I literally will not ever daily use a keyboard if it doesn't have a number pad.
Any time I'm forced to temporarily use anything without a num pad I feel like I'm driving a car that's missing half it's steering wheel or something. It just feels wrong.
I can input lots of numbers very fast without looking down with a num pad. I cannot do that with the number row. I have to look down at some point and it's much slower.
I've been using a wireless mechanical 100% keyboard for years. Love it so much I bought a duplicate, so I have a spare when it's time to run one through the dishwasher!
Not the same. A functional num pad needs to be in a strict grid pattern to work. The keys need to be column aligned so they can be felt and the num pad used without looking at it.
That's a hyper7. If youve got a pathological need for a billion keys and £700 to drop you can't go far wrong. Although you may have to spend a little more to reinforce your desk and remove a wall to get it in your house lol
Exactly. For me it's closer to 40 years and I don't think I ever used the number pad more than ten times. Tenkeyless is just better, unless you're an accountant.
Or if you use different language keyboard layout. I mostly use Czech layout and if I wanted to type numbers without a numpad, I would need to hold shift+number to type them, or change the layout. So for me it's more convenient to just use the numpad. Also I grew up with full sized keyboards so it's also a habit.
The number pad only ever became relevant to me after decades when I began playing video games that have more keybindings than I have brain cells. Caves Of Qud makes use of basically the the whole number pad just to manually move in 8 different directions.
Caves of Qud annoyed me with that, but I got vim-ish movement keys worked out instead. Normal hjkl, bnyu for diagonals, took a bit but now it's second nature
I was a Unix sysadmin for years and never once used the num pad. I'm in sales now for 25 years and still don't use it. I mean, it's always been a goal of mine but I just never think of it when it's time to use it, and it's slower for me to use it than not use it. And I don't enter enough numbers to get enough practice to be good at it.
I knew I was going to find a comment about the Model M!
I use the modern incarnation made by Unicomp since 2019. Best Keyboard I ever had and probably my main keyboard for the rest of my life. It’s really that good! Minimal wear on the buttons after 6 years (I’m a developer so the keyboard gets used once in a while 😉)
One thing I wanted to mention: Although I like the clicky sound, it is quite loud. It was loud enough that I woke up my little baby girl when working at night. So I had to silence it or buy another keyboard 😔 I ended up with fiddling dental floss inside of every single spring and used o rings to dampen the noise it makes when you hit the buttons hard and they bottom out. I’d say you get 80-90% of the tactility with 30% of the noise. Perfect combo in my opinion.
It's not just the size, or the sound, but the fact you could comfortably concuss an elephant with it, or stop a bullet and go right back to typing. Those things were built like tanks.
While I love my full-sized keyboard, respectfully - who cares. The whole idea of a PC is the freedom to use whatever you want.
Keyboards, controllers, speech to text, a wii-mote, literal bananas/bread, eye/blink trackers, whatever suits you best. Insisting there's a best device for everyone doesn't change people's minds and just leads to hostility when we should be glad more people are using the device that makes them happy. One day you might be one of them when your circumstances or preferences change.
Full-size is objectively superior, everything else is a mitigation for sub-optimal circumstances.
If you have reduced desk space and need to conserve your keyboard size to allow more room for a mouse then absolutely, pick as small a keyboard as you're comfortable with to get sufficient mousing space.
Anything beyond that is subjective personal preference, which again I have no qualms with, but calling it better without further qualification is going to invite incredulity.
If a full-sized keyboard provides all the keys you reasonably need to do your tasks efficiently, then yes a full-sized keyboard is superior. But that is just not the use case for everyone, hence why it can't be objectively so. Unless you want to imply that more keys even if you don't need them is better anyways.
If so, you could argue this monstrosity of a keyboard (or something even bigger) is what everyone should be using if they have the space, since it has way more buttons than a full-sized keyboard, making it even more objectively superior. In reality you would not use more than 30% of the buttons on that keyboard, so the rest might as well not exist. But if you are, I don't know, some macro-wizard playing 4 instances of WoW at the same time, maybe it is objectively superior for your needs, but for me a normal sized keyboard would do.
But to try and sense where you're coming from, it should also be said that someone telling you their choice is better and disregarding that your criteria aren't the same as theirs is being silly as well. And sometimes they can be stubborn and agitated about that as well - exactly the kind of hostility I meant in my initial comment. But someone's got to step up and swallow their pride and accept it really is just all subjective at the end of the day.
the main advantage of full sized keebs iirc is that some programs have key combos involving F keys or home/end and don't support changing the mapping (Minecraft shakes fist at sky F3+g)
That's true, and if that's the case then that definitely changes the choice. Although, afaik these smaller keyboards often come with software to remap keys or add macro's at the driver level. (And for this choice specifically, 75% keyboard and higher do seem to mostly have both F keys and home/end). But yeah, some people's use consist of just writing emails and streaming video, in which case they won't care about any of that.
My biggest problem with that "monstrosity" is that it's ortholinear.
You imply that such a thing being "optimal" is absurd, but if you had infinite usable desk space then what, exactly, would be the argument against it? If space is not a consideration then what does it matter if you don't use every key?
Lots of people like smaller keyboards, and that's perfectly fine. I get it as an aesthetic choice, and for many people it may not impact their daily use at all. But you will not convince me that removing the option of having additional keys for binding is a non-zero cost, even if they're not currently being used.
For what it's worth, I never used anything like that monstrosity, but I was quite happy with my G15 for the time that I had it which had 18 additional keys, plus media control, over a typical full size.
but if you had infinite usable desk space then what, exactly, would be the argument against it?
So I guess we agree then. Circumstances make something more or less optimal, meaning they are not objectively more optimal in every situation. That was my entire point, nothing more.
No one has discussed split keyboards, which offer all the benefits of a full size and addresses ergonomic concerns across the board. Need only half your keyboard today? Done and done.
On the go, I loathe my laptop keyboard and mouse, and bring a 60% and a mouse. Easy to fit in the bag for travel if I'm setting up shop somewhere for a few days or more. Also a dock so I can hook it up to the hotel TV or conf room display easily if they are behind the times.
I'm pulling my separate numpad out when I know I'll be entering a lot of numbers. Or reach over to it when I enter a PIN from muscle memory. Otherwise I toss it to the side.
I use this occasionally when i need to do a lot of number typing whilst using my mouse so i can relax my arm to the side rather than reaching across the KB and straining the muscle behind my shoulderblade.
How was the assembly ? I've never put a keyboard together and I'm a bit confused by if you need to solder anything, or buy anything else (are the switches and keycaps included ?)
I have a full-sized and a 96%. I don't know how people live without a numpad. Even my laptop has a numpad. I don't do excel shit. But at work I have to enter alot of phone and CC numbers. At home I use the numpad for rating photos when sorting and importing them.
The numpad is still a popular option in roguelikes. It's also worth noting that sometimes the ortholinear layout of numpad keys is more appropriate than the staggered layout of letter keys.
