Numpad Recommendation - What to Buy

Can anyone recommend a numpad?

I am currently using a TKL keyboard for the home PC and a separate full size keyboard for the work laptop and having both on the desk is annoying.

I want to get a USB switch and just run the TKL and have a separate numpad (Work in Finance, need those numbers)

I want something mechanical, wireless would be great but would I want bluetooth or 2.4ghz?

So far I have come up with the Motospeed K23 and the Magicforce 21 key Numpad.

The motospeed is wired but considerably cheaper as I'd be looking at something like $50 for the Magicforce

Has anyone used either of these and know if they are any good? Or have a different recommendation.

Cheers!

Comments

  • My favourite keyboard is the old aluminium wired Apple keyboard with numpad. They haven't made them in a long time so when mine breaks I guess I'll have to find a preowned one. I don't understand why anyone would prefer a mechanical keyboard over Apple's chiclet keyboards, ignoring the few years Apple released defective key mechanisms on their keyboards.

  • +2

    If you want sheer reliability and accurate input without lag, don't go wireless. You introduce a few variables there with battery life, signal, pairing, interference from other devices etc that can introduce annoyances.

  • let's try that again.

    this isn't mechanical, but an interesting option:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/Satechi-Portable-Bluetooth-Calcula…

    • I have one of these and am happy with it. I use a Cherry MX brown and in the end decided the calculator feature and cost outweighed finding something mech instead.

      The ability to send calculator input or answers as keystrokes to the PC is surprisingly useful and much quicker than spinning up Excel or the calculator app quickly.

      My only gripes are a slightly minor delay with waking from sleep.

  • Also i've had one of these lying around the house for years. Works well but I'm not in finance so I'm not sure how it would handle heavy use:
    https://www.canon.com.au/calculators/x-mark-1-keypad

  • Personally I'd take the Magicforce 21 (better switches). Motospeed are more budget, but to be honest for a numpad only the quality will be fine if you really don't want to spend the extra 30 bucks.

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