A numeric keypad, numpad, or ten key, is the calculator-style grouped ten numeric keys and a few other keys found on some computer keyboards. This grouping allows quick and blind keystroke number entry with one, usually the right, hand. Unlike the row of numbers on the main part of a keyboard, a numeric keypad is intended to be used without a modifier key.
On a standard IBM PC keyboard, numpad has 17 keys, including digits to , (addition), (subtraction), (multiplication), and (division) symbols, (decimal point), , and keys.numeric keypad at FOLDOC On smaller keyboards (such as those found on laptops), the numeric keypad can be implemented as alternative markings on alphabetic keys (usually --, --, --) or added as a separate unit, that can be connected to a device by means such as USB; some of these may include keys not found on a standard numpad, such as a spacebar or a (or ) key.
Sometimes it is necessary to distinguish between a key on the numpad and an equivalent key elsewhere on the keyboard. For example, depending on the software in use, pressing the numpad's key may produce different results than pressing the alphanumeric key. In such cases, the numpad-specific key may be indicated as e.g. , , , or likewise to remove ambiguity.
Numeric keypads usually operate in two modes. When is off, keys , , , and act like the arrow/navigation keys up, right, down, and left; and , , , and act like , , , and , respectively. With on, digit keys produce the corresponding digit. On Apple Macintosh computers, which lack a key, the numeric keypad always produces only numbers; the key is replaced by the key.
The arrangement of digits on numeric keypads with the -- keys two rows above the -- keys is derived from calculators and cash registers. It is notably different from the layout of telephone Touch-Tone keypads which have the -- keys on top and -- keys on the third row.
Numeric keypads are useful for entering long sequences of numbers quickly, such as in spreadsheets, financial/accounting programs, and calculators. Input in this style is similar to a calculator or adding machine. Similarly to how the and keys on a QWERTY keyboard have raised bars or dots to aid finger placement for touch typists, the key on a numeric keypad may have its own raised bar to assist in entering numbers and calculations by touch. Typically, the middle finger of the right hand will be placed on the key, with the index finger on the key and the ring finger on the key.
A numeric keypad is also useful on Windows PCs for typing alt codes for special symbols; for example, the degree symbol, °, can be typed on these computers by holding down and typing .
To maintain their compact size, most laptops do not include a numeric keypad on their keyboard (though they can sometimes be found on larger models); even some desktop keyboards designed for compactness omit a numpad. To compensate, most such keyboards include integrated into a function key (typically or ) and then press keys like to produce their numpad counterpart.
Chinese input methods
The numeric keypad is used by some systems for input of Chinese characters, for example CKC Chinese Input System and Q9 input method.
Computer games and mousing alternative
Numeric keypads are also used for playing some older computer games where the player must control a character, such as roguelikes and Sid Meier's Pirates!. For keyboards without a numeric keypad, some games provide alternative movement keys, such as classic Rogue's HJKL keys.
The numeric keypad can also be an alternative to the WASD keys for navigation in computer gaming. This can be an attractive option for left-handed people who prefer to use the mouse with their left hand.
Most operating systems have a mouse keys accessibility feature where mouse navigation can be done using the numeric keypad, with the other keys adapted to be mouse buttons.
See also Alphonse Chapanis Gaming keypad Keypad
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