I use it for keybinds that I don't use very often, but still need on occasion. Frees up the other keys for more important stuff. Very useful for weapon hotkeys in games like Fallout when I have a ton of guns.
Yeah 96% is great for me. I work in commercial credit analysis and I'm constantly typing numbers (account numbers/financial information/etc) so not having a number pad would suck. I work from home like 75% of the time and my work space is shared with my personal computing space. I have 1 keyboard that's Bluetooth so I can swap between my personal desktop, personal laptop, and my work laptop. Same with my mouse. Sometimes I do think about getting a smaller keyboard and adding a separate numpad that can tuck out of the way when I'm not working as I don't use it much for personal computing.
I was a cashier, then a bookkeeper during the time when both heavily used the "10-key" and got really fast at touch typing numbers. Not as fast now, but I would be absolutely lost without it for spreadsheets, calculations, etc. I wouldn't even consider a keyboard without one!
I went from a 100% membrane to a 60% mechanical, then a ~63% (think the 60% one but ONLY with extra arrow keys) then to a tenkeyless minus some of the useless keys, now to a full tenkeyless one
That's the DataHand, one of the few novel text-entry devices in the last few decades. It's sadly no longer made but ifyou want a modern one, check out the Svalboard.
The Svalboard is made by one guy in California with FOSS firmware based on QMK/Vial. He took it on because his DataHand, which had enabled him to keep working with a wrist injury, broke and no parts were available.
I got one myself after near disabling wrist RSI. I don't type as fast as I used to (yet) but I am able to work with a lot less pain.
Thanks for that. It's nice to see an assembled option. The lalboard looked a bit intimidating.
I've been starting to develop daily wrist pain after working for a few hours and I'm looking for a decent option that lets me keep going without ending up crippled.
Yeah, I moved from an old laptop to this. I love the low profile feel in general, and these Cherry switches take that up to 11. They are very smooth and still make a sound, but they aren't super loud. Then the RGB lighting shines through the numbers/letters themselves, which looks very nice.
This is my first "good" keyboard, so I'm still working on what to use the G keys for. :)
Yes, I have this one with the ridiculous logo they only used for a few months. Some of the switches are starting to feel a bit worn though, and I don't think Corsair switches are swappable.
I'll save y'all the search an tell you it costs about 950€ plus shipping for a 5 kg behemoth of a keyboard. And plus any tariffs, should you live in freedom land and tariffs are currently applicable.
I might catch some heat.. but I gotta speak my truth - this is all I need. I game, I program, I have 2 function keys that change the layout and provide access to any keys not physically present.
You do you man. We all got different hands and preferences and physical dimensions, as well as different usable desk space. It's silly to draw lines in the sand about peripherals. Personally, I like my giant gaming keyboard with macro keys and whatnot. I program the extra keys to do things as needed. But I wouldn't force that on anyone who wants a smaller form factor. Hell now we can even get picky on how much actuation force, key travel, and sound of key press. A keyboard for every preference!
I kind of wish Duolingo would create a trainer that helps you practice shortcuts and hot keys. They never seem to stick in my brain asides from copy/paste, new tab, change focus.
I love this meme, but I feel like including TKL in the circle would be a little more fitting. I know I'm a little biased for being a TKL user, but they really aren't that esoteric. Every key is where you expect it. It just doesn't have a numpad.
ive made that mistake in the past and eventually came to realise that its pretty good if you need a single dongle for mouse and keyboard when playing around with many old pcs and SBCs. so, this expensive mistake has at least some use whilst my two sofle handle the rest
I put together an olkb planck 40% kit years ago, and it's still my main keyboard for day to day use. (programming, gaming, writing, anything really)
The main thing I like about it is that I can just put it in my backpack and carry it with me. It's nice to take my laptop to a cafe or library and still have my good keyboard with me.
There’s a couple 40%-ers in the comments but not nearly enough. It took me years to learn to properly type, but once I did, I fell in love with a 40%. There’s some cool designs out there for small keyboards, like the Minimi 40 with a combination lid & wrist rest (not released yet, but it’ll be glorious once it’s finally available).
I have a simple planck eotb, and carry it everywhere I go. It's really convenient.
I think I got used to typing on it in only a couple of weeks, but spend the past few years tweaking my custom ambidextrous layout.
Some of my personal favorites are:
having backspace+ctrl combined on one key, enter+shift combined on another key.
Having enter and backspace on both sides of the keyboard, so I can use either hand to use them
Having a single hand numpad when holding a layer key. Very practical for number stuff.
Putting any computer to sleep, or changing volume without having to look for the right key on my keyboard.
I got a Glorious that I like a lot. But it has an End key but no Home key????????? Wtf, how am I supposed to program on this???? I have to use Keyd on Linux (and AutoHotKey on Windows, but fortunately I don't have to use Windows for work anymore) to remap it to have a Home key.
This is why I wish "southpaw" keyboards would become more mainstream. If you're right-handed, having the numpad on the left makes way more sense ergonomically.
My old keyboard was a cheap $30 membrane one, and it was a painted metal plate with a plastic shell on the back for the internals. The edge of it was rounded, but it was still just a single edge, maybe 5mm thick, so I used to give myself bruises trying to flick in FPS games. They were literally just a vertical line on my thumb.
You'll have to pry my 70% and 75% keyboards from my cold dead hands. Smaller keyboards are much more ergonomic if you need to also regularly use the mouse.
Have you considered an ortholinear layout? Can use the whole keyboard as a numpad if you like (I'm a programmer too and specifically went for a 40% ortho for this reason.)
Like so many things, it really depends on what you're doing. I've worked a lot of different jobs, and some absolutely require a numpad and some I've never touched it. What people really need is programmable keyboards. If you need a numpad you don't have to even move your hands if you program it right. Same with function keys. It's better for you long term. So I'd actually suggest a smaller but programmable keyboard for everyone, even if they don't use the numpad, plenty of great features on these keyboards.
I've been trying a 75% tenkeyless but I do miss the number block haha. I really want to switch to a split ergo though, but it's a bit of investment to learn and configure.
my favorite keyboard that i can remember was some bullshit off-brand apple thing from the early 2000s when USB accessories were super novel. rescued from a dumpster, not related to other Apple trash that belonged in the dumpster. full size numpad, super satisfying clicky clacky. several different shades of puke in color. took that to work and told IT to take their stuff and go
Because when i was a consultant i had to bring my laptop to clients. A big keyboard didn't dit in my bag, but a TKL was still preferable to the laptop keyboard.
When I play games, I use a 60% and a Razer Tartarus v2. I won’t play any other way. It’s so much more ergonomic and better for my wrists, and I don’t have to rebind keys in games ever again.
For regular computing and work, I for sure use a full-size!
The best keyboard I managed to find from all keyboards I've ever used (including high end mechanical ones) is.. 96%, keychron q6. Embrace mental disability, it feels so incredibly good
I kept most of my bindings the same as the normal QWERTY keyboard, so I don't have much of an issue swapping between them. I had debated a lot about changing to other keyboard layouts and I'm really glad that I didn't.
