Author Topic: Number pad or not? (Read 3942 times)

Rafen · « **on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:21:25 »

I was wondering what you guys think about the number pad on keyboards? I am looking to purchase a new keyboard either a topre or cherry mx browns and can't decide which version to get. I am currently a programming student, so I write a lot of code. So I am trying to think if there is a great benefit to having a number pad or going TKL. I also game so having my hands closer together would be nice but I don't have very long gaming sessions where I have to worry about getting fatigued. So if you guys could leave some feedback I would really appreciate it.

sth · « **Reply #1 on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:25:01 »

Tenkeyless - slightly more ergo (mouse is closer to kb), cheaper to get in on group buys, looks small and sleek
Full size - 2 legit 2 quit.

Basically if you want a numpad get a fullsize or wait and get a standalone numpad later like I did. It's entirely personal preference considering that full size boards are about the same price.

Sifo · « **Reply #2 on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:26:08 »

You just gotta get used to it. I think getting used to the number row doesn't take very long. I type numbers as efficiently as I used to with a numpad now. (I kinda miss having the numpad "Enter" key though). Also you can always just get the separate numpads.

sth · « **Reply #3 on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:27:54 »

Oh, the added benefit of getting a numpad later is that you can put it off to the right side of your mouse (or on the left side of your keyboard if you prefer).

didjamatic · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:33:13 »

If you're going to be a programmer, focus on layout. Most programmers like the HHKB Pro 2 but I can't contend with the backspace/delete situation with them and lack of dedicated arrow keys.

If you were an accountant or entered a ton of IP addresses, you NEED a numpad no matter what pro-tenkeyless fanboys say. A number row will never keep up with a numpad in the hands of a trained person.
However, it doesn't have to be on your keyboard. You can have a separate numpad to the right of your mouse (if right handed) or even to the left of the keyboard.

Think about what YOU will be doing with it, not what others say you should be doing with it. Play around with layouts. If your budget allows it, try a few different options or look into autohotkey and try your own custom layouts.

Lucky for everyone there are a ton of layout options available now. The latest Poker/Pure is pretty promising, as is the Race.

Rafen · « **Reply #5 on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:37:30 »

Does the Pure have arrow keys because I can't tell?

didjamatic · « **Reply #6 on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:45:03 »

Yes, they're on a second layer, but you can enable them to move to the top layer like I do. I've used the Poker which is practically the same keyboard and been very pleased with it - and I'm a heavy arrow key user who requires a dedicated inverted T arrow cluster. I just wish it had a dedicated delete key that wasn't on a second layer. That's what I like about the race.

Chris_F · « **Reply #7 on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:46:41 »

I like full keyboards. My passwords are always mostly numbers and I do a fair bit of data entry now and again and I am useless without a number pad for those things.

didjamatic · « **Reply #8 on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 20:54:36 »

An embedded numpad is an option. I've seen some bean counters that were wizards with embedded numpads on their laptops. The IBM Model M Space Saving, Realforce 87u, Noppo Chocmini are some examples of tenkeyless boards with embedded numpads.

notageek · « **Reply #9 on:** Wed, 20 June 2012, 23:30:15 »

For me, the choice was easy because I never use the numpad on any fullsize I ever type on. I can understand it'd be a little more difficult decision for those who use it from time to time. My reasoning was, as others have stated, you can always get a standalone numpad if in the future you decide you need it, and have greater flexibility that way.

But again, it's a personal preference thing. Examine how you operate, what you are or can grow to become most comfortable with and what direction you want to go in, and then try it out.

The_Beast · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 21 June 2012, 00:04:17 »

I would get TKLs since you can always get a separate number pad and put it on the left or right hand side of the mouse or the keyboard. It would offer a lot more flexibility and would reduce overall workspace needed.

However if you really don't use the number pad that much, I'm sure you could get a way with using the number row.

Rafen · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 21 June 2012, 16:49:24 »

Yeah I think I am gonna go with the TKL. I'm thinking either a Leopold or Choc mini. I would go with a Filco but amazon doesn't have any browns in stock for the black or white TKL.

Deverica Wolf · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 22 June 2012, 14:10:11 »

I say go with the TKL. I used a full-board forever and loved my numpad with calculator and some games but once I tried a TKL I could not go back. That's why my Unicomp and Deck get so little use now though I love them.

itznfb · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 22 June 2012, 14:16:42 »

I used to love the full size but I've been getting TKL recently with the intent on getting a separate TenKey pad.

alaricljs · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 22 June 2012, 14:17:24 »

I did that over a year ago now... still haven't bothered getting that separate numpad.

hcry4 · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 22 June 2012, 14:28:24 »

Full size is going the way of landline.

Rafen · « **Reply #16 on:** Sun, 24 June 2012, 06:39:58 »

Yeah TKL I think is the way to go. Now all I have to do is find one that is in stock somewhere with browns.

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Author Topic: Number pad or not? (Read 3942 times)