate for suggesting a solution.
Aren't there USB numpads you can get?
Probably. Not quite the same though.
I think its great.
Numpads feel like a keyboard wearing a padded bra. Like I get it why you would want it, but its clearly redundant and largely pointless. No shame in having just what you need and needing just what you have.
Like unless you've got a job that requires 10 key (and at that point, like brah, why even?), I fail to understand the keypad on a modern key board
Depends on what you use it for and why.
It's a lot more convenient than using the number row, especially if you have to input a bunch of numbers at once. I find it rather handy for jotting up my budget, for example. I could do it with the standard number row, but the number pad is easier and nicer to do it with.
Also good for games that have a lot of hotkeys, like Minecraft modpacks. You get more buttons.
Some people wear a padded bra for comfort, not looks. Ironic that you use the word "pointless", because the padding helps with.. points. So it can actually be quite practical.
Likewise, the numpad can be more about comfort, even for a little ol admin/service person. I use both sets of number keys depending on - well, I'm not sure, just whatever feels right.
Spoken like someone who clearly doesn't work in finance.
The numpad is essential for my work. You're not seeing it from the perspective of myself who uses it as a calculator with automatic text entry while producing documents and estimations. That is my job, and it requires the numpad/calculator layout.
Thinking of your needs, it'd be cool if there were keyboards that could attach/detach. Like say you want something for gaming it can be 60% or TKL. But then you want a full keyboard for work. You would just be able to connect it together and boom, just works right away.
This exists!
The ASUS ROG Claymore II is an 80% "optical mechanical" with a detachable numpad. Mountain also makes several TKLs and an 60% (the Everest 60) with a detachable numpad. You could also make one using the KBDcraft Kit Adam and Kit Addams.
However, I agree with the others. I think you get the best build quality using a standalone mechanical numpad. If I was going to get a split design, I'd probably get an Ergodox or Keychron Q11 QMK or something similar.
That would be incredible
I’ve been a CPA for a decade and don’t use a numpad, though I have to give credit to World of Warcraft for my ability to hit any number with ease. I’ve found you will be most efficient when you never have to leave home row with either hand, so learning to use a trackpoint also helps.