I like the idea of a split keyboard, but looking up against the getting used to it. Did it take you long and do you still type as fast on regular keyboards or did you 'unlearn' that?
I’ve always been a good touch typer, so the transition for me wasn’t too bad. I also use the Dvorak layout as my default since QWERTY is dogshit (though I can still use QWERTY if needed.)
On my desk actually I have a full sized (MX Keys) keyboard and my split keyboard, and I use them both all the time because I have a couple of computers I’m using at once so it’s easier.
The biggest hurdle is just setting up the “layers” on a smaller keyboard like this. I have a layer for arrow keys, and one for a 10-key and function keys, etc. The world is your oyster, really, and that much choice is a little overwhelming at first. We’ve all been told for our whole lives that keyboards have to be a certain way, so when you get free rein to do what you want it’s…a lot.
But now I don’t even think about it. It’s one of those things where if you asked me how to get to the arrow keys I’d have to think about it for a second, BUT it’s so engrained in my muscle memory I use them all the time all day for work without a hitch. If that makes sense.
I’d say I’m about the same speed for typing on this versus my other keyboards. But the Lily IS much more comfortable than any standard keyboard, that’s for sure.
Split column staggered is how keyboards designed for human hands should be, I don't understand how most manufacturers are still pushing a keyboard designed for mechanical typewriters, that needed the row stagger for the mechanical linkages under every key. I'm I'm in between jobs right now but I'll buy a split keyboard as my next keyboard soon
They provide keyboards but crappy membrane ones that are communal and what pushed me over the edge to buy one was discovering the amount of gunk built up under the keys....
I currently have a Corsair K95 with the macro key row to the left, I really want to use a TKL keyboard so I don't bump into it all the time with my mouse. At the same time I would also like to have a numpad are there any keyboards that combine those two things so a row of macro keys and a numpad (southpaw) on the left?
Update: Mountain.gg has a keyboard like that. They were acquired by be quiet! and they are basically releasing my dream keyboard with the Dark Mount will be grabbing one ASAP. Linux support, hot swappable switches, very modular looks great so far.
Would a separate numpad work in place of a built in one? Only other thing I can think of is Framework's modular keyboard system for their laptops, but that's for a whole laptop instead of a separate keyboard.
I considered going for the separate numpad before but I'm not a fan of the idea, don't really want to have another loose thing on my desk. Currently considering the Lemokey L1 and if I really need a numpad I will have to just live with a separate one.
But I'm not in a hurry to get a new keyboard so maybe I stumble across something better until im ready to get a new one. I was just curious if that keyboard with macro keys + numpad exists.
I was looking to get a mechanical keyboard. 8bitdo seemed to be recommended by some folks, but they don't have the full-sized one with the 10-key here in Japan. Looks like I'm waiting.
i love my 60% keyboard. i rebound the caps lock key to be a modifier key that swaps the functions of several keys on the keyboard. i basically have two keyboards stacked on top of each other that i can switch between at will. e.g., when caps lock is held: the number keys turn into Fn keys, WASD turns into the arrow keys, and N, M, < turn into the volume down, mute, and volume up keys, respectively.
i also changed the rgb colors on the keyboard so this is all color coded in case i forget.
One of my many 60% boards has a split spacebar which I use as modifier / layer toggle. Been using 60% since the original KBC Poker; I should really design some printable cases now that I think of it.
I found exactly one keyboard with oversized keys for my fat sausage fingers, no num pad. I emailed the company to see if they were planning on doing a full sized version, nope. Guess I'm gonna keep making typos.
I dropped my full sized keychron a while back and the pcb got screwed up at the usb c port, so I'm stuck on a 60%. It's nice to have the extra desk space, but I'd be completely lost if I didn't have a macropad. Even still, it's kind of a pain in the ass sometimes. Eventually I'll be not-broke enough to justify getting a new pcb, hopefully, but I'm not even sure how to order just a pcb from them. Giant pain in the ass.
I do like my little Newman board, though. It has some nice linears that I lubed up and I've got a tape mod on it. I miss qmk but it's better than a membrane at least.
Originally I picked it up to use with my phone so I could get work done on the road without slowing my typing speed to a crawl and grappling with autocorrect. Made a decent backup!
Imagine the market being saturated with all kinds of keyboards in various form factors and layouts and someone holding you accountable for what you're using.
I used to think I can't do without an F-row. Nowadays I use a bunch of 60-ish boards (a Boardwalk, a Lily58, an Elora) and it's all fine. Even back when I was using a 75%, I was used to have e.g. the arrows on IJKL on a layer (of course it doesn't work well for games, but for things like text editing I'd argue it's even better than dedicated keys). In general I'd suggest to everyone to challenge themselves a little bit with things that don't seem good at first but might end up being useful in the long run.
Okay everyone calm down. There are dedicated home, insert and delete keys. It's just that many of my keycaps don't self identify like that. Partly because I like cute keycaps, and partly because I remap those keys from time to time, and if they never had "home" or whatever written on them to begin with, I don't have to go grab my box of keycaps and switch them out.
Edit: and okay, I currently have 'end' mapped to the 'home' key on layer 2, so I'd have to press Fn + 'home' for that.
I'm just saying the one key I'd be 100% okay losing is numlock. Turning it off when I'm typing fast can guck up an excel sheet SO fast.
And as great as althea simultaneous editing is kn SharePoint, the necessary saves all your edits live feature of it can be a real problem if you don't immediately notice a fuckup.
One decent reason is that it brings the mouse closer, so you can move your hand over more quickly and are more likely to find the right keys when moving the other way.
That's a fair point, and why I have a TKL instead of full size. The reason I wouldn't consider the % ones is being able to sit at any keyboard for work, friends, in public, relatives, etc and not worry about typos due to the slight placement differences. It's quite frustrating.
Yeah, fair enough. I use laptop keyboards so much that I need to get used to a full-sized keyboard, whenever I use one. 🙃
Unfortunately, laptop keyboards are a mess of different layouts, so it's not either like I can sit down at someone else's laptop and immediately know where everything is...
its really a matter of personal preference, but I prefer to have more space for my mousepad and coffee, rather than a larger keyboard just for the sake of it. even if I did want a numpad, (which I don't because I prefer macropads) I would want to be able to move it around separately from the keyboard
Number pads are obsolete. If you need to type more than one number at a time, you should be asking yourself "What am I doing wrong such that I have to type all these numbers out?" We live in an age where every document is digital, and number pads are exclusively useful for transposing numbers from paper in bulk.
They're not even a good design, there's no tab, only enter, so they don't even support putting numbers into a spreadsheet super well.
I literally will not ever daily use a keyboard if it doesn't have a number pad.
Any time I'm forced to temporarily use anything without a num pad I feel like I'm driving a car that's missing half it's steering wheel or something. It just feels wrong.
I downsized a while back due to switching to a smaller desk, and it does feel weird.
I can input lots of numbers very fast without looking down with a num pad. I cannot do that with the number row. I have to look down at some point and it's much slower.
Amen.
