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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: morpheus on Tue, 03 March 2015, 01:43:26
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For all you out there who use a separate number pad, which one did you choose, and why is it the best in your opinion?
Also, can you get one for under $40?
Thanks.
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If you want something for cheap, you can get the Adesso AKP-220B (http://www.amazon.com/ADESSO-AKP-220B-Adesso-Mechanical-Numeric/dp/B0038KN3YY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425369109&sr=8-1), which is what I use. It's reasonably well constructed and has real Cherry (not Kailh!) Blue switches (PCB mount, I think- you're unlikely to find a plate-mount keypad for less than $40 new). My only complaint is that it's a bit light so it likes to slide around your desk unless you put sticky rubber feet on it. It does have plebeian ABS keycaps (the horror!), but what did you expect for $30?
Another nice thing is that the Adesso DOES send actual numeric keypad scancodes, unlike the more expensive Leopold FC210TP which does NOT. *facepalm* (But the FC210TTP does have fancy bourgeois PBT keycaps.)
If you want the best of the best, take a look at the Topre Realforce 23U, or maybe a Gonpad (http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/custom-kbds-w-assembly/29-gon-ns-gonpad-w-tunningassembly.html). Then take a look at the eyewatering price. You know you want one.
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Keycool 22
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There were some on eBay with MX blacks that were like 12 bucks each. Bought three and never used them.
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I mainly use a realforce 23U. The reason I use it because it works and it feels nice.
I also have a keycool one. I keep it plugged in and actually use it more for its USB ports than to type on. :P I do actually like it more than I thought I would. I use the fn combos on it a lot.
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<-- Qazpad :)
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I use a Kinesis number pad with Browns I found on ebay for $30 new in box. I don't know that I would call it the best, but it uses plate mounted switches, has a USB hub and sends number pad scancodes. Stock caps are pad printed ABS, but that's easily fixed. Of the commercially available options, it seems really good for the price.
The only real flaw I could say about it, it maintains its own numlock state so numlock itself doesn't send a scancode. I don't find it a problem, but I could see that being a deal breaker for some.
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Leopold 210TP with those absurd clicky Blue MX. I put the Midnight set on it.
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I have a Genovation 630 with MX blacks at work and a DSI with browns and blank PBT caps at home.
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I use an old Cherry numpad w/ mx blacks that I found on ebay for $35
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I use a Genovation 622 that I saved from my workplace.
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Leopold fc210 clears lubed!
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The one attached to my full size keyboards? Ba dum tiss.
But actually, a Goldtouch GTC-0077.
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a GHpad ;)