deskthority

do you ever miss the numpad?

how do you deal with typing numbers?

i plan on getting a tenkyless, but hunt and pecking numbers is slow and not looking at the keyboard is very error prone. does anybody use f/j-like ridges on their number keys?

any ideas :S?

You can learn to touch type numbers on the top row same as typing any where on the keyboard. I do find numpads easier but can type with the top row almost as fast.

I don't find I need ridges because if I follow my hands up to the top row from f/j my hands cover 1234 7890 all I have to do is use my index fingers 56 by moving them one key each way.

I just don't have to enter numbers that often. I'm perfectly fine even though I can't touch type all of the numbers - only 1, 2, 3 and 0, 9. Maybe TKL will make me get better with that

practice it is!

time to change all my passwords to 16 digit numbers

You can also get a cheapo numpad or even a Filco/Cherry one if you do need to enter a lot of data.

I grew up using 8-bit home machines with no numpad, so I just got used to that - and ever since I've just gravitated to the number row by default. I don't have to enter large quantities of figures though. Not since moving on from typing in long listings in hex...

Never used the numpad. I use both hands on the number row.
(I remember seeing this when it aired... Fast-forward the cheese in the beginning)

I usually don't have to type in a lot of numbers so it doesn't bother me that the top row is slower than a numpad.
If I should need to type long numbers more often in my daily life I'll just get a standalone numpad.
I wouldn't mind having a numpad on the opposite side of they keyboard though, the biggest problem with numpads for me is the added distance between mouse and the part of the keyboard I actually use.

The top row is quicker, with equal skill. More fingers, less distance.

Depends, if you're just writing a bunch of numbers all you need is a numpad and the tab key and I'd imagine that's just as quick. If you're writing both letters and numbers then obviously learning the top row would be quicker. I am having a bit of trouble learning the top row though, for me the numpad was easier to learn.

interesting. thanks for sharing guys!

vun wrote:Depends, if you're just writing a bunch of numbers all you need is a numpad and the tab key and I'd imagine that's just as quick. If you're writing both letters and numbers then obviously learning the top row would be quicker. I am having a bit of trouble learning the top row though, for me the numpad was easier to learn.

Just imagination is a weak argument If you're crunching numbers, you can home two hands on the top row covering 8 out of 10 keys with fingers resting on it. Compare to homing a single hand on the numpad. You can cover less numbers with fingers already resting there, and have to move your fingers longer distances. So with equal skill, you should be able to type numbers quicker with the top row.

I'm in the "use a separate numpad when needed" camp. The most important thing is easier/more ergonomic use of the mouse, and have more freedom in positioning the keyboard (esp. on keyboard trays).

webwit wrote:

vun wrote:Depends, if you're just writing a bunch of numbers all you need is a numpad and the tab key and I'd imagine that's just as quick. If you're writing both letters and numbers then obviously learning the top row would be quicker. I am having a bit of trouble learning the top row though, for me the numpad was easier to learn.

Just imagination is a weak argument If you're crunching numbers, you can home two hands on the top row covering 8 out of 10 keys with fingers resting on it. Compare to homing a single hand on the numpad. You can cover less numbers with fingers already resting there, and have to move your fingers longer distances. So with equal skill, you should be able to type numbers quicker with the top row.

But there are no homing divots on the top number keys, and people need to frequently reach below for Return and arrow keys when entering a lot of numbers.

Hey... do you put your thumbs on the 5 and 6 keys?

I never use the numpad to enter numbers, and my NumLock is never on; however I find it very useful for navigation. To me, the combination of Home-End-PgUp-PgDn keys arranged in a Ｘ shape and superimposed over the arrow keys arranged in a 十 shape is much more convenient than what you have on a tenkeyless. The vertical Enter is also right under your pinky finger.

I got used to a tenkeyless keyboard super quick!
Best benefit for me is the reduced distance to reach the mouse because of the missing num block.
And second one, it looks super sexy

I have a g80-3000 as a daily driver at work and I stopped using the num block at all.
Once you get used to a Tenkeyless Keyboard you won't miss the numblock.

One thing to mention, I don't type numbers a lot.