I've been using a wireless mechanical 100% keyboard for years. Love it so much I bought a duplicate, so I have a spare when it's time to run one through the dishwasher!
The…the what now?
You've never cleaned your keyboard in the dishwasher?
Hot water, don't use detergent, and let any washed electronics dry completely before use is the method I use.
i reckon one can only do this with very soft water?
What, you don't want your keys to crunch when you press them?
At the same time you charge your iPhone in the microwave oven at 10% power.
It needs to be ≥ 100% for me
I just learned how to type numbers quickly without a numpad. It's truly a skill issue if you need a numpad lol
just map it to a layer bro
Not the same. A functional num pad needs to be in a strict grid pattern to work. The keys need to be column aligned so they can be felt and the num pad used without looking at it.
get an ortho then
Me playing modded Minecraft:
What was the disable jetpack button again?
Keeb goes hard ngl
What is that beautiful monstrosity?
That's a hyper7. If youve got a pathological need for a billion keys and £700 to drop you can't go far wrong. Although you may have to spend a little more to reinforce your desk and remove a wall to get it in your house lol
I see a distinct lack of F13-F15, assuming 1.12.2 or 1.7.10 (1.13 and newer added F16-F25)
Try DCS.
That would be a nice post on [email protected]
Man, I could have all of that and still be like "Shit where do I put Building Gadget Mode Switch???"
It so pretty doe
You find it and the key is still shared with three other keybinds
Me unbinding the mysterious functions that share the key "I'll worry about that once I know what that even means"
My copy of Keyboard Maestro sent off fireworks when it saw those macro rows
I spent 30 years thinking someday I'd start using the number pad and then finally gave up. I like having the typing part centered more.
Exactly. For me it's closer to 40 years and I don't think I ever used the number pad more than ten times. Tenkeyless is just better, unless you're an accountant.
Or if you use different language keyboard layout. I mostly use Czech layout and if I wanted to type numbers without a numpad, I would need to hold shift+number to type them, or change the layout. So for me it's more convenient to just use the numpad. Also I grew up with full sized keyboards so it's also a habit.
The number pad only ever became relevant to me after decades when I began playing video games that have more keybindings than I have brain cells. Caves Of Qud makes use of basically the the whole number pad just to manually move in 8 different directions.
Caves of Qud annoyed me with that, but I got vim-ish movement keys worked out instead. Normal hjkl, bnyu for diagonals, took a bit but now it's second nature
Do you people never do any actual work on your computers?
I have body parts that are less important to me than my numpad.
We just don't work as accountants ;-).
Or programming. Or sysadmins. Or sales orders. Or order picking. Or...
You need to type a number quickly?
You need a keypad.
The end.
I was a Unix sysadmin for years and never once used the num pad. I'm in sales now for 25 years and still don't use it. I mean, it's always been a goal of mine but I just never think of it when it's time to use it, and it's slower for me to use it than not use it. And I don't enter enough numbers to get enough practice to be good at it.
Tkl/80 is my preferred size
I'm a full TKL man myself. I don't mind the space, just don't like using space for stuff I never use.
I'm a fan of TKL as well, but one annoying place where the numpad is missed is games and software that hardcode numpad keys
You have left out galaxy brain giant IBM model M. (Not more keys, but thicc keys.)
It's not just the size. It's also the way the sound of typing will bother everyone else in the room.
How about the superior 122 key Model F
“To use this feature, simply press the F213 key.”
(unfolds paper keyboard map)
(moves finger around for five minutes searching)
Ah, okay. There it is. (tap)
My account is too new to post an image, so here is a link instead:
https://i0.wp.com/blog.lingodeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/image6.png
You can inline images like this:
becomes:
When Neil Pert needs an office day.
That setup uses pedals ffs. no thoughts empty head
Wow what did they say about that?
Oh my God.
That’s a surfboard.
Ahhhhh - that IBM Model 50 keyboard. Loud AF, and could drive a truck over it. Was my first and the feel of it was great.
I knew I was going to find a comment about the Model M!
I use the modern incarnation made by Unicomp since 2019. Best Keyboard I ever had and probably my main keyboard for the rest of my life. It’s really that good! Minimal wear on the buttons after 6 years (I’m a developer so the keyboard gets used once in a while 😉)
One thing I wanted to mention: Although I like the clicky sound, it is quite loud. It was loud enough that I woke up my little baby girl when working at night. So I had to silence it or buy another keyboard 😔 I ended up with fiddling dental floss inside of every single spring and used o rings to dampen the noise it makes when you hit the buttons hard and they bottom out. I’d say you get 80-90% of the tactility with 30% of the noise. Perfect combo in my opinion.
It's not just the size, or the sound, but the fact you could comfortably concuss an elephant with it, or stop a bullet and go right back to typing. Those things were built like tanks.
When my grampy died, my parents threw out about four Model Ms from his house. They didn’t know they’re not just old keyboards D:
I need to get mine fixed. I sometimes tire of my steel series and wish to deafen all my online friends
While I love my full-sized keyboard, respectfully - who cares. The whole idea of a PC is the freedom to use whatever you want.
Keyboards, controllers, speech to text, a wii-mote, literal bananas/bread, eye/blink trackers, whatever suits you best. Insisting there's a best device for everyone doesn't change people's minds and just leads to hostility when we should be glad more people are using the device that makes them happy. One day you might be one of them when your circumstances or preferences change.
Full-size is objectively superior, everything else is a mitigation for sub-optimal circumstances.
If you have reduced desk space and need to conserve your keyboard size to allow more room for a mouse then absolutely, pick as small a keyboard as you're comfortable with to get sufficient mousing space.
Anything beyond that is subjective personal preference, which again I have no qualms with, but calling it better without further qualification is going to invite incredulity.
If a full-sized keyboard provides all the keys you reasonably need to do your tasks efficiently, then yes a full-sized keyboard is superior. But that is just not the use case for everyone, hence why it can't be objectively so. Unless you want to imply that more keys even if you don't need them is better anyways.
If so, you could argue this monstrosity of a keyboard (or something even bigger) is what everyone should be using if they have the space, since it has way more buttons than a full-sized keyboard, making it even more objectively superior. In reality you would not use more than 30% of the buttons on that keyboard, so the rest might as well not exist. But if you are, I don't know, some macro-wizard playing 4 instances of WoW at the same time, maybe it is objectively superior for your needs, but for me a normal sized keyboard would do.
But to try and sense where you're coming from, it should also be said that someone telling you their choice is better and disregarding that your criteria aren't the same as theirs is being silly as well. And sometimes they can be stubborn and agitated about that as well - exactly the kind of hostility I meant in my initial comment. But someone's got to step up and swallow their pride and accept it really is just all subjective at the end of the day.
the main advantage of full sized keebs iirc is that some programs have key combos involving F keys or home/end and don't support changing the mapping (Minecraft shakes fist at sky F3+g)
That's true, and if that's the case then that definitely changes the choice. Although, afaik these smaller keyboards often come with software to remap keys or add macro's at the driver level. (And for this choice specifically, 75% keyboard and higher do seem to mostly have both F keys and home/end). But yeah, some people's use consist of just writing emails and streaming video, in which case they won't care about any of that.
