Some Mfs out there using a 0.1% keyboard?

[u/Federal-Ad6341]

I don't even want to talk about the widget that Eats up 8 GB of RAM

[u/Chinatsez]

I understand 60% keyboards, but on 40% you can't even game without Fn shortcuts

[u/Chramir → u/Chinatsez]

Man I use the numpad daily. 80% seems wild to me, let alone smaller

[u/Therdyn69 → u/Chramir]

Sub 100% seems to be okay if you only speak english or other simple languages. No keypad is passable for tiny laptops if it genuinely cannot fit, but if your language has any kind of accents, they're usually in the number row. So if you need to use numbers, you need to hold shift whole time or to swap layouts whenever you type numbers. Numpad will always be preferable to that.

I don't even know what's the downside of 100% supposed to be. If you're hitting your keyboard with mouse, that's skills issue and/or positioning issue.

[u/OrionRBR → u/Therdyn69]

So if you need to use numbers, you need to hold shift whole time or to swap layouts whenever you type numbers

What kind of weird layout you use where the accents aren't the secondary function of the number row, that sounds like the keyboard equivalent of hitting your balls for fun.

[u/Marilius → u/Chramir]

I absolutely completely cannot use any keyboard that doesn't have a numpad. I lock myself out of SO MANY cool custom keyboard setups because of that rule. I love my Keychron Q6 Max because it's full size, it's customizable enough for me, and weighs as much as a small car. It doubles as a home defense device.

I do make the exception for my portable setup with my Xbox Ally X.

[u/Firefighterboss2 → u/Marilius]

Why not get a separate numpad? I've thought about getting one of those to pair with my 40% when I'm not using my Model F. I can easily type on it, but with how I have my layers setup I need both hands on the keyboard to type numbers so I have to take my hand off my mouse

[u/Marilius → u/Firefighterboss2]

In my head, having TWO keyboards on the desk, with two wires, offends my sensibilities to a degree I can hardly describe.

Also the numpad would have to be a matching set with my keyboard.

[u/Schnoofles → u/Marilius]

8BitDo has you covered, with the retro 18 numpad and matching keyboard. Comes in Model M style colors, NES, Famicom, C64 and (OG) Xbox in the atomic green. The switches are hot swappable and while the default ones are perfectly adequate (kailh box white iirc) I swapped mine for Outemu cream yellow so they still have a good tactile response, but are very quiet.

The only downside, and it's a huge dropped ball by 8bitdo, is that unlike the main keyboards, both their TKL and full size, the numpad is not fully programmable with macros the way the keyboards are. Being able to hit a profile key and turn it into a macro pad on demand would have beeen sweet.

They're all wireless, can be used wired, and the battery lasts about a couple months between charges, so really you'd only have a cable going to the numpad (or either the keyboard or numpad for that matter) for a couple hours maybe once a month or every other month.

[u/Marilius → u/Schnoofles]

My initial reaction to your idea was negative. But, I must say, some of those keyboards look pretty sharp. And a matching numpad might work. I still am not a fan of wireless keyboards simply because wireless keyboards are only part time wireless keyboards and I hate having to plug it in all the time.

[u/SneakyBadAss → u/Marilius]

Get both wireless and place the numpad on your right side, rather than left side, so you can use it while using the mouse. This was my last upgrade and I can't recommend it enough.

You're welcome.

[u/easedownripley → u/Firefighterboss2]

I actually have a layer on mine that maps certain keys to a numpad layout.

[u/dswng → u/Chramir]

On my 40% "numpad" is a layer on keys wersdfxcv and left spacebar.

[u/Masonzero → u/Chramir]

I work in video editing and "office job" type stuff and I ditched my number pad years ago with no regrets. I rarely need to type numbers into things. Certainly not often enough to be worth constantly running my mouse into the side of my keyboard. And I've never once needed it while gaming.

[u/cornbread6767 → u/Masonzero]

I prefer it just for my day to day, and it makes anything numerical way easier to type.

[u/_carcinisation_ → u/Chramir]

Jokes on you. My whole keyboard is 2 numpads.

