Advice for a num pad for an accountant?

[ManicMatt1125]

Hi, My fiance just recently got her first job as an accountant after getting her bachelors in the field and after a week of using her cheap targus numpad, she is complaining of her hand hurting. She is almost exclusively using it to input massive amounts of information into quickbooks so it is getting a workout. She has never used a mechanical keyboard but I told her that if she got one she would not regret it. She says she needs something with tab, up down left right arrow, and the usual plus minus equals keys. she would prefer it to have those buttons all on there and says that a FN button allow her to use the keys as arrows would not be very useful. I am willing to pay someone to make this for her as it is very important to me that she is able to work efficiently and fatigue free. I am also the type of person to spare no expense, I want quality and I will pay for it. Oh and she likes Pink
If his is not the right place for this post I apologize in advance, but I don't think there is a num pad that has her required specs on the market, if there is I have not found it. Please let me know of one or if it must be custom let me know who I should contact to make that happen. Thanks!!

[katushkin]

The three that come to mine are the Leopold, Filco and Keycool numpads. There was a thread where someone was comparing the first two, I can't find it right now, but I'm pretty sure one or both of them come with programable keys, because you said she needs a tab key..?

I can reccomend the keycool numpad, because keycool, there is also a thread reviewing the keycool numpad here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50742.0

As for the pink, you could look onto some of the keycap selling sites here and see if you can get some numpad keys, or blank ones if you think she doesnt need the legends. Or post in the classifieds!

[simon_C]

Sounds like her best bet would be a programmable matrix board with custom keycaps and layout. Most numpads don't have dedicated arrow keys.
Why not just a fullsize keyboard? All of those things are there already and you wouldnt need a special piece of equipment.

EDIT: something like this would work nicely actually. let her customize the layout how she wants, then set it up with the right keycaps (pink if she so wishes), and program the layout for her.
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Access-IS-Keyboards-Programmable-Point-of-Sale-POS-Keyboard-AKEOCUL269-1-/200999593900?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2ecc8267ac

[SpAmRaY]

Something like this?

[tbc]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53158.120

there are pics of the GHpad in there.  I'm not sure if people are willing to give them up though.

EDIT:

damnit spamray....

[simon_C]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53158.120

there are pics of the GHpad in there.  I'm not sure if people are willing to give them up though.

EDIT:

damnit spamray....

Not enough keys actually. OP said she needed ESC and TAB and whatnot.
What about one of those mini programmable POS matrixes? the ones that are just a little bigger than a standard keypad?

[QuadGMoto]

The three that come to mine are the Leopold, Filco and Keycool numpads. There was a thread where someone was comparing the first two, I can't find it right now, but I'm pretty sure one or both of them come with programable keys, because you said she needs a tab key..?

Did you mean comparing? Or complaining?

The Filco and the Leopold both have a minor issue where the number codes they send are for the number keys that run across the top row of the keyboard. This is unlikely to be an issue for accounting software or spreadsheets. The Filco is available through Amazon and has Cherry brown switches. The Leopold is available from Elite Keyboards with either Cherry brown or Cherry blue switches. There are also a couple listed on ebay with varying options.

The keys for those two units are not inherently programmable. They don't come with software or upgradable firmware. If necessary, key functions can be changed through the use of a macro or key remapping utility.

Both have a standard double-wide zero key. They both have a top row with extra functions. On the Filco they are (left to right) Esc, Tab, Backspace, and Equal. On the Leopold the top row is separated from the main keys and contains (left to right) Esc, Tab, Equal, and Backspace.

The Keycool has a single wide zero key, a double-zero key, but no Equal key. Its top row is Esc, Tab, Backspace, and Fn.

She says she needs something with tab, up down left right arrow, and the usual plus minus equals keys. she would prefer it to have those buttons all on there and says that a FN button allow her to use the keys as arrows would not be very useful.