My biggest problem with that "monstrosity" is that it's ortholinear.
You imply that such a thing being "optimal" is absurd, but if you had infinite usable desk space then what, exactly, would be the argument against it? If space is not a consideration then what does it matter if you don't use every key?
Lots of people like smaller keyboards, and that's perfectly fine. I get it as an aesthetic choice, and for many people it may not impact their daily use at all. But you will not convince me that removing the option of having additional keys for binding is a non-zero cost, even if they're not currently being used.
For what it's worth, I never used anything like that monstrosity, but I was quite happy with my G15 for the time that I had it which had 18 additional keys, plus media control, over a typical full size.
So I guess we agree then. Circumstances make something more or less optimal, meaning they are not objectively more optimal in every situation. That was my entire point, nothing more.
No one has discussed split keyboards, which offer all the benefits of a full size and addresses ergonomic concerns across the board. Need only half your keyboard today? Done and done.
Need ALL the keyboard, we gotchu.
This is objectively superior, as it saves you from RSI.
A keyboard without a numpad is like a cock without a foreskin.
Stupid as fuck, but some people don't know any better
That analogy is a work of art. So casually out of pocket
On my desktop, I need that num pad.
On the go, I loathe my laptop keyboard and mouse, and bring a 60% and a mouse. Easy to fit in the bag for travel if I'm setting up shop somewhere for a few days or more. Also a dock so I can hook it up to the hotel TV or conf room display easily if they are behind the times.
So you can pull the skin to reveal your numpad?
part of it is that on 75% the numpad is optional, and it gives you more desk space for other things
100% or bust!
Get a larger desk. No way I'm typing numbers not on a keypad
I'm pulling my separate numpad out when I know I'll be entering a lot of numbers. Or reach over to it when I enter a PIN from muscle memory. Otherwise I toss it to the side.
I use this occasionally when i need to do a lot of number typing whilst using my mouse so i can relax my arm to the side rather than reaching across the KB and straining the muscle behind my shoulderblade.
?
Defect production
Split keyboards with trackballs are amazing! I don't know how I managed without
Would be a good post on [email protected]
I went up to a comfortable 110 WPM.
What is this beautiful thing and where can I purchase it
Look up Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. Best thing they ever made to date.
Unavaliable where I live :/
It's the Neo Ergo by qwertykeys. Should have regional vendors with either stock or preorder, although the mech market has slowed a lot.
Oh, it's a build it yourself keyboard... I can't count on vendors beacause I don't live in the US
Pretty sure the manufacturer is in China. You just need to find a vendor closest to you. It will never go through the US.
Yey, found one in europe ! Ty !
How was the assembly ? I've never put a keyboard together and I'm a bit confused by if you need to solder anything, or buy anything else (are the switches and keycaps included ?)
You will need switches and keycaps. Stabilizers are included. Get the tri-mode or hot swap PCB to avoid soldering.
Assembly is super easy.
Ok, thanks a lot !
Excluding numbers.
I really cannot tell if this is sarcasm or not.
I don't need the numpad. But no function keys? That's insane.
They just become like laptops with a Fn+# key. It's not like they are 'gone'. Same thing with home/end/etc.
I'm not a fan of that, personally.
sorry but I agree. numpad masterrace. say no to degenerate keyboards.
I have a full-sized and a 96%. I don't know how people live without a numpad. Even my laptop has a numpad. I don't do excel shit. But at work I have to enter alot of phone and CC numbers. At home I use the numpad for rating photos when sorting and importing them.
I use the number pad for various keybinds in games where there are too many things to control with the keys I regularly use.
Are you Grubby? No actual human uses number pad for keybinds in games, only game Gods who learned before there were real alternatives.
The numpad is still a popular option in roguelikes. It's also worth noting that sometimes the ortholinear layout of numpad keys is more appropriate than the staggered layout of letter keys.
I use it for keybinds that I don't use very often, but still need on occasion. Frees up the other keys for more important stuff. Very useful for weapon hotkeys in games like Fallout when I have a ton of guns.
Yeah 96% is great for me. I work in commercial credit analysis and I'm constantly typing numbers (account numbers/financial information/etc) so not having a number pad would suck. I work from home like 75% of the time and my work space is shared with my personal computing space. I have 1 keyboard that's Bluetooth so I can swap between my personal desktop, personal laptop, and my work laptop. Same with my mouse. Sometimes I do think about getting a smaller keyboard and adding a separate numpad that can tuck out of the way when I'm not working as I don't use it much for personal computing.
Long live the numpad!
I was a cashier, then a bookkeeper during the time when both heavily used the "10-key" and got really fast at touch typing numbers. Not as fast now, but I would be absolutely lost without it for spreadsheets, calculations, etc. I wouldn't even consider a keyboard without one!
I went from a 100% membrane to a 60% mechanical, then a ~63% (think the 60% one but ONLY with extra arrow keys) then to a tenkeyless minus some of the useless keys, now to a full tenkeyless one
Here's what I have. Honestly it's perfect.
That's my current keyboard too! (Except the NES color-scheme)
They recently came out with a full-size version, which is tempting me.
What model is this?
It's made by 8bitdo:
https://www.8bitdo.com/retro-mechanical-keyboard/
And here's the full size: https://www.8bitdo.com/retro-108-mechanical-keyboard/
I'm kind of intrigued by this one... What's it called??
DataHand, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DataHand
Thanks! I'm gonna go check that out.
If you want a modern one, check out the Svalboard.
That's the DataHand, one of the few novel text-entry devices in the last few decades. It's sadly no longer made but ifyou want a modern one, check out the Svalboard.
The Svalboard is made by one guy in California with FOSS firmware based on QMK/Vial. He took it on because his DataHand, which had enabled him to keep working with a wrist injury, broke and no parts were available.
I got one myself after near disabling wrist RSI. I don't type as fast as I used to (yet) but I am able to work with a lot less pain.
Thanks for that. It's nice to see an assembled option. The lalboard looked a bit intimidating. I've been starting to develop daily wrist pain after working for a few hours and I'm looking for a decent option that lets me keep going without ending up crippled.
Meanwhile on my desk
I too have a full-size Corsair! I got the K100 Air about 6 months ago and I absolutely love it.
Nooo, where the extra 18 macro keys?? :D
But more importantly – tf is this?
TIL, and tho it's not for me (I'm not into flats at all) I def want to try the actuation feel.
Ah! Thanks for sharing those visuals!
Yeah, over 60cN, non-linear, cherry branded, and flatttt (and with fragile keycaps, also that spring can spring out in event of a fall it seems).
With that kind of force and short travel there is no way I wouldn't constantly bottom-out.
Yeah, I moved from an old laptop to this. I love the low profile feel in general, and these Cherry switches take that up to 11. They are very smooth and still make a sound, but they aren't super loud. Then the RGB lighting shines through the numbers/letters themselves, which looks very nice.
