Keyboards without numeric pad

[yester64]

For the longest time i use computers keyboards always came in full format, meaning you had a numeric pad on it.

But, this piece is also one of the least keys i ever use, ever. So i wonder if one needs that even anymore unless you enter rows of numbers perhaps.

To me a keyboard without will do but i am not sure how others feel about it. Do you need the numeric keys?

[Jocelyn]

Number pad is useless to me

[jabar]

Keyboards without the numpad are called tenkeyless (TKL). They are very popular with gamers and those who lack space for a full keyboard.

For me, I do use the keypad when entering long series of numbers in a spreadsheet or using a calculator application. It also best serves those who use keyboards with a point-of-sale (POS) system. But most of the time I can do without it.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm getting used to my TKL board. I don't think I could do without a numberpad at work but at home it's pretty nice.

[The_Beast]

For a college sized desk, a 60% is PERFECT

[Reomero]

IMHO, a numpad is only useful to someone who has to often plug in numbers, i.e. for spreadsheets. Other than that, I don't see what's the use. Obviously some people prefer typing in numbers using a numpad than using the top row of their keyboard. 

[eth0s]

For me, I do use the keypad when entering long series of numbers in a spreadsheet or using a calculator application. It also best serves those who use keyboards with a point-of-sale (POS) system. But most of the time I can do without it.

^ Yes.  Full-sized keyboard is only needed if you work with spreadsheets, and you enter a lot of numbers.  Otherwise get rid of it.

lulz, and I never understood why they call it Ten-key-less, however, since the numpad usually contains 17 keys.  (and sometimes 18 or 19.)

[Reomero]

I never understood why they call it Ten-key-less, however, since the numpad usually contains 17 keys.  (and sometimes 18 or 19.)

I have no idea too. I think it's because when people think of a "numpad" they think of the numbers 1 to 10 (10 numbers) hence the "ten-key less"..

[Hyde]

I actually wanted to get a tenkeyless before but then I realize I need the number pad for Maya and Photoshop (2D and 3D graphic program).  It's just much faster to type in the number from number pad to edit properties.

So it really depends on your usage.

[davkol]

Keyboards without the numpad are called tenkeyless (TKL). They are very popular with gamers and those who lack space for a full keyboard.

I'm neither, and I can't go back to full-size keyboard, because my shoulder !@#$ing hurts then (due to right-handed mousing).

[IvanIvanovich]

The only thing I missed numpad for was ALT+code to enter little used charachter. But I solved that by making a custom keymap so now I just switch keymap and type the charachter and switch back to my usual layout and keep typing. Which is actually a lot easier as I have to press much less keys and don't have to remember so much anymore, just where it is located on the keyboard instead of 4 numbers.
I have been using 60% for my primary keyboard for quite some time now and do not miss all those extra keys at all.

[Grim Fandango]

I find that even in regular use, there are some minor things I miss out on. However, the pros outweigh the cons for me easily. At home I have a tenkeyless. At work I have a full keyboard, though I could probably get away with a tenkeyless as well. Even though it would be inconvenient at times.

[h2gofast]

My workflow is much smoother on a tenkeyless.  I don't know if I'm actually saving minutes out of my day.  I would compare it to having a better chair at work.  One less minor annoyance when I don't have to reach for the mouse.   Working in Windows on a daily basis requires more mouse.   Yes there are hotkeys, but tabbing through a hotkeyless web interface has taken some adjustment.