Do you mean that those keys should be on there in addition to the number keys? All they keypads I know of (not a lot, mind you) switch between those functions and the number through the use of the Num Lock key, including the three mentioned so far.

[QuadGMoto]

(Attachment Link)

Something like this?

That looks like it has the same number of keys as the Realforce 23U. But with a layout that's not quite as good.

ETA: Oops, miscounted. The 23U actually has one more key.

[tbc]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53158.120

there are pics of the GHpad in there.  I'm not sure if people are willing to give them up though.

EDIT:

damnit spamray....

Not enough keys actually. OP said she needed ESC and TAB and whatnot.
What about one of those mini programmable POS matrixes? the ones that are just a little bigger than a standard keypad?

I'm not seeing where it says she needs ESC.  i was under the impression the ghpad was programmable and the key next to the right arrow could be set to tab

[katushkin]

Well, I tried...

Need to lurk more hah.

[SpAmRaY]

(Attachment Link)

Something like this?

That looks like it has the same number of keys as the Realforce 23U. But with a layout that's not quite as good.

ETA: Oops, miscounted. The 23U actually has one more key.

And 23U's are basically unobtanium at this point.

Also the GHPad is programmable and there are other variants one of which allows for 24 keys. 

[ManicMatt1125]

(Attachment Link)

Something like this?

Yes, If I could get that programable (She NEEDS tab) That would be perfect

[ManicMatt1125]

The three that come to mine are the Leopold, Filco and Keycool numpads. There was a thread where someone was comparing the first two, I can't find it right now, but I'm pretty sure one or both of them come with programable keys, because you said she needs a tab key..?

Did you mean comparing? Or complaining?

The Filco and the Leopold both have a minor issue where the number codes they send are for the number keys that run across the top row of the keyboard. This is unlikely to be an issue for accounting software or spreadsheets. The Filco is available through Amazon and has Cherry brown switches. The Leopold is available from Elite Keyboards with either Cherry brown or Cherry blue switches. There are also a couple listed on ebay with varying options.

The keys for those two units are not inherently programmable. They don't come with software or upgradable firmware. If necessary, key functions can be changed through the use of a macro or key remapping utility.

Both have a standard double-wide zero key. They both have a top row with extra functions. On the Filco they are (left to right) Esc, Tab, Backspace, and Equal. On the Leopold the top row is separated from the main keys and contains (left to right) Esc, Tab, Equal, and Backspace.

The Keycool has a single wide zero key, a double-zero key, but no Equal key. Its top row is Esc, Tab, Backspace, and Fn.

She says she needs something with tab, up down left right arrow, and the usual plus minus equals keys. she would prefer it to have those buttons all on there and says that a FN button allow her to use the keys as arrows would not be very useful.

Do you mean that those keys should be on there in addition to the number keys? All they keypads I know of (not a lot, mind you) switch between those functions and the number through the use of the Num Lock key, including the three mentioned so far.

Yes, She need the arrows in addition to. To answer an earlier post, she doen't want, need or have the space for a full size keyboard, Like I said she is just inputting numbers into quickbooks, well not just she is inputing massive amounts of data. That GH numpad is perfect if it could have the option of tab

[phoenix1234]

Hi, My fiance just recently got her first job as an accountant after getting her bachelors in the field and after a week of using her cheap targus numpad, she is complaining of her hand hurting. She is almost exclusively using it to input massive amounts of information into quickbooks so it is getting a workout. She has never used a mechanical keyboard but I told her that if she got one she would not regret it. She says she needs something with tab, up down left right arrow, and the usual plus minus equals keys. she would prefer it to have those buttons all on there and says that a FN button allow her to use the keys as arrows would not be very useful. I am willing to pay someone to make this for her as it is very important to me that she is able to work efficiently and fatigue free. I am also the type of person to spare no expense, I want quality and I will pay for it. Oh and she likes Pink
If his is not the right place for this post I apologize in advance, but I don't think there is a num pad that has her required specs on the market, if there is I have not found it. Please let me know of one or if it must be custom let me know who I should contact to make that happen. Thanks!!