This is my first "good" keyboard, so I'm still working on what to use the G keys for. :)
Gg!
Yes, I have this one with the ridiculous logo they only used for a few months. Some of the switches are starting to feel a bit worn though, and I don't think Corsair switches are swappable.
Omg, I remember that, but I have the normal logo (on the older non-RGB white led version).
Switches arent hot swappable (but it's def not a hard job to replaced then, but a bit time consuming).
Tho maybe you just need a bit of lube (I doubt you've worn the springs or the contacts).
In love with those media keys.
That's how they should always be: Deidcated. If I have to hit Fn+something for Play/Pause it might as well not exist
Yes, exactly, layers are for the main keys, not function keys.
The thing I use is the best thing
I disagree, you see, it is the thing that I use that is clearly the best thing.
See, i get what you're saying, but... have you considered that mine is the best thing?
Me and the other guy agree. Yours is not the best thing
Where is my 130% keyboard?
MORE IS MORE!
Just 130%? Pfft
Get the 200% — Redragon Alien
Might I interest you perchance in the Hyper7?
Oh I like that. Until I saw the price.
A (wo)man after my own heart
I just use two keyboards.
I have a split 40% because I type for a living and normie keyboards destroy my wrists.
If I could I would have two tiers and pedals like an organ master
No pedals but how about the Hyper7 R4?
I'll save y'all the search an tell you it costs about 950€ plus shipping for a 5 kg behemoth of a keyboard. And plus any tariffs, should you live in freedom land and tariffs are currently applicable.
(* freedom sold separately)
I'm in love
Beautiful! Thank you!
I've been moving toward preferring full keyboards, but I wish it were more normalized for them to put the numpad on the left side.
With the Everest Max you can choose on which side you dock your numpad: https://mountain.gg/keyboards/everest-max/
I'm not sure if I would start sane if the number pad was on the left side.
I'd have to try it
I might catch some heat.. but I gotta speak my truth - this is all I need. I game, I program, I have 2 function keys that change the layout and provide access to any keys not physically present.
You do you man. We all got different hands and preferences and physical dimensions, as well as different usable desk space. It's silly to draw lines in the sand about peripherals. Personally, I like my giant gaming keyboard with macro keys and whatnot. I program the extra keys to do things as needed. But I wouldn't force that on anyone who wants a smaller form factor. Hell now we can even get picky on how much actuation force, key travel, and sound of key press. A keyboard for every preference!
I kind of wish Duolingo would create a trainer that helps you practice shortcuts and hot keys. They never seem to stick in my brain asides from copy/paste, new tab, change focus.
what brand is this? :O asking for a friend
Keychron. Here’s a link to this one: https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k9-pro-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?variant=40471030431833
This post is looking for a war 🤣
peep the horror
Ah yes, the klingon keyboard. Goes on the armrests of the captains chair.
Nice Mizu
Those are rookie numbers :-D
my other ride is a 60 something % ergo. I need my real mod and symbol keys
Every time I see these kinds of split keyboards, it reminds me of this scene from Cowboy Bebop.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NXcTuAN7oUc
This is heaven
The fuck do you people need the num pad on your daily driver? Are you all deviant accountants or retro computer enthusiasts typing in code from magazines?
I use it to type numbers
Well that's pretty unusual to use it that way, I guess.
To remap the numlock off keys as a macropad.
Entering IP addresses for work (mostly network info for printers tbh), and a decent amount of games use it for flight.
Camera/perspective controls in blender
Look, I’m not an accountant, I don’t need a numpad.
I worked retail in the late 90s-00s, and whenever I have to type in a string of digits longer than three I regret my tkl.
My cat, however, enjoys the extra real estate on the desk.
I love this meme, but I feel like including TKL in the circle would be a little more fitting. I know I'm a little biased for being a TKL user, but they really aren't that esoteric. Every key is where you expect it. It just doesn't have a numpad.
What about mine
There is no saving you!
ive made that mistake in the past and eventually came to realise that its pretty good if you need a single dongle for mouse and keyboard when playing around with many old pcs and SBCs. so, this expensive mistake has at least some use whilst my two sofle handle the rest
I'm not even represented. 40 % anyone? nobody?
I didn't even know 40% exists and has to look it up. I hate to say this to you, but I'm not sure this is going to work out between us.
I put together an olkb planck 40% kit years ago, and it's still my main keyboard for day to day use. (programming, gaming, writing, anything really) The main thing I like about it is that I can just put it in my backpack and carry it with me. It's nice to take my laptop to a cafe or library and still have my good keyboard with me.
I really hate that you had a practical reason for both having and liking this thing. Fine, we can still do this, but I'm the big spoon.
There’s a couple 40%-ers in the comments but not nearly enough. It took me years to learn to properly type, but once I did, I fell in love with a 40%. There’s some cool designs out there for small keyboards, like the Minimi 40 with a combination lid & wrist rest (not released yet, but it’ll be glorious once it’s finally available).
I have a simple planck eotb, and carry it everywhere I go. It's really convenient. I think I got used to typing on it in only a couple of weeks, but spend the past few years tweaking my custom ambidextrous layout.
Some of my personal favorites are:
Ah yes, because all people need to enjoy what I enjoy
Just for the few games that either have so many controls (eg. GTA V) or so many actions (eg. modded MC), ≥ 100% is mandatory for me.
What is a greater than 100% keyboard?
Used full sized all my life, went TKL a month ago and love it, probably never go back to full size. I barely use the numpad on my personal pc anyways.
Fuck all the gatekeeping, choose whichever you like.
The numpad I could do without, but I need my home, end and delete keys.
Those are still included in TKLs though...
I got a Glorious that I like a lot. But it has an End key but no Home key????????? Wtf, how am I supposed to program on this???? I have to use Keyd on Linux (and AutoHotKey on Windows, but fortunately I don't have to use Windows for work anymore) to remap it to have a Home key.
Joke's on you, I use a trackball.
TrackPoint master race
Upvoted... But I am stuck at 36/miryoku and can't go less.
This is why I wish "southpaw" keyboards would become more mainstream. If you're right-handed, having the numpad on the left makes way more sense ergonomically.
My old keyboard was a cheap $30 membrane one, and it was a painted metal plate with a plastic shell on the back for the internals. The edge of it was rounded, but it was still just a single edge, maybe 5mm thick, so I used to give myself bruises trying to flick in FPS games. They were literally just a vertical line on my thumb.
The 96% actually looks reasonable
You'll have to pry my 70% and 75% keyboards from my cold dead hands. Smaller keyboards are much more ergonomic if you need to also regularly use the mouse.
Sorry I have a TKL with a separate numpad that does not get much use.
My daily keyboard's a 40%.
I also use a keyboard with a numpad. And I have a standalone numpad for rare occasions.
NGL, sometimes I want a TKL, but with a hexadecimal numpad (I'm a programmer).
TKL is good for karpal tunnel (or it was for me), much place for the mouse suddenly.
FWIW you can get bluetooth numpads and stick it anywhere you'd like!
