NP-R _ Numpad Retro - GB MAR 5th !

The NP-R is born from the fact that most custom keyboard layouts that include a numpad are not much popular among keyboard hobbyists. As such, a lot of keyboard enthusiasts prefer the advantages and visual aesthetic of smaller layouts, and don’t mind to compromise on the practicallity of having a numpad.

Some might even say they don’t need one at all. Never. Under no circumstance (if that’s your case, what are you still doing here? Get out.

But, for those like me, who did make a compromise here, there was not a lot of high quality numpad designs in the hobby. In fact, I found none that I liked. So I designed one.

During my initial search for a design input, I also realised that veterans in the hobby did like larger layouts sometimes when it was on OG keyboards. Therefore, a lot of examples I saw were on OG or retro boards. That gave me the idea of a retro look for an original, high quality numpad.

Among all inspirations, Dieter Rams was one of the most important one, being a fan of his work. With no ambition to produce something approching his design mastery, this is, in a way, a tribute to his work. NP-R is standing for Numpad-Retro, but the R being detached from the rest as to symbolized his name as well.

Below are a few images I collected that influenced the design in a way or another. You might see a few shapes I borrowed/reused/transformed from iconic objects. Other you might not, but contribute to help you grasp the formal grammar and spirit around the design:

Soon.

1. What is included in the box?

- NP-R top case, bottom case, weight and Plate
- All needed screws and standoffs
- Layer Knob
- Solenoid Switch
- PCBs, daughterboard, JSTs and other electrical components
- Battery
- Rubber feets
- LED diffusers and isolation foam

*NOT included:
- Keycaps (no, not the relegendable either)
- Stabs
- Switches*


2. How many units will there be?

This will be proposed as a group buy. No further GB round is planned yet.


3. Is there a sound test?

Not yet.


4. Build guide? Firmware? Plate file?

https://bit.ly/NP-R


5. Do you have a discord? How to contact you?

You can discuss about the NP-R on Flatbrains! discord. You can also contact me directly (.bagri) on discord, or on my instagram.


6. Have you designed other things?

My first project was the GMK Alt grrrrr kit.
Flatbrains! have designed many other projects including the Plaket XL.


Responding to questions seen in the IC form:

- About adding PC option: This won't be implemented at this stage for cost reasons.

- About the button and knob: To clarify: the button is a toggle on/off for the solenoid. The knob has 3 fixed positions to change between 3 layers. That doesn't prevent you from mapping additionnal layers on the keys like a regular keyboard.

- Regarding Mac/Windows compat: Yes, it is, like any other ZMK board.

- Regarding Southpaw and bluetooth: Yes, it is included. Refer to the specs

- Regarding bluetooth vs wired only: It is intended to still be usable if you physically disconnect the battery and decide to use it only wired.

- Regarding hotswap PCB: Not sure at this time. There are other electrical components to be soldered to the build besides the switches, so in my view there is little point in providing a hotswap PCB. However I have feedbacks from people saying a numpad is actually a good switch tester, so we will see if we can provide that and update later.

- Regarding extra parts: This needs to be confirmed with vendors, but it is inteded to have the below parts available to purchase as extras:
- plate (orange and lime color) - only alu plate is intended at this stage but plate files will be avalaible after the GB,
- button cap (orange and lime color),
- PCB (including DB and all JST),
- Rocker switch, knob and solenoid electrical components,
- battery (for countries where it’s allowed to ship battery alone),
- weight options (to be confirmed) - as this will be avalaible in raw alu, brushed alu and polished sts, we need to see if it is feasible to offer this as extra as well so you can buy more than the one coming with your unit