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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Vehementi on Mon, 07 December 2009, 19:32:43

Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: Vehementi on Mon, 07 December 2009, 19:32:43: Hi,

I grabbed a tenkeyless and want a separate USB numpad (it'll go to my left). Can anyone recommend an OK one? It doesn't need to be ultra high quality as it's just for macro keys and whatnot[strike], and of course I do not want to go for the $120 one on the elitekeyboards site - a complete embarrassment to that company.[/strike]

There are a few on newegg but they're like $10 and look like they're just crap.

I skimmed/searched a bit here for reviews but couldn't find anything obvious.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: zwmalone on Mon, 07 December 2009, 19:36:45: This one has had a few decent reviews here,
http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-Mechanical-Switch-Business-Grade-Keypad-Numeric-Pad_W0QQitemZ380184083359QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCA_Mice_Trackballs?hash=item5884bcbb9f

Cherry Blacks.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Mon, 07 December 2009, 19:49:40: Quote from: Vehementi;139975
Hi,

I grabbed a tenkeyless and want a separate USB numpad (it'll go to my left). Can anyone recommend an OK one? It doesn't need to be ultra high quality as it's just for macro keys and whatnot, and of course I do not want to go for the $120 one on the elitekeyboards site - a complete embarrassment to that company.

There are a few on newegg but they're like $10 and look like they're just crap.

I skimmed/searched a bit here for reviews but couldn't find anything obvious.

This would be my first choice: http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rf_numberpad&pid=rf_wc01b0 (http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rf_numberpad&pid=rf_wc01b0)

This would be my second choice: http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=filco_keyboards,majestouch_10key&pid=fkb22mb (http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=filco_keyboards,majestouch_10key&pid=fkb22mb)
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: bitflipper on Mon, 07 December 2009, 22:12:17: Link. (http://www.amazon.com/Tekgadget-KP-701-Professional-Numeric-Keypad/dp/B0012JG30E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1260245403&sr=8-1)

Cherry Blues. And lots of keys. $40 if that's not too much.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: Vehementi on Tue, 08 December 2009, 00:05:27: Thanks for the recommendations. Got the cherry blue one for my cherry blue tenkeyless.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: majestouch on Tue, 08 December 2009, 01:33:02: A Realforce keypad is an embarrassment? Did I misunderstand something?
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: PRISONER 24601 on Tue, 08 December 2009, 01:58:28: uh oh
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 02:02:33: Quote from: majestouch;140036
A Realforce keypad is an embarrassment? Did I misunderstand something?

I believe those who haven't used Topre key switch products or who can't afford them have the "misunderstanding". (it's probably more like sour grapes).

I have two Realforce 23UB keypads and they're worth every dime. When typing on my HHKB Pro 2 or Realforce 87U, sometimes I require a dedicated 10-key numeric keypad. Nothing else feels right when using these particular keyboards, except of course a keypad with the same key Topre capacitive key switches.

That's why the 23U is temporarily sold out and why the Topre and HHKBs continue to be the keyboard of choice for sophisticated users.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: AndrewZorn on Tue, 08 December 2009, 02:05:15: i understand where he is coming from,
i know there are base costs and all, but a numberpad that costs more than half as much as a full-size keyboard with the same switches, quality, and branding?
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 02:17:20: Quote from: AndrewZorn;140041
i understand where he is coming from,
i know there are base costs and all, but a numberpad that costs more than half as much as a full-size keyboard with the same switches, quality, and branding?

Yeah, do you understand the concept of 'botique products" too?

Considering that the same company sells an excellent 10 key for 1/3 the cost of the 23Us, the price seems excessive. And most would consider the $42 Filco 10-key pricey too.

But as I stated in a prevous post, there are those of us who type a lot and can appreciate the subtle benefits of having a numeric keypad that with the the same key switches as the keyboard we happen to be using at the time.

If you can't afford it, no problem. However those of you who criticize a product purely on the basis of it's price look like twits. The market only exists because there are those of us willing to pay the premium for botique products.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: AndrewZorn on Tue, 08 December 2009, 02:30:03: the keyboard i compare it to is also a boutique product.

im saying topre justifies the high cost of their keyboards because of the type of switch and high quality design, not because it is rare or people act so elitist about using them (and they do)

Quote
those of you who criticize a product purely on the basis of it's price look like twits
purely? PURELY? sorry, but yes, price is going to be a factor in my decision. i would love to have this numpad for $40. i think $80 would be expensive, but [toward the upper limit of] fair. $120, when you can get the same "botique product, best switches ever, logistics for production, etc" AND another 80something switches (making it a full keyboard) for less than twice as much, YES, i guess i will have to say something. i must just be poor and dumb, not as smart as someone willing to pay $120 for that.

as long as they keep selling, i completely understand why they cost that much... if people can be convinced that it is worth that much, then fine, take advantage of the opportunity. but to try to justify the cost based on normal standards is unrealistic.

by the way, im not blaming majestouch for the high price.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: Vehementi on Tue, 08 December 2009, 10:16:05: I purchased the majestouch tenkeyless cherry blue for that price.

They're charging that price for the standalone numpad.

Therefore they are embarassed.

edit: The embarassment is mine; I thought they were the same technology/keyboard and charging the same for both. Apologies.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 08 December 2009, 10:52:39: Quote from: ripster;140108
If it's Topre it's GOTTA have DIP switches.

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Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 11:07:33: Quote from: ripster;140108
Topre doesn't just throw in a Red Esc key for free with the numpad. Now THAT'S an embarassment.