Or a southpaw layout! Numpad on the left. Its what I transitioned to, and I love it. E.G. keychron q12
Some custom keycaps and a custom layout definition and that should be doable. The numpad has 16 keys.
Have you considered an ortholinear layout? Can use the whole keyboard as a numpad if you like (I'm a programmer too and specifically went for a 40% ortho for this reason.)
Like so many things, it really depends on what you're doing. I've worked a lot of different jobs, and some absolutely require a numpad and some I've never touched it. What people really need is programmable keyboards. If you need a numpad you don't have to even move your hands if you program it right. Same with function keys. It's better for you long term. So I'd actually suggest a smaller but programmable keyboard for everyone, even if they don't use the numpad, plenty of great features on these keyboards.
I'm too new to upload so look up 5 column corne keyboard
you can link external images like so
https://images.app.goo.gl/tauZ
Huh, not my preferred method. I wish I learned typing on Dvorak, but I use a 96% ANSI keychron and I'm pleased with it.
Yep, typing this on a Corne-ish Zen. Funnily enough saw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bTI6WUJxD4 yesterday and my first thought was "No. ALL my keys get to work hard!"
I’m a StarCraft player, which means that I do not need the numkeys and absolutely have a mental disorder. Why do I do this to myself? Mama Mia 😞
I've been trying a 75% tenkeyless but I do miss the number block haha. I really want to switch to a split ergo though, but it's a bit of investment to learn and configure.
my favorite keyboard that i can remember was some bullshit off-brand apple thing from the early 2000s when USB accessories were super novel. rescued from a dumpster, not related to other Apple trash that belonged in the dumpster. full size numpad, super satisfying clicky clacky. several different shades of puke in color. took that to work and told IT to take their stuff and go
"He said the truth", but they hated him.
Why smol keyboard?
More space on the desk for 143 empty cans of monster.
Because when i was a consultant i had to bring my laptop to clients. A big keyboard didn't dit in my bag, but a TKL was still preferable to the laptop keyboard.
When I play games, I use a 60% and a Razer Tartarus v2. I won’t play any other way. It’s so much more ergonomic and better for my wrists, and I don’t have to rebind keys in games ever again.
For regular computing and work, I for sure use a full-size!
When I was buying mine full-sized was a huge leap in price from TKL, so I said fuck it, I'll get used to the damn number row!
And so I did. And now even when I have a numpad available I'm still typing with the number row.
...y-yay capitalism????
Number row is good once you get used to using it without looking.
Even better is a layer toggle to put numbers near or on your homerow.
Full size gets in the way for no good reason. TKL is the best. The others force you to do too much weird shit just to get common keys.
I hate my 60%, you can only use the question mark or arrows at one time. And unfortunately, I use both of them frequently
60% is what I imagine being in hell is like
I need my 60% to stop my mouse bumping into my keyboard. Pains of a slow sens
Feels about my 75
36 keys... I will outpace you, including special characters and numbers
For my own mental health I can only see the full and the tkl.
Over here loving my 60%. It's all about modifier keys y'all. That 60% actually has all the keys your 130% and more all within reach.
Ya these dudes are high maintenance needing all those bullshit keys tbh and I like not having my arms doing the splits all day with giant keyboards
The best keyboard I managed to find from all keyboards I've ever used (including high end mechanical ones) is.. 96%, keychron q6. Embrace mental disability, it feels so incredibly good
based
I love my Moonlander. I'll never go back.
I tried but then I was bad on all the other keyboards.
I kept most of my bindings the same as the normal QWERTY keyboard, so I don't have much of an issue swapping between them. I had debated a lot about changing to other keyboard layouts and I'm really glad that I didn't.
I’m surprised by the love here for the number pad! I saw mainly benefits for getting a 60 or 65% when I was considering a keyboard kit:
I do prefer vim for text editing, so I have less use for some of the special keys. But they’re still nice to have for shortcuts or keybinds.
Southpaw TKL FRL is where real beauty at
I use a Lily58 for work, and it's excellent. Obviously mine looks much different than the ones on this product page, but it's this layout.
https://keebd.com/en-us/products/lily58-pro-keyboard-kit
I like the idea of a split keyboard, but looking up against the getting used to it. Did it take you long and do you still type as fast on regular keyboards or did you 'unlearn' that?
I’ve always been a good touch typer, so the transition for me wasn’t too bad. I also use the Dvorak layout as my default since QWERTY is dogshit (though I can still use QWERTY if needed.)
On my desk actually I have a full sized (MX Keys) keyboard and my split keyboard, and I use them both all the time because I have a couple of computers I’m using at once so it’s easier.
The biggest hurdle is just setting up the “layers” on a smaller keyboard like this. I have a layer for arrow keys, and one for a 10-key and function keys, etc. The world is your oyster, really, and that much choice is a little overwhelming at first. We’ve all been told for our whole lives that keyboards have to be a certain way, so when you get free rein to do what you want it’s…a lot.
But now I don’t even think about it. It’s one of those things where if you asked me how to get to the arrow keys I’d have to think about it for a second, BUT it’s so engrained in my muscle memory I use them all the time all day for work without a hitch. If that makes sense.
I’d say I’m about the same speed for typing on this versus my other keyboards. But the Lily IS much more comfortable than any standard keyboard, that’s for sure.
Thanks
No home/end keys?
you can put them behind a momentary/toggle layer.
layers can change the behavior of the whole keyboard while active. super powerful, ill never go back.
Yep, 100%.
I have arrow keys, Home/End/etc., function keys, and a 10-key set up on different layers.
Split column staggered is how keyboards designed for human hands should be, I don't understand how most manufacturers are still pushing a keyboard designed for mechanical typewriters, that needed the row stagger for the mechanical linkages under every key. I'm I'm in between jobs right now but I'll buy a split keyboard as my next keyboard soon
tkl || gtfo
96% gang. Best of both worlds, compact to just slightly wider than a TKL but without any sacrifice.
Yep. My only issue is finding fun key caps for the Ctrl Alt and Fn keys that are smaller than normal.
Yeah that's true. At least on mine (Drop Shift V2) only the right side function key is a little smaller, the rest fit perfectly.
I use the numpad a ton at work. But pretty rarely outside that. Same with the function row I use it a ton at work.
That's why I got a nice 96%. And to save money I carry it to work and back instead of getting two.
Your work won't furnish a good one? Or offer some nominal "personal tech" budget for things like that?
lolno
They provide keyboards but crappy membrane ones that are communal and what pushed me over the edge to buy one was discovering the amount of gunk built up under the keys....
No you don't
Calling a 96% a mental disorder says more about you, OP than a friggin keyboard.
I went from 65% to 60% and am very happy!
75%er here. I'm content.
75% here too. I want a full size back. Tired of having a separate numpad. Waiting till this one gets old then switching back.
I've been ten keyless or 75% for a very long time now. I actually like the separate number pad because I prefer it on the left.
Offer me a full sized with the mimosas (numpad, autocarrot and swipettpe hate me) on the left, and my attention would be full.
100% correct.
TKL for the win
I will ask this here maybe somebody got an idea.
