https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/07/nes-nostalgia-at-your-fingertips-100-mechanical-keyboard-honors-80s-console/#p3
Retro colors and big ol' programmable "Super Buttons," but no numpad.
I really wish they wouldn't cut the numpad from so many mechanical boards. Theres tons I like the look off but my job is very numbers based so I need that numpad.
Try putting the numpad on a layer underneath the homerow (456 being SDF) and the layer key being something easy to reach that has no business being on the base layer (I'm looking at you, Capslock). It's a game changer for me. Not having to move my left hand from home row and being able to input numbers while using the mouse
You can also get a side number pad
https://www.keychron.com/pages/keychron-q0-customizable-mechanical-number-pad
its not the most convenient but it is still good for saving space if you have a smaller form factor board.
I'm running the Keychron K4: https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k4-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-version-2
It took a little while to get used to the smooshed layout. For the first week or two I kept hitting numlock when reaching for backspace. But I did get used to it and I enjoy having nearly all the keys (no print screen, FYI) with a footprint about the same as my old TKL board.
Oh I love this one. How are gateron switches compared to MX? I had shitty romer g on logitech and replaced it with another one with MX and its day and night difference
I spent a lot of time debating between the k4 and the k3. I think I just like compact layouts.
That's what I'm using. Lovely keyboard. Aluminum frame feels high quality, keys feel good, and design is very minimal and understated.
I have a wired FL-Esports FL-980, which I love at the price I paid ($45 "used" board on Amazon + $15 aliexpress keycaps + $30 switches). Even if I hadn't sprung for the keycaps or switches, it came with Kailh Box Whites (same as this 8bitdo IIRC) and some decent double-shot PBT Dolch keycaps (if a little thin) in Cherry profile. They make a wireless, but I'm not sure I love it as much at 2x or 3x the price of my bargain basement board. The basic types you're looking for are called "96%" or "1800" though.
Nah, I just brought a full form factor from eagletec and customised it a bit for sound dampening and added pudding caps, which was its own headache as I'm in the UK so my layout is just off what most cap sets are made for, lol.
Exactly! I have tried 40%(which is utter hell on earth), 60%, and TKL and it never lasts more than a day where I get so frustrated at the lack of numpad and calculation keys.
The keyboard I brought to work is a Royal Kludge RK920 with reds(nothing special) because no one here likes hearing blues.
Oh, that's a nice looking board. May replace the eagletec one I got with it. Like the edge lighting, only have key lighting at the minute.
TKL keyboards are a lot more ergonomic. Getting a separate mechanical numpad and putting it on the left side of the board also boosts productivity considerably
I think its great.
Numpads feel like a keyboard wearing a padded bra. Like I get it why you would want it, but its clearly redundant and largely pointless. No shame in having just what you need and needing just what you have.
Like unless you've got a job that requires 10 key (and at that point, like brah, why even?), I fail to understand the keypad on a modern key board
Depends on what you use it for and why.
It's a lot more convenient than using the number row, especially if you have to input a bunch of numbers at once. I find it rather handy for jotting up my budget, for example. I could do it with the standard number row, but the number pad is easier and nicer to do it with.
Also good for games that have a lot of hotkeys, like Minecraft modpacks. You get more buttons.
Some people wear a padded bra for comfort, not looks. Ironic that you use the word "pointless", because the padding helps with.. points. So it can actually be quite practical.
Likewise, the numpad can be more about comfort, even for a little ol admin/service person. I use both sets of number keys depending on - well, I'm not sure, just whatever feels right.
Spoken like someone who clearly doesn't work in finance.
The numpad is essential for my work. You're not seeing it from the perspective of myself who uses it as a calculator with automatic text entry while producing documents and estimations. That is my job, and it requires the numpad/calculator layout.
Thinking of your needs, it'd be cool if there were keyboards that could attach/detach. Like say you want something for gaming it can be 60% or TKL. But then you want a full keyboard for work. You would just be able to connect it together and boom, just works right away.
This exists!
The ASUS ROG Claymore II is an 80% "optical mechanical" with a detachable numpad. Mountain also makes several TKLs and an 60% (the Everest 60) with a detachable numpad. You could also make one using the KBDcraft Kit Adam and Kit Addams.
However, I agree with the others. I think you get the best build quality using a standalone mechanical numpad. If I was going to get a split design, I'd probably get an Ergodox or Keychron Q11 QMK or something similar.
I’ve been a CPA for a decade and don’t use a numpad, though I have to give credit to World of Warcraft for my ability to hit any number with ease. I’ve found you will be most efficient when you never have to leave home row with either hand, so learning to use a trackpoint also helps.
Me reading the headline: "🙄 Who isn't making a mechanical keyboard these days..."
Me after looking at the pictures: "I...might want that..."
They make this monstrosity of a mouse to go with it, https://www.8bitdo.com/n30-wireless-mouse/
At least the balanced the price of the mouse with how terrible it would be to use as a daily driver.
I need qmk support. I don't like dealing with other software anymore for remapping keyboards.
I don't need another mechanical keyboard, but I do need a Nintendo themed one with massive buttons I can program.
Ordered....
