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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Dude on Tue, 03 December 2013, 13:30:20

Title: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: Dude on Tue, 03 December 2013, 13:30:20
I am on my first tenkeyless keyboard, and I love the form factor.  I see that many people with this form factor eventually purchase a separate tenkeypads.  Where would the tenkeypad live on your desk in this case?  Would it go to the right of your mouse, so that they keyboard / mouse could still be very close together?
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: JPG on Tue, 03 December 2013, 14:03:16
I have been considering this for a few months after getting my TKL a year ago. But after a while I realized that I didn't need a tenkey at all. Still might get one at some point for "cool" factor, but my fingers are getting used to reaching the numbers on my TKL anyway.


So I can't answer your question, but I can suggest waiting before getting one unless you really want one or find a very good deal.
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: metalliqaz on Tue, 03 December 2013, 14:08:14
The way I see it, there are basically three options.
(1) tenkey on the left (2) tenkey to the right of the mouse (3) tenkey above keyboard
I don't include right of keyboard left of mouse because that's a normal keyboard.

I like option (2) as seen here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47734.msg1124051#msg1124051

If I wanted mouse pad real estate back, I'd go with (3), with the tenkey above the F9-F12/Print/Scroll/Pause keys.
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: SonOfSonOfSpock on Tue, 03 December 2013, 14:31:39
I tried a ten key on the left, it was easier to start using the number row. I'd say either to the right of the mouse or up above and move it down when you need it.
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: osi on Wed, 04 December 2013, 14:13:37
My desk is tiered so there is a pullout for the keyboard tray -- this is where my mouse and keyboard live.

The tenkey sits above the keyboard tray on the desk above my mouse. Probably not the most efficient setup but it's all I have room for!!
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: Dgsbllx on Wed, 04 December 2013, 14:17:02
I've adopted to using the ten key on the left of the keyboard. Right of the mouse for me means its too much of a stretch and would restrict mouse movement. Whatever you feel comfortable with/get used to is the best policy  :thumb:
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: longweight on Wed, 04 December 2013, 14:22:07
Left of the keyboard, that way you can quickly input numbers without taking your hand off the mouse.
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 04 December 2013, 14:26:03
I've adopted to using the ten key on the left of the keyboard. Right of the mouse for me means its too much of a stretch and would restrict mouse movement. Whatever you feel comfortable with/get used to is the best policy  :thumb:

Definitely too far of a reach, but I don't use it that often.  When I do, I pull it in closer.
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 04 December 2013, 14:26:19
Left of the keyboard, that way you can quickly input numbers without taking your hand off the mouse.

That's what the number row is for ;)
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: longweight on Wed, 04 December 2013, 14:28:10
Left of the keyboard, that way you can quickly input numbers without taking your hand off the mouse.

That's what the number row is for ;)

Negative. Also, ASCII on number row?
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: Dude on Thu, 05 December 2013, 09:01:23
Thanks guys, these ideas are great.

I'm going to go sans tenkeypad for now and see how it works out for me.  If I still feel like I occasionally need one after a few months without it, then I'll pick one up then.
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: metalliqaz on Thu, 05 December 2013, 09:05:21
Also, ASCII on number row?

Yeah, I know what you mean, which is why I developed the "virtual numpad" in my keyboard.  When the NumLock is active in my tenkeyless boards, the number row registers as numpad keys when the shift is not pressed.  Works great for entering those Alt_num codes :)
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: phetto on Thu, 05 December 2013, 09:41:09
Left of the keyboard, that way you can quickly input numbers without taking your hand off the mouse.

Yes. I also do this.
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: neunelfer on Thu, 05 December 2013, 09:49:51
I have it centered above my mousepad.
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: Phagocytosis on Thu, 05 December 2013, 11:25:17
I'd image that putting it left of the keyboard would be most efficient left of the keyboard like what longweight said but it would take a while to get used to for those who normally used full sized
Title: Re: Question about separate tenkeypads
Post by: absyrd on Thu, 05 December 2013, 11:26:03
Left of keyboard here, too.