I currently have a Corsair K95 with the macro key row to the left, I really want to use a TKL keyboard so I don't bump into it all the time with my mouse. At the same time I would also like to have a numpad are there any keyboards that combine those two things so a row of macro keys and a numpad (southpaw) on the left?
Update: Mountain.gg has a keyboard like that. They were acquired by be quiet! and they are basically releasing my dream keyboard with the Dark Mount will be grabbing one ASAP. Linux support, hot swappable switches, very modular looks great so far.
Would a separate numpad work in place of a built in one? Only other thing I can think of is Framework's modular keyboard system for their laptops, but that's for a whole laptop instead of a separate keyboard.
I considered going for the separate numpad before but I'm not a fan of the idea, don't really want to have another loose thing on my desk. Currently considering the Lemokey L1 and if I really need a numpad I will have to just live with a separate one.
But I'm not in a hurry to get a new keyboard so maybe I stumble across something better until im ready to get a new one. I was just curious if that keyboard with macro keys + numpad exists.
Glorious has a separate numpad you can keep tucked out of the way when not in use.
https://www.gloriousgaming.com/products/gmmk-numpad-keyboard
Ergodox EZ checking in...
I have brain damage :)
i have a 65% although honestly i'd rather it be a 75% (which i meant to buy but didn't look closely enough at the keyboard), anyway it's not that bad
i also with the damn apostrophe key wasnt the same as the esc key + fn
I use my numpad to move and resize windows. A lot of Openbox setups I used utilized the feature, and I try to replicate it on whatever DE or WM I use.
I like my 1800 compact
It's only a problem for games like Arma that have a bums for every damn key.
75% + 4x4 macropad
I've been using full size my whole life but it seems like TKL is my next logical step because I need more mousing space.
I was looking to get a mechanical keyboard. 8bitdo seemed to be recommended by some folks, but they don't have the full-sized one with the 10-key here in Japan. Looks like I'm waiting.
i love my 60% keyboard. i rebound the caps lock key to be a modifier key that swaps the functions of several keys on the keyboard. i basically have two keyboards stacked on top of each other that i can switch between at will. e.g., when caps lock is held: the number keys turn into Fn keys, WASD turns into the arrow keys, and N, M, < turn into the volume down, mute, and volume up keys, respectively.
i also changed the rgb colors on the keyboard so this is all color coded in case i forget.
One of my many 60% boards has a split spacebar which I use as modifier / layer toggle. Been using 60% since the original KBC Poker; I should really design some printable cases now that I think of it.
I found exactly one keyboard with oversized keys for my fat sausage fingers, no num pad. I emailed the company to see if they were planning on doing a full sized version, nope. Guess I'm gonna keep making typos.
Could always buy a external numpad and put it to the side. 90% less typos!
60% is excessive
Seems more like the lack thereof
laughs in K95
real af ngl
I dropped my full sized keychron a while back and the pcb got screwed up at the usb c port, so I'm stuck on a 60%. It's nice to have the extra desk space, but I'd be completely lost if I didn't have a macropad. Even still, it's kind of a pain in the ass sometimes. Eventually I'll be not-broke enough to justify getting a new pcb, hopefully, but I'm not even sure how to order just a pcb from them. Giant pain in the ass.
I do like my little Newman board, though. It has some nice linears that I lubed up and I've got a tape mod on it. I miss qmk but it's better than a membrane at least.
Originally I picked it up to use with my phone so I could get work done on the road without slowing my typing speed to a crawl and grappling with autocorrect. Made a decent backup!
96 and 1800 are where it is at. Via is a bonus
Glad to know I'm in the clear with my little 40%. Or is my mental so disordered that its come full circle back to an actual keyboard?
Ilove 75% keebs soooo much !
Imagine the market being saturated with all kinds of keyboards in various form factors and layouts and someone holding you accountable for what you're using.
I used to think I can't do without an F-row. Nowadays I use a bunch of 60-ish boards (a Boardwalk, a Lily58, an Elora) and it's all fine. Even back when I was using a 75%, I was used to have e.g. the arrows on IJKL on a layer (of course it doesn't work well for games, but for things like text editing I'd argue it's even better than dedicated keys). In general I'd suggest to everyone to challenge themselves a little bit with things that don't seem good at first but might end up being useful in the long run.
Nah nah nah nah 75% keyboards are actually the correct option. Everything else is either a gimmick or antiquated I WILL die on this hill
You try to take numpads from standard keyboards and I'll gladly charge that hill.
We good now?
Almost. No home, end, insert or delete though?
All these keys are available on the numpad w/ numlock disabled
While we're on the subject of violence...
Okay everyone calm down. There are dedicated home, insert and delete keys. It's just that many of my keycaps don't self identify like that. Partly because I like cute keycaps, and partly because I remap those keys from time to time, and if they never had "home" or whatever written on them to begin with, I don't have to go grab my box of keycaps and switch them out.
Edit: and okay, I currently have 'end' mapped to the 'home' key on layer 2, so I'd have to press Fn + 'home' for that.
I'm just saying the one key I'd be 100% okay losing is numlock. Turning it off when I'm typing fast can guck up an excel sheet SO fast.
And as great as althea simultaneous editing is kn SharePoint, the necessary saves all your edits live feature of it can be a real problem if you don't immediately notice a fuckup.
Why pay for a keyboard with less keys. You're getting scammed.
Nahnahnah bro it has everything it needs. Full function keys, full alphanumeric and 5 programmable buttons.
nah 75%'s are more popular than tkl right now for a reason, its more compact and gives you basically the same function.
Why do I need it to be compact? Neither my desk nor my fingers are changing sizes.
One decent reason is that it brings the mouse closer, so you can move your hand over more quickly and are more likely to find the right keys when moving the other way.
That's a fair point, and why I have a TKL instead of full size. The reason I wouldn't consider the % ones is being able to sit at any keyboard for work, friends, in public, relatives, etc and not worry about typos due to the slight placement differences. It's quite frustrating.
Yeah, fair enough. I use laptop keyboards so much that I need to get used to a full-sized keyboard, whenever I use one. 🙃
Unfortunately, laptop keyboards are a mess of different layouts, so it's not either like I can sit down at someone else's laptop and immediately know where everything is...
its really a matter of personal preference, but I prefer to have more space for my mousepad and coffee, rather than a larger keyboard just for the sake of it. even if I did want a numpad, (which I don't because I prefer macropads) I would want to be able to move it around separately from the keyboard
Number pads are obsolete. If you need to type more than one number at a time, you should be asking yourself "What am I doing wrong such that I have to type all these numbers out?" We live in an age where every document is digital, and number pads are exclusively useful for transposing numbers from paper in bulk.
They're not even a good design, there's no tab, only enter, so they don't even support putting numbers into a spreadsheet super well.
Enter is on the pinky. Use your left hand to press tab.
If I am using two hands anyways, surely having one set of numbers above the keyboard is sufficient?
I have a custom numpad with one key dedicated to tab for this reason.
I do agree though, that I use the numpad less and less.