Extended Mechanical Keyboards with Apple Numpad

[velocityg4]

I haven't dug too deeply. But haven't found any full size (extended) mechanical keyboards with a Apple style numpad. Most have a PC style numpad. I did find one with an Apple style numpad. But it was an odd layout for the arrow keys and other central keys smooshed.

Basically, I want the equivalent of an Apple Extended Keyboard II. Just new with USB. I already have a couple AEK II and adapters. Don't need that.

The main issue is. I like having the = key on the numpad. When I'm doing Excel entry. I'm also used to the layout of the =, /, *, - and + keys. Screwing me up. When I try using a PC style numpad. I definitely want the full central keys too. As I use print screen, del, home, end, page up and page down frequently. I'll actually be using the keyboard in Windows. I just like the Apple layout more.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I see what you mean. Even during this fad of customizable mechanical keyboards, a quick search shows all the popular ones using the standard 2-unit tall + key where the AEK II has two single unit keys, or else you'd have already gotten one, swapped and remapped and called it a day.

ADD: have you considered a standalone numeric keypad? I believe they exist with the key structure needed, if Windows could remap a couple of the keys on a keypad.

 

[velocityg4]

I see what you mean. Even during this fad of customizable mechanical keyboards, a quick search shows all the popular ones using the standard 2-unit tall + key where the AEK II has two single unit keys, or else you'd have already gotten one, swapped and remapped and called it a day.

ADD: have you considered a standalone numeric keypad? I believe they exist with the key structure needed, if Windows could remap a couple of the keys on a keypad.

I've looked at those. Powertoys let's you remap most any key. I'm not really sold on them. As I also operate arrow keys with my thumb. Although the idea of having a Tab key I could operate with my right hand is tempting. Would keep my left completely free to handle paper as I do entry with my right. But I think I want consistency on my keyboards.

It's not really a rush. I've got a White PowerMac G5 keyboard I'm using on my work computer. I'd just like a new keyboard. If I must I'll get another USB ADB Wombat. To use my spare AEK II.

Maybe long term. Look into a custom keyboard. They are pricey though and don't offer a finish I'd want for the money. Because, if I spend that much. I want beige. To look like a IBM Model M or AEK II with bluetooth and USB-C. I mean an AEK II design could fit eight C cell batteries and not need a battery swap for ten years on wireless.

 

[KaliYoni]

Full size (extended) mechanical keyboards with a Apple style numpad

Have a look at:

Matias Tactile Pro

“The best keyboard Apple ever made” rises again.

matias.ca

I can enthusiastically vouch for Matias' customer service. I bought a "refurbed" mechanical keyboard on Amazon that turned out to be a hot mess. Matias proactively replaced it even though the situation was entirely Amazon's fault.

On the other hand, a second, cheaper keyboard (a replacement for an Apple Aluminum) developed a key bounce problem within a few months. So if I was in the market for a non-Apple keyboard—I'm not now because I want TouchID—I would consider Matias but also would do some searching on the current quality of its keyboards.

 

[velocityg4]

Have a look at:

Matias Tactile Pro

“The best keyboard Apple ever made” rises again.

matias.ca

I can enthusiastically vouch for Matias' customer service. I bought a "refurbed" mechanical keyboard on Amazon that turned out to be a hot mess. Matias proactively replaced it even though the situation was entirely Amazon's fault.

On the other hand, a second, cheaper keyboard (a replacement for an Apple Aluminum) developed a key bounce problem within a few months. So if I was in the market for a non-Apple keyboard—I'm not now because I want TouchID—I would consider Matias but also would do some searching on the current quality of its keyboards.

That's certainly appealing. Although your experience with their failure gives me pause. Makes me wonder how well their mechanical switches will hold up . As they're using a house brand.

 

[BrianBaughn]

My Keychron K5 SE comes pretty close…layout wise. I connect via USB.

Keychron K5 SE Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron K5 SE is an ultra-slim wireless mechanical keyboard. With Gateron low profile red, blue, brown switch. Wireless and type-c wired mode. Mac layout, compatible with Mac, Windows. Aluminum frame with full-size layout. 18 types of RGB backlight included white LED.

www.keychron.com

 

[CharlesShaw]

My Keychron K5 SE comes pretty close…layout wise. I connect via USB.

Keychron K5 SE Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron K5 SE is an ultra-slim wireless mechanical keyboard. With Gateron low profile red, blue, brown switch. Wireless and type-c wired mode. Mac layout, compatible with Mac, Windows. Aluminum frame with full-size layout. 18 types of RGB backlight included white LED.

www.keychron.com

I've circled the part that's different (two keys on Apple where others have one key).

The OP wants to use the same muscle memory he developed using Apple's keypad/numpad when he's using Windows.

I'm in the opposite group that have used the keypads on PC keyboards so many years that we prefer the keypad on the Logitech (PC/Mac combo), Keychron, and others. Come to think of it, I only briefly owned one full-sized Apple keyboard many years ago before I learned to touch type on the keypad.