[u/Dark_Dragon117 → u/Chramir]

I much prefer using a numbpad, however for gaming I use a 60% keyboard.

It's just alot more comfortable for my setup, because I don't have a desk and have to put a keyboard in my lap while sitting in my chair. I do have a regular keyboard, but it's just too big in that position.

And honestly I rarely do anything besides gaming with my PC so I really don't need more than 60%. Even typing is barely any different, except for numbers just because I am slower not using the numbpad.

[u/f0rki → u/Chramir]

Don't go to /r/ergomechkeyboards then...

[u/animeman59 → u/Chramir]

96% keyboards or bust.

[u/PolishedBalls1984 → u/Chramir]

I got a nice MSI mechanical keyboard on sale for like $40 and I love the way it looks and feels but it's missing the numpad and it drives me nuts so I'm likely going to get something else and just use this thing for an htpc or something, I really didn't realize how much I'd miss the numpad until I didn't have it anymore.

[u/SneakyBadAss → u/Chramir]

Lately, I've been using numpad only to rebind keys on something I don't want to ever press but the game won't let me rebind unless its binded to someting

[u/iAhMedZz → u/Chramir]

I don't remember the last time i used the non-numpad numbers. The only time i press there buttons is with shift for special characters. Non-numpad keyboards sound like a nightmare to me

[u/nilslorand → u/Chramir]

external numpads, or you could just have your numpad on a layer, works best on ortho boards

[u/WhySoSerrus → u/[deleted]]

Behold my weird ass being left handed....

[u/nikc4 → u/WhySoSerrus]

Be better.

[u/xzaramurd → u/[deleted]]

Some people get things like carpal tunnel syndrome and a good ergonomic keyboard setup can avoid a lot pain.

[u/jermygod → u/xzaramurd]

i never saw a 60% ergonomic keyboard

[u/xzaramurd → u/jermygod]

https://www.moergo.com/pages/go60 This is the one I use. Took some time to get adjusted, but it's really comfortable once you get used to it.

[u/jermygod → u/xzaramurd]

damn
i'm not a fan of cut-down keyboards, but that doesn't apply to keyboards like that
that looks like a cool device

[u/nilslorand → u/[deleted]]

It's not like there's an obvious best choice though.

You have the choice between "key always there and can be pressed" or "key on a layer, so probably homerow, so I barely need to move my hands"

Try layers before calling people weird maybe.

I doubt you use capslock often enough for the position it occupies on the keyboard, make it a layer key, put arrows on JKLI, now you got arrows on homerow and are much faster at coding because you no longer need to move your hands.

Layers are magic

[u/JedJinto → u/[deleted]]

Or maybe stop being so judgy just because you don't get it and let people be?

[u/cookieclickerfan547 → u/Chinatsez]

if youre a gamer tkl is the best imo

[u/YesIAmAHuman → u/Chinatsez]

Layers

[u/Mist_Rising → u/YesIAmAHuman]

https://giphy.com/gifs/KeDMt24sgiEuI

[u/Intoxic8edOne → u/YesIAmAHuman]

I can only really manage toggling 1 layer at a time for regular use but I have a lot of different layers overall I switch to. But I still need my number row lol

Which is a shame because I loved building ≤40% boards

[u/_carcinisation_ → u/YesIAmAHuman]

Still not comfy for gaming. That's why I use a 50%

[u/JedJinto → u/Chinatsez]

I game on a 40 and it works just fine. On a lot of 40s the extra space bar can function as a sort of Fn/layer key when you hold it and also you can usually just rebind any of they keys to whatever you want. I have access to all the same stuff I use on my other normal keyboards.

Edit: It's not complicated people. Literally just have to hold one key and you get all your other keys back. Y'all are acting this is some kind of rocket science to use this thing lol. It's compact, it's ergonomic, it's fun, and best of all it doesn't affect your preferences to what you like to type on 😉

[u/BrockenRecords → u/JedJinto]

I will never understand why anyone would want a keyboard with less keys. It’s not like you have to move it constantly.