I know this is quite hard to find but you know she will love this one (and of course she will love you more too  ) :

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rf_numberpad&pid=rf_wc0100

[QuadGMoto]

I know this is quite hard to find but you know she will love this one (and of course she will love you more too  ) :

Show Image

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rf_numberpad&pid=rf_wc0100

I just found this on Deskthority's Wiki: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Realforce

The standalone Realforce 23U and 23UB numpads were released in August, 2009. Both numpads have since been discontinued.

No wonder SpAmRaY calls them "unobtainium". You would have to find someone selling a used one.

[ManicMatt1125]

So, I can either try my luck at finding a GH or a realforce, both of which are going to be next to impossible to get, or I can find someone to make me one...? Any suggestions if i choose to go that route?

[SpAmRaY]

So, I can either try my luck at finding a GH or a realforce, both of which are going to be next to impossible to get, or I can find someone to make me one...? Any suggestions if i choose to go that route?

The GHPad will hopefully eventually get to group buy status, so far it has all been prototyping until now.

However they shouldn't be too hard to buy/have built now if you can find all the parts.

[RabRhee]

Grendel did just post this Scorpius Keypad in the grab bag post, looks a bit like what you were after. I have no clue about it beyond whats there, but someone will no doubt know more, theres a few old posts about it too if you search...

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55329.msg1243654#msg1243654

[Britney Spears]

Both have a standard double-wide zero key.

Unfortunately this is (no longer?) the case. The Filco has a zero and the double zero key instead of the double-wide key. At least the Filcos I have seen so far in various online shops.

[moogle]

_

[Grendel]

Grendel did just post this Scorpius Keypad in the grab bag post, looks a bit like what you were after. I have no clue about it beyond whats there, but someone will no doubt know more, theres a few old posts about it too if you search...

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55329.msg1243654#msg1243654

Ah, yes, the Scorpius 32 Keypad is halfway there, MX blue, ESC key, Backspace key. No = or TAB :/ I found mine for $27 at Amazon, it was PS/2 tho (not sure there's an USB version.) Tore it competently apart, swapped in clear & 80g springs, fixed the bent plate, swapped in a red LED, and added a Teensy w/ custom firmware... The shift key is actually TAB, haven't mapped the code key yet.

[QuadGMoto]

Both have a standard double-wide zero key.

Unfortunately this is (no longer?) the case. The Filco has a zero and the double zero key instead of the double-wide key. At least the Filcos I have seen so far in various online shops.

Show Image

You're right. I had even checked Amazon's listing and totally missed it.

[Snarfangel]

I thought I saw something like this in a "lot of two" used POS keyboards on EBay a couple of days ago, with the inverted T arrow keys to the left, but I didn't pay attention. Now I can't find it again. I was searching for matrix keyboards at the time, but they didn't have enough buttons for me, so I skipped over it.

So I did a quick search and saw this.



Sadly, the description appears to be of rubber domes: http://comfortkeyboard.com/usb_rubber_pad.html

Here is something a bit more old school and mechanical (but missing the darned tab key):



Description here: http://comfortkeyboard.com/usb_number_pad.html

I haven't dealt with the company before, though.

[QuadGMoto]

Here is something a bit more old school and mechanical (but missing the darned tab key):

Show Image

Description here: http://comfortkeyboard.com/usb_number_pad.html

I haven't dealt with the company before, though.

That looks exactly like the Scorpius 32 Keypad hat Grendel hacked up. That looks to me like the perfect setup for the OP. No one I know of ever uses the PrtSc, Scroll Lock, or Pause keys anymore, so those could easily be retasked via a macro utility or key remapper software.

The Scorpius looks like it's only available with a PS/2 cable, but if that's all that can be found it's not a problem. There are super cheap adapters that let you plug PS/2 keyboards into a USB port.