Honestly I'm glad I'm not the only one. I've got a NuPhy %75 on order + a few I rotate as daily drivers and I'm opening and closing the pre-order page for this one now, over and over. Why are we like this 🫠
I love 8BitDo’s products, but I really have no idea what use case those giant buttons are attempting to cater to.
They aren’t good for gaming, and are way too limited when compared to multi-button Stream Decks.
I understand they are detachable, but they just look like e-waste to me.
Looks like a novelty gimmick e.g., have a scripted sequence for starting a build.
In the past I've seen people having these type of buttons on their desktop and are mostly motivated by a joke that worked for a couple of days.
I have a large button on my desk that sets all the lights to red and turns on some sexy music.
I have never used it.
That's a missed opportunity to set it for general quarters or some very sexy action stations.
They really make good stuff. I have their SN30 pro wireless retro gamepad and it's awesome.
I have their SN30 pro wireless retro game pad and it IS awesome. To the point where I don’t want to share it when friends come over
I'm just pissed I didn't think of this myself as a custom keyboard layout. Guess I would have then been pissed that someone else commercialized my concept.
Looks like I need an attitude adjustment.
Ive seen a few others try to stylize their keyboards like the NES, but im happy this is going to be a widely accessible product.
Does it just scream a generic scream, like someone getting murdered, or does it scream "80s NES" as claimed?
I'm a pretty big fan on 8bitdo. I have several wired and wireless pads from them. Something about it just clicks for me, and their new translucent models are just awesome.
I've been on the edge of buying a mechanical keyboard for months, ya know, doing the dance of having one or three in cart, ready to go. But this actually made me pull the trigger and do the pre order. A sin in gaming I know, but this is so fucking cool from a brand thats been consistently quality for me, its a no brainer.
I wanted something with Bluetooth, dongle, and wired USB C. Check.
I wanted a volume knob. Make or break feature for me. I just like the tactile feeling of a knob, so check.
Also it comes with one of the big dual button macro button controllers! Neat!
Kinda reads shilly. Im just excited.
No Linux or MacOS support? Presumably that means just for their software and it will still present as a normal keyboard, so will still technically work?
The 2 extra buttons are questionable though. I'll by this without hesitation if it works with Linux.
Oh wow, just another generic mech keyboard.
...oh wait I kind of really want it.
Except I'd like it without the two giant buttons. I won't ever use those lol
It looks pretty cool, but why is it missing a numpad? That's kind of a big deal, even for people who just want to play games.
E. g. Caves of Qud is designed to move with num keys. And playing a fighting game on keyboard is way better with them too.
It's fairly common for mechanical keyboards to come in different, smaller formats. Personally I prefer it for general usability—my 60% keyboard has no F keys or arrows or a numpad and everything can be accessed without moving my hands—but there is the odd use case that gets affected. People just have to decide how important they find it to have those keys available without holding down another key.
Agreed. I use to go full sized, but I only use my numpad for work. Otherwise it just isnt something I need, especially when playing the types of games I play. Also I need more desk space for the big button pad! Lol
Do you use exclusively the backspace key when attempting to correct a mistake? I use the arrow keys a ton for moving through text fields. Most small keyboards have function keys to hit arrows, but I hit the arrow keys a lot. Seems like critical feature missing. I'm also a big user of page up/down/home/end. I can't see giving all that up.
On my keyboard it's a function key plus:
So they're all very accessible. I find I'm much slower at using those keys on a full-size keyboard or on laptops than on my 60% keyboard. But it is an adjustment, and it's not everyone's preference, for sure.
Thanks for the links! I like the others, but not really feeling the ROG looks too much like liked I'd be typing on Fullgore. I agree with numpad, I don't use em much lately but there are so many nice ones and they're usually pretty cheap even though the quality is great. But being able to have keyboard that you can alter in a couple seconds would pretty cool.
I have the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth controller and it's fantastic. It's my daily driver for both Switch and PC.
This looks awesome. How are the switches and keys? Does anyone have experience with these brands?
I can't speak to the quality of the keyboard, but 8BitDo is a reputable brand. They make good controllers, I have a couple.
Article says they are Kailh Box White switches. I've used Kailh Reds, Blues and Browns and they all feel exactly the same as CherryMX switches (of which I've used the same colors).
I have never used a "Box White" or even heard of white switches from any brand. All I can attest to is the other Kailh brand switches I've used are just as good as the more popular brands, but cost less.
The clicky Box switches are THE reason to use Box switches, their use of the click bar compared to a click jacket is far superior.
@Snipe_AT If you like clickies, the Box Whites will be fab. I like them so much I went even more hardcore with Box White Owls, which have a stronger click bar and even higher tactility.
8bitdo is currently really good for thier gamepads. Maybe one of the best brands. They tend towards programmability, durability, and nice features. I have a couple of thier controllers and when I eventually need a new one they'll be the first ones I look at.
idk about the keyboard, but I've got one of their SN30 Pro+ Controllers and its awesome. Had it for years and haven't really have any issues with it.
Switches Kailh box switches, they’re some of the best switches around. Keycaps are PBT so they’re good
I’ve had mixed experiences. Their controllers are great, but the bluetooth controller adapter is a fickle and annoying piece of hardware.