Let's talk about the PLUM MX96

[arcvile]

I've been floating around for some time and I'm surprised that designs similar to the PLUM MX96 (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1194 aren't as prevalent. I like the look and the tight layout when you remove the arrow keys and the pg up and pg down keys. Especially when most number pads have the second layer(num lk) that already has them available, which makes them redundant. Does the CM Storm QuickFire TK really fill this niche market or am I missing something? 

I say this but I've been tempted time and time again to find LightSavers or even commit to a RSIII

Am I really the only one that thinks this is a problem?

[dr_habu]

I too think that the Plum 96 layout is very good, I'm trying to buy this keyboard, and I'm still waiting for a reply from qtan.
As for CM QuickFire TK - no it does not fill this niche(not any more anyway) as it's pretty much impossible to buy it. One of the reasons why it isn't sold any more is a patent dispute that CM had with Filco, and also as mentioned here the availability was very limited from the start.

As far as I know many people go with TKL or 60% keyboards and use a dedicated num pad if they need it, but I think that the Plum 96 layout is more elegant.

[Data]

I understand the layout but I can't say that I like it.  It just doesn't click (ho ho) with me.  It relies heavily on Num Lock (or Num Mode in this case) states and I feel like that would be a constant nuisance to me.

To each his own I guess.

[heedpantsnow]

I owned a Plum TKL several years ago when they were just starting out. Nice value board.

Can you tell me how this is different from the normal 1800 layout?

[dr_habu]

The main differences are that it doesn't have a dedicated arrow keys and sixpack(these are implemented as a layer on the numpad block).

[heedpantsnow]

The main differences are that it doesn't have a dedicated arrow keys and sixpack(these are implemented as a layer on the numpad block).

Ah ok thanks. They look very similar to me. Both feel very "cramped" to me, like a "wall of keys". But I guess for those who want the numpad and not the space, it's a good option.

[arcvile]

I found myself for a few year primarily working with the laptops and I not gravitate to this layout naturally. I own a 60%, which I love the added real estate but I still miss having the numpad on my right side. 

That being said does anyone have a 60% with dedicated F-keys on the layout?

[saturnotaku]

I found myself for a few year primarily working with the laptops and I not gravitate to this layout naturally. I own a 60%, which I love the added real estate but I still miss having the numpad on my right side. 

That being said does anyone have a 60% with dedicated F-keys on the layout?

A dedicated function row doesn't make it a 60% keyboard any more. You'd be looking for a 75% layout. There aren't many on the market, but here are a couple examples: MK 84 and Matias Mini Quiet Pro.

[FoxWolf1]

I used to like the look of this layout, but eventually I realized that, if you're actually going to be making serious use of the numpad, it was much better to have the numpad and arrow/navigation functions available at the same time than to have to toggle back and forth between the two using num lock. Some of PLUM's other experiments with the "compact keyboard with numpad" idea make a bit more sense to me, though they have their own problems...

Still, for those who like the layout but don't like (or can't get) PLUM or the CM TK, there are at least one or two other options out there...Reicat RX3 comes to mind.

[SamirD]

You actually don't have to toggle numlock at all to use arrows, etc on any numlock--just hold shift and the nunlock key.  Works on almost any keyboard.

While I can see the idea behind this design, it's got half of what I like about a full layout and half of what's nice about one like an IBM F/XT.  I'm kinda mixed.