So far, the few places I've found it listed either say "out of stock" or they don't say. Hopefully this design isn't "unobtanium" too.  :rolleyes:

[jdcarpe]

Besides the GHpad, there is also metalliqaz' QazPad, if that interests you.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43183.0

[ManicMatt1125]

Thanks for all the responses, Yes the TAB key is a deal breaker, so far the ones that meet her critera are the Scorpius 32 and the GH one. Is there anyone out there that would be willing to help me with fabrication of one, or even just helping me with what specific parts i will need to "try" and do it myself. I am still very new to this and so far wHat I think is needed is, a PCB board, a case, switches, springs, caps and Firmware? Im a little unclear as to how to assemble it but I am sure If I do a little more research I may be able to locate some info. After all I built my first comptuter by myself 8 years ago, all I did was google and follow directions and it booted up on my first try. But this is a tad more complex. Thanks again for all the responses and I appreciate any additonal info I can get.

[berserkfan]

Hi, My fiance just recently got her first job as an accountant after getting her bachelors in the field and after a week of using her cheap targus numpad, she is complaining of her hand hurting. She is almost exclusively using it to input massive amounts of information into quickbooks so it is getting a workout. She has never used a mechanical keyboard but I told her that if she got one she would not regret it. She says she needs something with tab, up down left right arrow, and the usual plus minus equals keys. she would prefer it to have those buttons all on there and says that a FN button allow her to use the keys as arrows would not be very useful. I am willing to pay someone to make this for her as it is very important to me that she is able to work efficiently and fatigue free. I am also the type of person to spare no expense, I want quality and I will pay for it. Oh and she likes Pink
If his is not the right place for this post I apologize in advance, but I don't think there is a num pad that has her required specs on the market, if there is I have not found it. Please let me know of one or if it must be custom let me know who I should contact to make that happen. Thanks!!

Try out Genovation for $49 on ebay.

Black switches; more quiet. I don't think her co workers will appreciate her using a blue switch numpad.

[ManicMatt1125]

[/quote]

Try out Genovation for $49 on ebay.

Black switches; more quiet. I don't think her co workers will appreciate her using a blue switch numpad.
[/quote]

I picked blue since they require the least force to press, noise is not really an issue as much as the actuation force required.

[ManicMatt1125]

Any more input?

[Photekq]

Get a Cherry G80-3700

Can't be beat. It does use PS2 not USB though.

[simon_C]

Here is something a bit more old school and mechanical (but missing the darned tab key):

Show Image

Description here: http://comfortkeyboard.com/usb_number_pad.html

I haven't dealt with the company before, though.

This seems like the best option. Just add the extra tab key in software or with a Teensy or something. Some custom pink keycaps, metal arrow keys to pimp it out, and a coat of paint on the main shell and she would have a keypad to be proud of. Would be durable too.

A genovation 681/682 might be a good option as well, fully programmable and with flash memory so once its programmed, it can be used anywhere. Only issue is that i can only find them with blacks, but blacks really arent that bad when you're hammering numbers in all day.

[remdell]

The iOne Scorpius-32 looks like your best bet.  I suggest remapping an unused key to tab on the Scorpius with AutoHotKey, and converting that script into an EXE file.  Creating an EXE file is important if her workplace does not allow installation of programs.

[ManicMatt1125]

The iOne Scorpius-32 looks like your best bet.  I suggest remapping an unused key to tab on the Scorpius with AutoHotKey, and converting that script into an EXE file.  Creating an EXE file is important if her workplace does not allow installation of programs.

Here is something a bit more old school and mechanical (but missing the darned tab key):

Show Image

Description here: http://comfortkeyboard.com/usb_number_pad.html

I haven't dealt with the company before, though.

This seems like the best option. Just add the extra tab key in software or with a Teensy or something. Some custom pink keycaps, metal arrow keys to pimp it out, and a coat of paint on the main shell and she would have a keypad to be proud of. Would be durable too.

