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n recent years the switch to working from home, and remote working/learning has been swift – and, to many, well-loved. However, there are certain downsides to the change, the most obvious being the lack of all the in-office luxuries. The full-sized desk, enhanced office space, and in particular, a full-sized keyboard with a numpad. This seemingly small loss has led many to seek a convenient replacement to help with the loss of functionality and efficiency. Culminating in the growth of the wireless numeric keypad, or numpad for short. This device is the perfect replacement and as such is gaining significant popularity, and as such we have created this guide. In today’s blog, we’ll be diving into the best wireless numeric keypads, and helping newcomers understand what they are, and how to use them.
What is a Wireless Numeric Keypad?
A wireless numeric keypad, often shortened to numpad, is an input device that replaces the full-sized keyboards 1-9 and function keys found on the right-hand side. The added bonus of the device is the wireless, separated nature as this allows for increased flexibility and convenience.
The device is gaining popularity due to the nature of working environments that have shifted in recent years. Many workers now find themselves working from home or remotely – both typically offering reduced space. This reduced space and general equipment opens the door to space-saving devices like the wireless numeric keypad. The ability to have the device out only when needed, and positioned wherever most convenient is a game-changer that has been the driving factor in its popularity growth.
Top 5 Wireless Numeric Keypads for September 2023
We’ve compiled the top 5 wireless numeric keypads available this fall, extensively tested allowing you to pick the option best suited for your needs.
This Bluetooth Number Pad for Mac & PC truly sets itself apart with its feature-packed, expanded 35-key layout.
The inclusion of 6 shortcut keys and 4 arrow keys provides enhanced convenience, making it a versatile tool that elevates data-input roles significantly. We found this device to have every function we needed, exactly where we’d want it. It has clearly been designed by someone who understands the needs of the target audience – we highly recommend it.
A standout feature is its Bluetooth pairing, it’s essentially plug-in-play, simply connect via Bluetooth and you’re away! In tandem with a 300mAh rechargeable battery that is guaranteed for up to 400 hours of use, it is highly convenient and holds its place as the top-end for wireless numeric keypads.
The price tag of $49.99 puts it as the most expensive option on our list, but for anyone looking for a device made for data-input roles – this is definitely a worthwhile investment.
The RFNUMKEY – 2.4G Wireless Number Pad is an impressive device, optimized for all laptop, PC, and Mac devices.
We found that the equipped 18-key setup with quiet key technology was highly satisfying to use and provided a peaceful work environment – key for those working in shared spaces.
This device also utilizes plug-and-play, eliminating the need for any additional software. This is a feature we love for our numeric wireless keypads, not having to download drivers, or clunky 3rd party software is a significant advantage.
This affordable device, surprisingly features an incredible rechargeable long-lasting smart battery design. This impressive feature allows the device to make decisions for you to extend the battery life significantly – allowing you to work for extended periods reliably. We found this intuitive and great for those with bad memories – it makes forgetting to turn off your devices less catastrophic.
Its price of $29.99 offers an impressive cost-to-value ratio. We found this entry on our list to be a superb mid-tier entry. It offers great functionality, has solid tech in it, and performs well in any task we needed it for. Its price point feels fair and we recommend it to anyone looking for a device to fill their need for the lack of an in-built numpad in their laptop.
This wireless numeric keypad is another strong mid-tier entry to our list. With 18 smooth scissor-switch keys, the keypad provides a satisfying and importantly, silent, typing experience. Essential for professionals dealing with large amounts of data.
We loved this keypad’s slim design and Bluetooth connectivity as the clutter-free, cable-less setup worked great to keep our setup clean. It offers a wireless range of up to 30 feet, providing flexibility and allowing you to really be comfortable using this device. A device cutting out can be frustrating, with this entry, that is not a worry.
With a single charge, this keypad’s 280mAh rechargeable battery provided us with almost an entire month’s usage. This is great for a mid-tier option and seriously impressed us.
Priced at $29.99, this wireless numeric keypad offers functionality that rivals top-tier models. Its compatibility with Mac, iOS, and PC enhances its versatility, making it a worthwhile investment for students, programmers, and anyone who works with data.
The Bluetooth Number Pad for Mac and PC is an indispensable tool for those who frequently engage in data entry tasks. Its quiet and responsive 22-keys are enhanced with our favorite scissor-switch tech, making it an ideal choice for professionals who will be using the device frequently.
This device again features plug and play, with its Bluetooth pairing eliminating the need for any drivers or software. It does lack a rechargeable battery, relying on a single AAA battery, which is included in the package. This is not a downside to some and doesn’t reduce the lifespan, with the device lasting us up to 400 hours of nonstop usage.
With a $29.99 price tag, this wireless numeric keypad provides a top-tier performance for a mid-tier price. It’s versatile and compatible with both Mac and PC, making it a sound investment for a large number of setups, in particular those who need a device for daily use.
The USB-C Numeric Keypad – RF Wireless is a great wireless numeric keypad alternative to the typical Bluetooth devices. Featuring a reliable connection from the USB-C dongle it’s superb for those who work in environments with heavy Bluetooth traffic or lack Bluetooth functionality.
Its 18-key keypad with scissor switches provides not only a silent typing experience but an immensely satisfying one as well. We found the design of this device to be flexible and accommodating for people with any hand size. After long periods of use, there was no discomfort – a testimony to the design choices.
Priced at $29.99, the USB-C Numeric Keypad – RF Wireless is a great alternative to a Bluetooth-dominated market. It delivers smooth performance, user-friendly features, and durable build quality, all of which make it suitable for students, professionals, or anyone in need of a reliable numeric keypad.
Which Wireless Numeric Keypad is best, Bluetooth or RF?
When deciding on a wireless numeric keypad, the options of Bluetooth and RF connectivity are both available – each with its own pros and cons.
Typically, Bluetooth keypads will suit more devices, as they are compatible with any device with a built-in Bluetooth module. Most modern laptops, smartphones, and tablets will all have this standard. They are also a great choice if you often switch between different devices or if you want to maintain a clean workspace. However, Bluetooth devices can sometimes suffer from interference and require more power, which could mean more frequent recharges.
RF (Radio Frequency) keypads on the other hand come with a dedicated receiver that you plug into your device’s USB port. This typically provides a more reliable connection, making RF keypads a good option for environments with a lot of potential for wireless interference. However, they do require a free USB port and are generally less portable due to the need for the receiver.
There is no objective best choice between the two. Our recommendation is to select the connection type that best suits your needs, and accommodates the work environment that you will be using most.
Conclusion
Choosing the best wireless numeric keypad for you is down to your personal needs and requirements. Depending on your setup size, workload, and role, the ideal keypad for you will differ. Our advice is to go with your gut and buy the keypad that is the most exciting within your budget.
