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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: aref on Sat, 07 March 2015, 20:02:07

Title: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: aref on Sat, 07 March 2015, 20:02:07: I've seldom used the num pad on my 87U, that is until recently. It's really a nice feature for keying series of numbers rather than using the numbers/special characters' row. It's also a great way to admix numbers in passwords when used with the number row. I know we can do the same thing will full-size KBs; but on a TKL, an embedded keypad is a nice addition.

Correct: there's absolutely no point to this thread other than more praise for Realforce keyboards.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: Huxley2500 on Sat, 07 March 2015, 21:21:49: Thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: Bomble on Sun, 08 March 2015, 03:57:37: Just a little question that I figure is very on-topic here. I'm currently waiting for mechkb.com to restock in the 55G 87U, and was thinking I'd pair it with a 23U. After seeing this post I'm not so sure though. Is it even worth it? Or should I just teach myself to use the embedded one?
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: aref on Sun, 08 March 2015, 10:19:44: For (my) casual number-pad use and to send number-pad code when it's needed, the embedded pad works fine. If I were working on spreadsheets, I'd have number pad alongside my 87U. For me, a number pad is easier to use when keying a lot of numbers into a document and going back and forth between numbers and text; remember, you don't have to hit Num Lock to switch between using this TKL's alpha/numeric functions. The 87U's embedded number pad is a convenience and important for sending the number-pad code when needed; but for a lot of numeric input, I'd rather use an accessory number pad.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: Grim Fandango on Sun, 08 March 2015, 10:56:57: I have always felt the same.

I have frequently seen the embedded numpad referred to as useless, but it really is not. It takes some getting used to, sure, but once you do it works pretty much just as easy as a normal numpad. The one thing I do not like about it is that the numlock on on the right-hand side. That means you toggle it with the hand that you use to punch in numbers on the numpad. It would work so much smoother if I could operate numlock with the left hand and use the numpad with the righthand.

I have a 23U sitting on the left hand side of my keyboard, and I end up still using the embedded numpad instead (as it is on my right hand side and easier to quickly use).
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: aref on Sun, 08 March 2015, 15:11:18: The above is interesting. If I had a 23U, it would be to the left of my keyboard too. I'd love to see Realforce place Num Lock, or an additional num-lock key where the let Windows key is positioned on row one; or give us the option of reprogramming it. I may be the only one in favor of this idea.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: Firebolt1914 on Sun, 08 March 2015, 15:49:18: My only complaint is when you have to type words as well; you'll have to constantly turn num lock on and off.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: foxer on Sun, 08 March 2015, 15:53:16: Quote from: Firebolt1914 on Sun, 08 March 2015, 15:49:18
My only complaint is when you have to type words as well; you'll have to constantly turn num lock on and off.

Yah, that's what puts me off using it. If I wanted a numpad, I'd get a separate one. I don't find this addition useful for me at least.

I'll stick to the numbar for now.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: Firebolt1914 on Sun, 08 March 2015, 15:55:09: I'll use it every once in a while if I'm working a ton of numbers, but usually it just is a 'feature' for me.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 08 March 2015, 17:56:33: I don't really use a numpad in the first place. My DK1087 has the same feature.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: ctm on Sun, 08 March 2015, 19:16:13: I can't remember the last time that I need a numpad. My previous daily driver was a 80% TKL and now I mainly use a 60% board. But now with a 60% I kind of want to get a dedicated number to mainly function as arrow keys.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: 3Love on Tue, 10 March 2015, 15:14:16: I just ordered two rf number pad.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: aref on Tue, 10 March 2015, 17:16:20: Quote from: 3Love on Tue, 10 March 2015, 15:14:16
I just ordered two rf number pad.

Very nice--enjoy them.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: foxer on Tue, 10 March 2015, 17:18:01: Quote from: 3Love on Tue, 10 March 2015, 15:14:16
I just ordered two rf number pad.

fu.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: 3Love on Tue, 10 March 2015, 17:20:16: Quote from: foxer on Tue, 10 March 2015, 17:18:01
Quote from: 3Love on Tue, 10 March 2015, 15:14:16
I just ordered two rf number pad.

fu.
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: aref on Tue, 10 March 2015, 17:56:04: Quote from: foxer on Tue, 10 March 2015, 17:18:01
Quote from: 3Love on Tue, 10 March 2015, 15:14:16
I just ordered two rf number pad.

fu.

fu: Fabulous Undertaking? How thoughtful is this?
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: 3Love on Tue, 10 March 2015, 18:01:11: Quote from: aref on Tue, 10 March 2015, 17:56:04
Quote from: foxer on Tue, 10 March 2015, 17:18:01
Quote from: 3Love on Tue, 10 March 2015, 15:14:16
I just ordered two rf number pad.

fu.

fu: Fabulous Undertaking? How thoughtful is this?
He is saying I am rich....Chinese..
Title: Re: Realforce Embedded Number Pad
Post by: foxer on Tue, 10 March 2015, 18:02:45: I'm just jealous. :(