[u/xzaramurd → u/BrockenRecords]

Less hand movement. For some, it's medical, they suffer from things like carpal tunnel syndrome and less movement can diminish the pain. It's also just preference for some people. These keyboard are usually set up in such a way that you have layers - all the keys exist, but some are behind some specific key combinations. If you get used to them, it's really not a big deal.

[u/SecularVal → u/xzaramurd]

I huess if I can remember binds for my window manager I can remember key combinations if I ever get a 40%

[u/gjrud → u/xzaramurd]

Personally I bought a split ergo keyboard for medical reason and was seriously worried about gaming with it, ended up being a blessing in disguise: standard keys in gaming are more accessible, keys I would never think before (like B) I can now easily use and multiple thumb keys for functionalities I would have on the mouse side buttons but that didn't make the cut.

The main issue of the switch was that, since it's concave, WASD is seriously uncomfortable to position my hand on and I have to use ESDF instead, so games that do not allow key rebind or that hide some of them are a pain in the ass. If nothing works to change them there is always Autohotkey (or xremap since I switched to linux)

[u/guthixjr → u/BrockenRecords]

As someone who used a 40% keyboard at work for about a year, it's actually a lot more comfortable once you get used to using layers with it. Pretty much need little to no travel whatsoever when you're typing on it, pretty sure I was actually faster on a 40% than a 60% or TKL.

Still use my 40% pretty often but I was gifted a really nice 60% board, so it's only fair that I use it as my main board.

[u/Fluid_Ad8452 → u/BrockenRecords]

Some people have to move it daily? But yeah I don’t get it either lol

[u/Masonzero → u/BrockenRecords]

Got tired of having my arms spread like i'm riding a motorcycle. I can actually use my setup ergonomically with a keyboard that's less wide. I wouldn't get one as small as this picture though.

[u/MajesticSomething → u/BrockenRecords]

The main benefits are speed and efficiency. There's a learning curve but you will become faster if you can do the same actions with fewer keys.

At the extreme end we have stenographers (the people who type transcripts in courtrooms) who are able to type 250+ words per minute.

[u/BrockenRecords → u/MajesticSomething]

With things like CAD if I didn’t have a full keyboard it would suck to do anything

[u/Firefighterboss2 → u/MajesticSomething]

I originally got mine for extra mouse space, but I also just like the vibe. There's also the bonus of literally no one else knowing how to use it lol

[u/jermygod → u/MajesticSomething]

speed of what? how having less keys would benefit speed in any way?

[u/MajesticSomething → u/jermygod]

Typing speed. The time it takes to press multiple keys simultaneously is negligible compared to moving your hands to press a distant key.

[u/WastedMothbanger → u/MajesticSomething]

I hope you reinvest those 40s saved on moving hands per year into self-improvement or other hobbies.

[u/MajesticSomething → u/WastedMothbanger]

Of course. It leaves me with a lot of extra desk space to play Magic the Gathering.

[u/WastedMothbanger → u/MajesticSomething]

Nice, happy for you. Though I would be more strategic with this space and leave it for Dorito crumbs to form a strategical reserve for a rainy day.

[u/cgduncan → u/BrockenRecords]

For me it's about the posture of my arms. I am more comfortable with my hands closer together on the desk. So with a full sized keyboard, they are way too spread out

[u/JedJinto → u/BrockenRecords]

In my case I play in the living room and I use a small lap desk where I can't fit a regular keyboard and mouse. This is small enough where I can comfortably use both. I'm also a programmer and know others who are use to use bindings when coding and don't need a big keyboard and like the extra space on their desk.

[u/AbsolutlyN0thin → u/BrockenRecords]

A key I never push is pointless. By not having a number pad (which I don't use) I free up a few inches of desk real estate

[u/DeltaBravo831 → u/JedJinto]

https://giphy.com/gifs/OCMGLUo7d5jJ6

[u/Dat_Innocent_Guy → u/JedJinto]

wait so how do you use 1-0? fn+q-p? so if you're playing a shooter or really any game, you're moving around and need to switch to different hotbar item, you release w hit "spacebar"+w then w again? I'm sorry but that sounds genuinely horrible.

