Keyboard without Keypad

[TronXP]

Hi,

 

from some DSE assessments I need to purchase some keyboards without keypads as they are too "wide". Does anybody have any suggestions on a decent keyboard ideally without going to a smaller key spacing?

[TechMonkey]

Sorry no help to you but are they too wide for the desk space or some other reason? I've never heard of a DSE worrying about the size of a keyboard.

[sideone]

My version of "decent" may be different to yours, but I have one of these at home

 

Vortex Pok3r RGB Backlit Black Gaming Keyboard

 

EDIT: want something smaller? https://vortexgear.store/products/core

Edited January 6, 2025 by sideone

[MrEprise]

Just for reference, keyboards without a keypad are known as Tenkeyless keyboards which should help you narrow your search a bit.

[TronXP]

Sorry no help to you but are they too wide for the desk space or some other reason? I've never heard of a DSE worrying about the size of a keyboard.

 

Apparently, the width of the keyboard pushes the Mouse too far to the right for comfortable use??

[Oaktech]

Our IT Suite is a bit tight for space and we've been using variations of these... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-USB-Keyboard-UK-Layout/dp/B07W14R98X

[PotNoodleTech]

Apparently, the width of the keyboard pushes the Mouse too far to the right for comfortable use??

 

Huh? Whut?

 

So basically all IT everywhere in the world which uses a standard keyboard and mouse over the last 20+years is suddenly unsafe for use according to your H&S person?

 

I think that's more of a lunatic H&S decision rather than a Technical IT issue to solve!

[Jawloms]

So basically all IT everywhere in the world which uses a standard keyboard and mouse over the last 20+years is suddenly unsafe for use according to your H&S person?

 

Presumably left handed people are OK though?

[p858snake]

We use Logitech MK240 combos for a few of our staff

[Rob_D]

This is probably one of the more budget friendly options I've seen with normal sized keys/key-spacing.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CHERRY-KEYBOARD-Keyboard-Keystrokes-Experience/dp/B09N9DDX5L

 

and then you can pair it with one of these :

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Numeric-Keypad-Portable-Number-Computer-default/dp/B08LNP94GH

[SamanthaD]

I think that's more of a lunatic H&S decision rather than a Technical IT issue to solve!

As DSE assessments are done on an individual basis and we have no knowledge of the individual's needs as to why this has been suggested perhaps we should answer the question as asked and not judge the reasoning behind it?

[flyinghaggis]

Apparently, the width of the keyboard pushes the Mouse too far to the right for comfortable use??

 

I'd actually agree with this personally as it's the primary reasons I like to use a tenkeyless keyboard.

 

Presumably keyboards would have been invented long before mice existed. The placement of the numpad/etc was clearly added on the right of a regular keyboard as most folk are right-handed. If anything, given the popularity of mice now, I'm surprised keyboards haven't migrated the keybpad to the left hand side. I once had a keyboard that allowed you to attached the numpad to either the right or left hand side. Gven how long many users spend in front of a keyboard using a mouse to me this should really be a standard feature of keyboards.

 

To me, for ergomomic purposes, numpad placement is something that needs to vary depending on whether you're left or right handed.

 

 

So basically all IT everywhere in the world which uses a standard keyboard and mouse over the last 20+years is suddenly unsafe....

 

 

As crazy as it might sound, "yes" a standard mouse/keyboard layout is IMO poorly designed ergonomically for the majority of users (who will be right-handed) !

Edited January 8, 2025 by flyinghaggis

[LeMarchand]

Our IT Suite is a bit tight for space and we've been using variations of these... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-USB-Keyboard-UK-Layout/dp/B07W14R98X

 

Bit late to the party (first day at the right site), but we had the same problem/solution. Our are Targus AKB05UK. Out of 30+ only 3 have had to be replaced, somewhat amazingly. Unfortunately that particular model seems to have been discontinued.

 

 

[dhicks]

We use Logitech MK240 combos for a few of our staff

 

For staff use in classrooms, if they want one, we provide a wireless Logitech K400 keyboard-with-touchpad:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Windows-Android/dp/B00XJ3LVPI

 

It's a compact keyboard, with a touchpad where the right-hand side keypad would be. Haven't actually thought about it before but I guess a left-hand version would be nice for left-handed people.

[LeMarchand]

For staff use in classrooms, if they want one, we provide a wireless Logitech K400 keyboard-with-touchpad:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Windows-Android/dp/B00XJ3LVPI

 

That's been my HTPC board since Sept 2016. Still going strong, and not even changed the batteries very often (not heavily used, especially now the TV has the Plex app).