Oh hell yes, the compact layouts that keep their numpads are my usual preference, though in adding numpads I also decided to do my own plates on my home laser, and that was easier without longer keys, so they got a little… weird.
First one. Did my own (slightly cockeyed) legends on the keycaps.
Second one. F Row returns. Tried to make a case that fit the weird layout. More DIY legends.
Third one. Tried to do a southpaw and minimize the need for custom keys, though it still benefits from a few.
Back to F-row-less. Careful selection can make this work with purchased caps. It also has a PCB, though the microcontroller is just manually wired instead of being integrated or even socketed.
They’re really more for use cases like yours and for gamers who want/need one but want to keep their mice close in. As with most well-known layout concepts in the hobby, Keychron sells some. I found it to be… fine, but obviously mine has more compromises than usual. I mostly use one of those smaller ones that still has a right-hand numpad (typing on the black and white one now), or I keep that external numpad to the right of my mouse.
Thanks, I might check that out. I just got my first mechanical keyboard for Christmas and am loving it. I wonder if I can talk work in to buying me a lefty one.
Oh hell yes, the compact layouts that keep their numpads are my usual preference, though in adding numpads I also decided to do my own plates on my home laser, and that was easier without longer keys, so they got a little… weird.
I did not realize I need a lefty numpad.
I’m not a lefty, but as an accountant, it’d be great to use my mouse without taking my hand off the numpad
They’re really more for use cases like yours and for gamers who want/need one but want to keep their mice close in. As with most well-known layout concepts in the hobby, Keychron sells some. I found it to be… fine, but obviously mine has more compromises than usual. I mostly use one of those smaller ones that still has a right-hand numpad (typing on the black and white one now), or I keep that external numpad to the right of my mouse.
Thanks, I might check that out. I just got my first mechanical keyboard for Christmas and am loving it. I wonder if I can talk work in to buying me a lefty one.