A genovation 681/682 might be a good option as well, fully programmable and with flash memory so once its programmed, it can be used anywhere. Only issue is that i can only find them with blacks, but blacks really arent that bad when you're hammering numbers in all day.

Yes I think I will choose the Ione scorpius. I m am tempted to get both and try and learn soldering on the other to try and get blus on it. They has all the options I need, I haven't used blacks but I hear they are harder to press, correct me if I am wrong. And as long as it can be remapped I can do that no problem, software installation is a non issue tho I am interested in the .exe program you speak of.

[QuadGMoto]

I haven't used blacks but I hear they are harder to press, correct me if I am wrong.

One way to test the amount of activation force is the nickel test. Stack nickels on a key until it activates (or bottoms out, usually they're the same thing). Blues and browns only need 11 nickels. Reds get pushed down enough that I'm sure they activate 11 and bottom out at 12. By comparison, the blacks need 15 to likely activate and 16 to bottom out. In between you have clear at 14 and green at 15, with whites being the very heaviest at 16.

[simon_C]

Give it a run with whatever switches it has and see if she likes it. If not, swap out for some lighter springs, or lighter switches. One of the things that may not be good for rapid input is that MX blue switches release above their activation point, so it can feel a little strange or cause slowdown if she is particularly fast. You might be better of with browns or reds.

[remdell]

The iOne Scorpius-32 looks like your best bet.  I suggest remapping an unused key to tab on the Scorpius with AutoHotKey, and converting that script into an EXE file.  Creating an EXE file is important if her workplace does not allow installation of programs.

Here is something a bit more old school and mechanical (but missing the darned tab key):

Show Image

Description here: http://comfortkeyboard.com/usb_number_pad.html

I haven't dealt with the company before, though.

This seems like the best option. Just add the extra tab key in software or with a Teensy or something. Some custom pink keycaps, metal arrow keys to pimp it out, and a coat of paint on the main shell and she would have a keypad to be proud of. Would be durable too.

A genovation 681/682 might be a good option as well, fully programmable and with flash memory so once its programmed, it can be used anywhere. Only issue is that i can only find them with blacks, but blacks really arent that bad when you're hammering numbers in all day.

Yes I think I will choose the Ione scorpius. I m am tempted to get both and try and learn soldering on the other to try and get blus on it. They has all the options I need, I haven't used blacks but I hear they are harder to press, correct me if I am wrong. And as long as it can be remapped I can do that no problem, software installation is a non issue tho I am interested in the .exe program you speak of.

Remapping is quite simple really. 

1. First visit http://www.autohotkey.com/.  Click download.  It should redirect you to it's download page.  Download the installer and run it.
2. Once installed, right-click your Desktop, go to New > AutoHotKey script.  A file titled "New AutoHotKey Script" should pop up on your Desktop.  You can rename the file to your liking.
3. Right-click "New AutoHotKey Script", and click Edit Script
4. Notepad should open up.  At the first blank line, the line after "SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir%  ; Ensures a consistent starting directory", type in a a key you want to remap.  All you have to do is type the key you want to act as a different key, add two colons, and type the other key.  For example, if you want the backspace key to act as tab, you type "backspace::tab" on the last line.  Visit this website for a more in-depth look at remapping: http://www.autohotkey.com/docs/misc/Remap.htm.  Once you've typed all the keys you want to remap, click File > Save.
5.  To try out the script, simply double click the script file and your keys should be remapped.  When you try out the script, the AutoHotKey icon should pop up on the lower right of your taskbar.  If you right click it, you can exit, pause, or suspend the script.
6.  To convert the script to a executable file (.exe), you simply right click the script file and click Compile.  A .exe file in the same name as your script should pop up on your desktop.

[paco]

The Matias Quiet Pro has a Tab-key on the keypad.
http://www.matias.ca/quietpro/pc/