IIRC it DOES have DIP switches though. If it's Topre it's GOTTA have DIP switches.

No they don't LOL

Why throw in a Red Esc key when they can be sold for $4.50 each - at a gazillion % profit margin.

Also why use flash memory when you can use DIP swiitches. After all, its only the 21st century :)
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 08 December 2009, 11:10:16: I like DIP switches. Configurable on-the-fly without needing a computer, you don't have to worry about flash corrupting for whatever reason, etc. It's the KISS method in action.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: AndrewZorn on Tue, 08 December 2009, 11:32:14: unless its going to be FULLY programmable, i think DIP switches are fine
feels nice to be able to configure it in ANY situation
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: AndrewZorn on Tue, 08 December 2009, 11:43:29: i really want to get such a picture with mine, but i cant even fathom taking it outside
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 13:55:44: Quote from: itlnstln;140118
I like DIP switches. Configurable on-the-fly without needing a computer, you don't have to worry about flash corrupting for whatever reason, etc. It's the KISS method in action.

KISS yes, but so...yesterday

Kinda reminds me of those idiots who seek out and spend big bucks for NIB IBM 84-key PC AT vintage keyboards that feel like keypunch machines :)
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 13:58:53: Quote from: ripster;140129
. Of course only crazy people use 20 year old electronic devices.

Or 25 year old electro-mechanical devices!
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 08 December 2009, 14:03:57: I am not crazy. Pretty damn close, but not quite.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 14:06:44: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement;140180
I am not crazy. Pretty damn close, but not quite.

You're crazy. Trust me. Anyone who thinks keyboards are "cool" and who spends time on this forum is crazy.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 14:09:52: Quote from: ripster;140183

My son and I got a nice 8 foot noble. The first year HE did all the cutting.

Nice! (hope you had a permit)

I'm looking forward to instructing my youngin on the safe and proper use of a chainsaw...when he turns 5.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 08 December 2009, 15:42:44: Quote from: maxlugar;140178
KISS yes, but so...yesterday

What would be the "today" solution?

(I'm not trying to be a ****, I just don't know what would be a better solution with the same functionality).
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: Rajagra on Tue, 08 December 2009, 15:53:32: Quote from: ripster;140129
Until you pick up the device twenty years later. Like these CH trackballs (which luckily the NIB ones had the instructions).

My older version of the Trackball DIP settings are not available on the web - anywhere! I'm sure if you look hard enough there is some old device in the pile - same story. Of course only crazy people use 20 year old electronic devices.

How much luck do you expect to have downloading configuration software for a twenty-year-old device? And finding a machine that can still run it? :smile:
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 08 December 2009, 15:56:55: Quote from: Rajagra;140212
How much luck do you expect to have downloading configuration software for a twenty-year-old device? And finding a machine that can still run it? :smile:

This.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 08 December 2009, 16:20:55: Jumpers, for sure, are old school and all but unecessary. DIP switches even do this job better, IMO.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 08 December 2009, 16:34:30: I'm afraid that's something a lot of people don't know these days.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 18:07:39: Quote from: itlnstln;140208
What would be the "today" solution?

(I'm not trying to be a ****, I just don't know what would be a better solution with the same functionality).

Hey Sly, I'm with you. DIP switches adequately get the job done on Topre keyboards. It was more of a poke at ripster because DIP switches annoy him.

For the past several years, flash memory has been used by high-end US programable keypad manufacturers (i.e. Genovation) for key customization. See these keypads: http://www.genovation.com/progkeypads.htm (http://www.genovation.com/progkeypads.htm)

Although flash memory is technically better (more flexible, enabling more options), it is not as simple or elegant as the DIP switch technology on my Topre boards...or my 21 year old Northgate Omnikey!
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 18:11:09: Quote from: microsoft windows;140231
I'm afraid that's something a lot of people don't know these days.

Hey, look at that! Microsoft Windows has updated his avatar and is rumored to have disciples :)
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 18:16:12: Quote from: ripster;140226
Grampop, what's a DIP Switch?
Show Image
(http://hoogliart.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/gramps.jpg)

"Well son, it's kind of like a vacuum tube or IBM 84-key PC AT keyboard... all have been replaced by newer technology that is far superior. You kids have no idea how difficult life was for Grampop"
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: Rajagra on Tue, 08 December 2009, 18:18:44: Quote from: maxlugar;140263
It was more of a poke at ripster because DIP switches annoy him.

I would never dream of mocking a DIPophobia sufferer.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 08 December 2009, 18:20:12: Quote from: maxlugar;140184
You're crazy. Trust me. Anyone who thinks keyboards are "cool" and who spends time on this forum is crazy.

I am not as bad as ripster... at least I don't still play with legos.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 08 December 2009, 19:03:29: I'm crazy, but I haven't gotten crazy enough to spend $200 on a keyboard yet.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 08 December 2009, 19:41:48: Quote from: microsoft windows;140282
I'm crazy, but I haven't gotten crazy enough to spend $200 on a keyboard yet.

Yeah, you really seem to pride yourself on being quite the bargain hunter. You are living proof that collecting keyboards doesn't need to be an expensive hobby. That's cool with me, I just don't have the patience to wait for anything that I really want.

I personally can't get excited about any of the keyboards on your "Good Board" list nor would I pay for any of 'em.
Title: Recommend a standalone numpad?
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 09 December 2009, 08:43:42: You missed the "yet" part. I used to never pay money for any keyboard. Now I have payed up to $35 for one.