Multimedia numpad?

[dnLL]

Hi guys,

I should receive this week my first TKL keyboard, a Leopold with MX Brown switches. However, I would like to buy a separate numpad that I can put on the left of it when I need it. Something USB (please no wireless lol). However, I would like it to have some multimedia shortcuts because I know that I will miss those on the Leopold (no multimedia shortcuts at all). In fact, the only shortcut I really need is the mute/unmute toggle (and I don't think I can remap it on the actual keyboard layout). I know that some softwares offer some kind of shortcuts that MIGHT work when gaming but honestly, I don't want any software running in background for that.

So, I'm looking for a numpad that has some buttons. Where can I find one? Which model? I don't care if there are some more buttons (Excel/Word/volume up-down, etc.) but I don't want it to be too big, obviously. Also, something black to fit my keyboard would be prefered.

Thanks!

[IvanIvanovich]

Well you can map mute on your Leopold, scroll lock is a good candidate since it isn't really useful. Use sharpkeys to remap easy. Otherwise if you want a keypad, you will be looking for one that is programmable like a Genovation.

[volund]

the Cherry G84-4700 is fully re-programmable with cherry tools (plus can use shift/control to add layers), but it uses cherry ML switches, no big deal really when using it occasionally.

It has 4 relegendable keycaps on the top row, the rest of the pad is a standard num pad

[quake4mhg]

Currently I'm using my Filco numpad with autohotkey make all firefox shortcuts. I know there are lots info about media hotkeys.
Since I'm not spend too much time in autohotkey, I can't program 2 states of the numpad (numlock ON, numlock OFF) to get 2 layers of shortcuts. I can do it with my targus numpad, but not with Filco. I still looking for answer in autohotkey forum.
The best bet is those numpad comes with a program software they mentioned above. Save you lots time.

[dnLL]

Well you can map mute on your Leopold, scroll lock is a good candidate since it isn't really useful. Use sharpkeys to remap easy. Otherwise if you want a keypad, you will be looking for one that is programmable like a Genovation.

but does it really remap the keys or is it software dependant? actually, only the "hardware mute" works in most of the games I'm playing, the usual mute shortcut that we can find in a ton of softwares only work when browsing or doing some random stuffs.

[IvanIvanovich]

It sends the mute scancode 20 E0, and works at the OS level sending the mute command like if you select mute in the sound control panel. It won't get ignored like autohotkey often does.

[dnLL]

It sends the mute scancode 20 E0, and works at the OS level sending the mute command like if you select mute in the sound control panel. It won't get ignored like autohotkey often does.

wow, it works perfectly. thank you very much.

[IvanIvanovich]

Super. You're welcome.

[dnLL]

Super. You're welcome.

when you say it is OS dependant, it means that I have to do it again if I format my main drive (or reinstall Windows if you prefer)?
Just changed my scroll lock for a mute button hehe. the LED doesn't even light up, it's perfect.

[IvanIvanovich]

Yes it just changes a registry entry, only on that windows install. If you move the keyboard to a different machine, or reinstall windows you will need to make that change again.