I Want Your Feedback for a Keyboard Project!

I don't really use the numpad, so if I were to get a keyboard I wouldn't mind one without it. Would agree that a function key to activate would be nice in the case a application requires the numpad keys for whatever reason.

I use a laptop that has a numpad + arrow keys and its perfectly fine in terms of space to me personally though, so I guess a compact keyboard with numpad + arrow keys would be my ideal solution.

I use the arrow keys for gaming and I bind controls to the keys around them, so I don't think any of these options would help me. It is a bit cramped trying to use the right side of the keyboard and my mouse, but it's not too bad because I have a desk where the keyboard is on a pullout tray under the desk.

I am also stuck with using this keyboard because there is no gap above the arrow keys which allows easier reach to more keys for gaming. It is hard to find other keyboards with no gap above the arrow keys. I found some new ones for sale fairly cheap, but I don't think they make them anymore, so I bought a couple spares for when they wear out.

I also love having volume keys on the keyboard. If they weren't there, I would have to assign shortcuts to existing keys. That would require pressing two buttons, which would work, but not as good.

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These already exist, even Microsoft sells them. There are some with or without arrow keys. Wired and wireless. From less than $10 to more than $100.

Bump!

What you said makes sense, but of course I will misunderstand it, take it to the extreme and make fun of it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BnLbv6QYcA

Up

I work in a place where I need to type numbers constantly, so the num key pad is a must, but is true that takes a lot of space and you have to move the keyboard all the way to the left to place the mouse, so a wireless might be interesting to try

you could always get a 60% keyboard and a separate numpad
or if you have extra desk space and what bothers you is the numpad's location you can get a southpaw keyboard (numpad on the left)

...?

1. Software keyborad use
   📝
2. Place the mouse on the left side and use it with your left hand.

This was not the kind of idea I had in mind for this place. This is why I described it.

that would be cool but it would probably be a gimmick for overpriced gaming gear
e.g. https://www.techpowerup.com/review/asus-rog-claymore-ii/3.html

I have four keyboards. I don't need or ever use a numpad. One bulky full-size gaming keyboard, another standard keyboard, and two smaller, mechanical keyboards which are both Coolermaster branded ones. I love the size of the 60% one I have which is low-profile so doesn't really need a wristrest, and it has wireless option, but the layout is a little annoying when typing (smaller shift key on right side jammed in with arrow keys), and for doing shortcuts. I love the TKL one I have, which has Fn keys so I don't have to use shortcuts, and has a nice wristrest, but the bigger size over the 60% one, and fact it's cabled, and that the wristrest is kinda necessary cos it sits higher, makes it a bit more cumbersome.

I still personally think TKL is the best layout unless you need numpad. The 60% is just great for gaming though :)

You're right. I didn't think how to improve my workspace in that way
Also, try to check Satechi Bluetooth Extended Keypad. I remember but can't find "Central Keyboards" as you described on markets today. Thx for giveaway and have a nice day!

I use the numpad all the time for my job, but what I really need is to be able to put it on the left side so I can keep my right hand on the mouse. If you're making a detachable numpad make sure to not prevent it from being positioned to the left of the keyboard.

I would have to ask how big your desk is because you said you've tried the keyboards without a numpad and it still takes up too much room which I find strange.

Bump!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTZYdsijCI0

As already have mentioned, similar keyboards keyboards already exist. However, I don't think any of them allows using WASD as arrow keys, or remove even the arrow keys. I often find myself using my left hand for the arrow keys, so something like this would make it easier. I would always love more customizability in keyboards.
Another feature I would love is a detachable touch pad, and probably palm rest too.

I love my keyboard ❤️

I have used a powerful gaming laptop in the past for about 2 years and after working with it, I am unable to use mechanical keyboards with high keys... this became very uncomfortable for me 🌧

Now I have found an almost perfect keyboard for myself, it is very soft and pleasant to press the keys, they are not high. Last week I bought myself a SECOND same keyboard.
If my first one breaks down in a few years, I'll have a spare 😄

It costs about $30 in our stores - A4Tech KV-300H [KV-300H]

https://www.dns-shop.ru/product/169d5ba9a3376f9f/klaviatura-provodnaa-a4tech-kv-300h-kv-300h/characteristics/

I do not mind the numpad and arrows on the right side, I got used to them for a long time. The main thing is that I love the free space above the arrows so that my fingers can press the keys themselves without having to look at the keyboard.

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Get an ErgoDash https://github.com/omkbd/ErgoDash, create some layers in the totally awesomely configurable QMK and forget about an extra numpad and such. Also forget about the awkward positioning of your hands on normal keyboards with their associated wrist and/or shoulder pains.

P.S.: I love my keyboard :D

The numpad is pointless for me, but I like the home/end/PgDn/PgUp area. I can live without that though. I just get used to the keyboard I'm using. My only problem is when switching between keyboards, which I unfortunately do quite often. It's the inconsistency that bothers me then, not any specific layout.

From reading your description it feels to me like you're trying to move your hands without moving your arms. I'm not actually sure what you do. I just lift my arm and place it on the mouse and move it back. It has quite a bit of reach, so I've never felt like there's a problem. I'm not sure what you mean by "I have to reach to my left at an angle". The arm moves left, the wrist remains straight. Perhaps you could angle the keyboard and mouse and it's feel better.

I use a keyboard without a numpad. It's actually similar to your suggestion, because I do have arrow keys and the buttons above them, but they were put above/below main buttons. Honestly, these separate arrow key keyboards sound awful - just more peripherals to lose and make the station a mess. So, not really I guess

I almost don't use NumPad. It's really for people in business, IMO, that have to enter a lot of#s. So, if I was to design my keyboard, I would cut off the NumPad, leaving only 1 row of keys to the right of Arrow Key area, which would contain the enter,+,- and * keys (and possibly /, if I found, that other users use it often there.

Talking about modular keyboards I would certainly add I more module: vertical 2 column F1-F12 section, possibly with it's own Ctrl, Alt and Shift keys. Keyboards from 90-ties, which had those keys on their left side, had 1 big advantage - you could easily use all those Special Key + Fx combinations with your off hand.

My keyboard can switch up the WASD and arrow keys by pressing FN + W. If there is a 60% keyboard with this function I think that would be what you're looking for. Separate arrow / numpad keyboards have been around for a while, the early 2000s gave birth a lot of... cursed designs.

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This is actually a good idea! I work on a laptop, and I recently purchased a full-sized keyboard to attach to it because of the horrible keyboard layout (it was fine on the laptops I owned previously). The arrow keys are kind of weird, and I have to use the FN key on the arrows in order to use Home, End, PgUp and PgDn.
On the full-sized keyboard, it bothers me that I have to either move my keyboard or I move myself to the side so as to be aligned with the Central Keyboard, as you call it. That's one thing I miss about my laptop keyboard.
I use the numpad a lot and I'm used to it being where it is. I don't know if I could get used to having it in any other position. I'd have to try it...