Do Programmers Need Numpad? – Recent Findings

It is best to see it as a thing of personal preference which varies across individuals with little or nothing to do with programming.

Numpad is often used in office settings where accounting and management tasks are required as they help in typing numbers faster compared to using the numeric keypads on top of the Alphabet keys.

Numpad, also known as a numeric keypad, ten-key is a 17-key keypad found on a standard keyboard.

However, some numeric keypads exist on a separate device that can be connected to the computer.

They are mostly used in offices to input numbers into a computer, especially for those who do more calculations with a software calculator.

However, programmers hardly use or need numeric keys except on rare occasions.

Unarguably, Keyboard is an essential tool in Programming.

The keyboard choice of every programmer differs from one another.

Nevertheless, most programmers prefer to use compact and portable keyboards, so they prefer to use keywords without numeric keypads attached to them. 

A numeric keypad might not be necessary for programmers, though you can have it as an external device.

Programmers are often working on their keyboards and don’t type numbers often.

A programmer’s choice of a keyboard will allow him to be more efficient at his workflow. 

Most programmers prefer a keyboard without num pads because it gives you more space on your keyboard and enhances Ergonomics, which is more valuable to a programmer than having an almost dormant Numpad on your keyboard.

Also, it’s possible to type numbers when the occasion calls for it without having a Numpad, which makes it a better option for programmers.

What are Numpad keys?

The Numpad keys, otherwise called numeric keyboard, 10-keys is a 17-key keypad section of a standard keyboard arranged on the right side of a computer keyboard; recent development has brought the option of a numeric keypad that is not attached to the keyboard.

The Numpad keys provides a calculator style efficiency for entering numbers into the computer, the numerical keypads include digits 0-9, – (Subtraction symbol), + (addition symbol), / (division symbol) and * (multiplication symbol), . (decimal symbol), Enter key and Num lock key.

Every key gives a corresponding digit when the Num lock key is on.

However, when the Num lock key is off, the digit keys 2, 4, 6, and 8 serve as arrow keys for down, left, right and up, respectively and 1,3, 7, and 9 act like End, PgDn, Home, and PgUp. 

Numerical keys are used to enter in quick succession a large sequence of numbers for software programs like accounting programs, spreadsheets, numeric data on Excel, and calculators, to mention a few. 

They are also used to play some computer games based on the game control settings, an advantage it has over arrow keys in-game settings is that it allows diagonal movements, which programmers can use during leisure time. 

Programmer’s preference: Numpad vs non- Numpad keyboards

Programmers hardly use numeric keyboards in writing codes; instead, they are often used in offices to enter numbers quickly into the computer.

Most Programming languages rarely use numerical keys, which is why most programmers prefer non-Numpad keyboards because it affords them enough space on the keyboard with extra room to place their mouse close to the keyboard.

Programmers have more varied options of keyboards to choose from, with the outer design of keyboards more sophisticated and aesthetic than it used to be, with no Numpad key attached, which makes it more portable and compact to suit most programmers’ desires.

Aside from the aesthetical look it has, it allows programmers to perform their Programming tasks in an efficient way.

Programmers spend a minimum of 8 hours per week working with their keyboards and would naturally want a keyboard that can optimize their workflow and make it easier and more comfortable.

A compact keyboard allows the programmer to strain his hands less. 

Most programmers now prefer the Tenkeyless Keyboard layout over the full-size keyboard because of its compatibility.

Tenkeyless keyboards do not have Numpad attached to them, giving you easy access to your mouse while working on Programming codes.

The programmer’s comfort with the keyboard switch they are working on is paramount, although their preference differs arguably.

Is there any programmer who would not prioritize having a comfortable, convenient, well-spaced keyboard with easy access to the mouse?

This can ease the programmer’s workflow and make their work more efficient.

What type of keyboard is suitable for Programming

Well, there’s no one good keyboard that is considered best for Programming as different programmers in many regions have their preferences regarding the type of keyboard they use and also depending on their needs or how they want to do their task.

In recent times, the commonly used keyboards include the Tenkeyless keyboard, The full-size, and the compactor mini.

– Tenkeyless keyboards, which is the most commonly used among programmers for coding and gaming do not include the Numpad keypad.

Programmers commonly use it because of its compact style and portability.

An exciting feature of the tenkeyless keyboard that makes it so famous among programmers is its aesthetic design and how comfortable it makes programmers feel when working.

– The full-size keyboard is the standard keyboard with a total of 104 keys, including the Numpad keys placed on the right side of the keyboard and all the function keys.

Compact mini does not have both the numerical and function keys; known for its simplistic design; it’s also referred to as 60% layout, we won’t advise any programmer to consider getting this type of keyboard, but it still depends on the programmer’s preference.

If it can do what is required for the programmer, it is fine to use, and in fact, it provides a clean workspace compared to a full-sized keyboard.

Programmers do not need numerical keys; however, the function and macro keys are essential to programmers as they make them work more efficiently.

The best keyboard depends on what the programmer wants to use it for and how they do their jobs.

Final Thoughts

Many programmers prefer having keyboards without the Numpad, as coders hardly use the numerical keypads during Programming; hence, having more space on their keyboard which allows them to move their mouse closer to the keyboard and have less strain on their hands.

This makes their work smoother and more efficient.

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