DIY Numpad or Prebuild Numpad

[SnorlaxMuc]

My first project is going to be a 60% Keyboard and i´m very happy with my decision, but i kinda wanna have a numpad. so i decided to ask here about DIY tips for Numpads!
I already looked up some PCB's for a true Custom Numpad, but does anyone have recommendations?

Thanks for replies !
Snorlax

[andred]

I'm a heavy numpad user, so I put together a KBDPAD MKII to keep nearby when I'm using a board that doesn't have a numpad. I like it a lot.

[alumoocow]

The KBDPAD MKII looks great, but there only seems to be a yellow option left now.
Are there any other pads with similar cases around?

[modestbrock]

The IDObao group buy is live now:
https://www.idobao.net/products/ldobao-montex-pad-hot-swappable-mechanical-keyboard-kit?variant=39250453332099

There is also the May Pad if you want something more DIY.  I have the May Pad as a macro board and use it everyday.
https://keyhive.xyz/shop/may-pad

[andred]

You should be aware that a separate keypad has some limitations. Specifically, "alt codes" don't work when the alt key and numpad are on different keyboards. For example, on Windows you can use ALT+0233 to type é. But the alt key and the numpad have to be on the same keyboard.

You could get around this by setting up an alt key on the numpad, but that's not great because it forces you to use two hands.

Instead, I programmed it in the QMK firmware so I can tap a special key (I call it "alt mode"), followed by the code, and then ENTER to exit "alt mode" and send the ALT+[xxxx] keystrokes to the computer all at once. It works great.

The IDObao group buy is live now:
https://www.idobao.net/products/ldobao-montex-pad-hot-swappable-mechanical-keyboard-kit?variant=39250453332099

That IDOBAO looks cool! I'm sure I could put that extra column to good use. But it might slightly limit the keycap options.

[yui]

for diy options, there would be some OpenSource pcb files:
- the yampad https://github.com/mattdibi/yampad
- the soyuz https://github.com/ai03-2725/Soyuz
- the voyager20 https://github.com/ai03-2725/Voyager20
i do expect there to be plenty more, and i do think that can also get pre soldered Santanpads from kprepublic, but i am not sure, and too lazy to check
in the 3 the soyuz is the most ready to use out of the box, as it includes pcb plate and "case", the yampad is a bit larger, can accommodate an oled display and is hotswap, and the voyager may be the hardest to work with as it does not use a pro micro but also is USB-C and will end up the most professional looking of the 3.