Product Code Database
A numeric keypad, number pad, numpad, or ten 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 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 and . It is notably different from the layout of Telephone keypad 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 , financial/accounting programs, and calculators. Input in this style is similar to a calculator or adding machine.
A numeric keypad is also useful on Windows PCs for typing for special symbols; for example, the degree symbol, °, can be typed on these computers with the sequence .
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.
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 system have a mouse keys accessibility feature where mouse navigation can be done using the numeric keypad, with the other keys adapted to be .
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