Reddit mentions of Number Pad, ROTTAY Mechanical USB Wired Numeric Keypad with Blue LED Backlit 22-Key Numpad for Laptop Desktop Computer PC - Black (Blue switches)

Hello fellow racers,

(TL;DR down below)

This build was done in over the course of two days and roughly 21 minutes. Mostly due to other obligations but some planning and testing was done.

The labels I printed myself on a DYMO LT-100H, I also ordered an off brand pack of extra colors to bring some life to the project. The “button box” is a ROTTAT 22-key Numeric Keypad and was the most expensive part of the project.

In the little time that I’ve used it so far I enjoy the mechanical nature of the keys. Since I wear headphones when I play I like that I can feel when I’ve pressed the key. It adds a little extra pizzazz if you will and gives it a seemingly heavier stroke. The biggest con is programming it to the game, some of the keys are not usable with num-lock on/off. So it took some thinking to determine what I would want for the different “states” that I could enable with the num-lock key.



TL;DR $48.26 if you already own scissors, it’s cool so far and I’m happy with it.

60% keyboards let you position your mouse closer to WASD, so I feel it is more ergonomic for gaming. I usually go [60% Keyboard] [Mouse] [Numpad] on my desk, because when I use a numpad I am rarely also using my mouse.

The good part about having a separate Numpad is I can put it in a drawer when I don't need it, or move it to my left and use it as a macro pad for other apps when I don't need to enter numbers.

Edit: I use a 60% keyboard + separate numpad both at home and work. At work I use a numpad / macropad with customized legends: ELSRA USB Wired Programming Numeric Keypad ControlPad
I got this one to use with my laptop when I was taking an Accounting class in college, that I now keep in my drawer at home: ROTTAY Mechanical USB Wired Numeric Keypad with Blue LED Backlit

Yeah, but when perfectly serviceable no-name numpads are:

https://www.amazon.com/Numeric-Jelly-Comb-Portable-Computer/dp/B01NBSN2DC/ ($8.99)

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Numeric-Backlit-Desktop-Computer/dp/B07FFLNF5C/ ($17.99)

Something feels a little off. Adding arrow keys and some injection molded plastic costs $90? My god, how do companies that make dolls and action figures ever stay in business?

Their factory looks pretty nice, actually: http://www.ione-usa.com/company-profile.html

So it's not like it's because they're starving and desperately need the money. I wouldn't mind paying that much in the end but it really annoyed me, they're charging whatever they feel like because they know they can get away with it. Price gouging 101.

I got one of these USB keypads to use for extra buttons when I ran out of space on the wheel. Works pretty well, since you can feel around for it while you're in VR, and the mechanical switches mean you're not worried about missing the key.

Don't worry about improving your lap times right now. Worry about trying to run the same lap 5 times in a row. Once you get the consistency down, THEN focus on the actual times. It's hard to know if a change you made has worked or not without having the ability to repeat it!

And as others have said, starting from the back is a good way to get your SR up, so that you're in ranked races. They're much less of a free-for-all, and it's a lot more calming to be with people who won't randomly cut across or do something weird.

__

TL/DR: Extra buttons and seat time!

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Numeric-Backlit-Desktop-Computer/dp/B07FFLNF5C/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_147_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=K9W4DM44P6GNRN0ZZRKQ

I got something like this except mine wasn't backlit. It's solidly built, cheap, and the mechanical keys feel much nicer than your standard membrane or scissor switches.

Similar one

I was looking at somthing like this, though I'm not sure of the quality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FFLNF5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_o7rKDbXEWZ0S6

I'd love to be able to replace the numlock key with a 0 and the 0 with a SPACE.

Number Pad, ROTTAY Mechanical USB Wired Numeric Keypad with Blue LED Backlit 22-Key Numpad for Laptop Desktop Computer PC - Black (Blue switches) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FFLNF5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tBuBDb0K097SJ

Lamicall Cell Phone Stand, Phone Dock: Cradle, Holder, Stand Compatible with Switch, All Android Smartphone, Phone XS Max XR 6 6s 7 8 X Plus 5 5s 5c Charging, Accessories Desk - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HPI5AM2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tCuBDbJEEERZ6

That sounds interesting. Can I ask a few questions?
How well is Steam VR manipulated by just the controllers?
I'm a VR noob, but I'm interested in designing something similar to your use depending on the need.


I might steal your idea, buy something like this and tear it apart for the usb controller and the mech. keys.
3d print a housing for 5 or so keys, and have a simple strap to attach to the headset strap.


Maybe.. something like this for macro layout.
1 Volume Up
2 Volume Down
3* Toggle Mic Mute
4 Launch Steam VR (?)
5 Alt-F4 macro (on double press perhaps)


*Key 3 to have a locator bump for easy blind use.

Can you post up the config files for the game? That way users can simply drop them in?


On a side note, I have thought about adding something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Numeric-Backlit-Desktop-Computer/dp/B07FFLNF5C/ref=sr_1_22_sspa?keywords=keypad&qid=1558538728&s=gateway&sr=8-22-spons&psc=1 for quick swapping profiles. A dedicated device.

Most of the price of the Ducky Pocket comes from it being a mech.

If you're looking for a cheap mech numpad, I'd recommend this

I mean... you can buy a mechanical USB one for a few bucks...

That's fair not wanting to mod a classic HOTAS.

You can get 9-key keyboards that can serve the same purpose of your shell.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FFLNF5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_54-zDbZTYNM14

They aren't as compact as yours though. It might offer a USB control board to cannibalize. I made a mounting base for HOSAS system that also has one of these types of 9-keys screwed down next to one of the sticks.