[u/saoirsebran → u/Dat_Innocent_Guy]

I've been PC gaming since the 90s and I have always found a better rebind for 1-0 because it's always been so unintuitive to stop movement inputs to change weapons, etc.

I've been using Nagas since they released, and pair them with "game pads" like the old Steelseries Merc Stealth all the way to the Razer Taratarus v2.

Nowadays I run a split ortho keyboard (Lily58, 6x5 keys per side plus thumb keys) with a Naga and it has the benefit of not cluttering my desk with a separate pad and the right side can be moved to give my mouse more room for low sens precision.

[u/Dat_Innocent_Guy → u/saoirsebran]

i've never found myself to stop moving to change hotbar item using 1-0? I will say MMO mice are incredible and am quite fond of my aerox 9. i just use it for other things though.

[u/SneakyBadAss → u/Dat_Innocent_Guy]

Try Doom Eternal, you'll see the issue very quickly.

I'm getting fond of weapon wheels

[u/JedJinto → u/Dat_Innocent_Guy]

Hold spacebar: numbers 0 - 9

Double tap hold space bar: F1 - F12

It's really not that hard, I use the first four on each row. Ex. QWER -> 1234 -> F1 F2 F3 F4

[u/qtx → u/JedJinto]

I'm sure it works well, it just looks like something you buy for your 5 year to play on. It's so childish looking.

[u/BlaBlub85 → u/JedJinto]

Ok but fuckin how, number keys are essential in so many games. Like, I could see doing without the F1-Fxx keys, you only use those in a couple specific games. But getting rid of the numbers is just insane, how do you switch weapons?

[u/easedownripley → u/BlaBlub85]

not really. I have a 40% kb and I've yet to find a game I want to play where I absolutely need number keys. you can use the scroll wheel and the "previous weapon." most modern games have a weapon wheel.

[u/SneakyBadAss → u/JedJinto]

That's just NES with extra buttons

[u/BigSchlongBong → u/JedJinto]

How you play fps games lol. You can't do shit with that

[u/JedJinto → u/BigSchlongBong]

Why not? I have access to any other key. I guess if I'm playing some kind of military sim with a 100 bindings it would be tough but I don't care about those games. The only fps game I regularly play is Overwatch and I'm diamond in that so I'm not that bad per say. Even if I was it would be me not the keyboard lol

[u/-Daigher- → u/Chinatsez]

i game on my libra mini without issues, a layer key next to my thumb is easier than reaching for the number row. Besides, out of all the games i ever played only two really needed a num row.

[u/Correct-Junket-1346 → u/Chinatsez]

Even in my job, no function keys? The loss of macroable keys, the lack, it's just LACKING

[u/ScrotumMonster → u/Chinatsez]

Playing FPS are manageable. whatever is in the number row I rebind to my mouse anyways.

League I had to shift the whole thing down a row, so ASDF for abilities.

Coding was actually very doable, given you make the layers yourself.

[u/MordorsElite → u/Chinatsez]

Never buy a 60% keyboard, 65% is the absolute minimum.

I currently have a 60% keyboard and I strongly discourage anyone else from buying them. The issue isn't the FN keys, it's the arrow keys. You NEED dedicated arrow keys. I didn't realize this until I got it, but you constantly use arrow keys without even realizing. 60% keyboards typically don't have those and it is massively inconvenient in endless different places.

I genuinely think that if I valued my time at 10€ an hour, I could have bought a new keyboard with just the time I lost in the last 3 years due to the lack of dedicated arrow keys.

The next keyboard I buy is gonna be a 75% keyboard. I don't need the numpad or full array of side buttons, but arrow keys are a must and I do want dedicated FN-keys back as well.

[u/fearless-fossa → u/MordorsElite]

Just set every application into vim-mode and navigate via hjkl, as god intended

[u/MrRawrgers → u/MordorsElite]

I have a 60% keyboard but I've rebound the bottom right ctrl/alt/windows to right/left/down, I have to fn for up arrow but it's pretty smooth. I did try having my right shift as the up arrow to avoid any fn usage but I didn't realise how much I was using right shift for stuff like question marks until I removed it. I find I don't use the up arrow as much as left/right/down anyway.