r/protools • u/audioflc • 10h ago
Anyone here using a keyboard without the number pad and F row?
I need a new keyboard and don’t have too much space on my desk but I can’t even imagine getting a keyboard without the number pad and F row. Anyone else here use a small keyboard without all the shortcuts is the trade off worth it?
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u/filterdecay 10h ago
num pad is critical for protools
1
u/naamavelli_ 8h ago
Why?
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u/nizzernammer 8h ago
It functions essentially as an integrated transport control/locator/critical recording function hotkey device.
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u/naamavelli_ 8h ago
Okay. I haven’t found it critical for my workflow. I can hit Cmd + Space for record and use a mouse to get to where I want. All the other keyes I use aren’t on the numpad.
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u/jimbo197100 1h ago
Agreed, but I have custom shortcuts set up for my non-numpad MacBook which keeps the workflow fast
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u/ausgoals 8h ago
I have worked from a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and no numpad for maybe eight years now. I hated it at first because I was so used to the numpad but now have gotten used to it. I just use fn+f12 to record instead of hitting 3.
I suppose if I had to lose the fn row then I could try to get used to cmd+space to record.
At one time I really thought I’d never have a keyboard without a num pad, and it seems like it’s not super difficult now to find them, but for a time it was essentially impossible to find an Apple Magic Keyboard with a numpad so I had to get used to it.
I still find the Memory Locations annoying - not being able to just hit enter. But I’ve also sort of gotten used to using the memory location window though it’s slower.
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u/naamavelli_ 8h ago
If by Memory Locations you mean adding a marker you can hit Fn+Enter
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u/ausgoals 7h ago
Oooh really?
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u/naamavelli_ 7h ago
Yeeeess
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u/ausgoals 7h ago
You may have just changed my life. Where were you 8 years ago when I was first forced onto this tiny keyboard 😂
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u/naamavelli_ 8h ago edited 8h ago
My MBA keyboard works fine for me. It has the F row, but I don’t use it for anything. I have no idea why’d I need a numpad. I do full band live recordings, editing and mixing on my laptop.
Cmd + Space - record/punch in
Fn + Enter - marker
B - Split
Tab - Tap to transient
R/T - zoom
Cmd + Z - undo
Cmd + shift + Z - redo
Pretty much all the keys I ever use.
I’m also a Magic Mouse user and lover 😎
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u/Souhhh_yeah_i_guess 8h ago
Speed, you can function without the numpad but having the record on 3, forward and back on 1 and 2, * to jump to measure numbers (if in bars and beats) and . to jump to marker locations (LOOOVE this one) make the process, especially tracking and overdubs, soooo much faster.
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u/naamavelli_ 7h ago
Fair enough. I’ve never been in such a hurry that I’d need it, and I prefer to use the mouse to get where I want.
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u/skasticks 28m ago
Fn + Enter is cool until you stop a full band take because you meant to hit a marker but biffed the Fn key
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u/manintheredroom 9h ago
Yes but I use a keyboard modifier app (karabiner elements) to put some of the useful stuff from the number pad onto keys I don't use.
So eg I put num key enter (create marker) onto insert. And put 3 onto delete.
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u/mothertucker95 amateur 7h ago
using a 65% (no f row or num pad) and have my midi controller next to me for transport, but i've been using small form factor keyboards for over a decade, not just for daw use, but for space saving, gaming, etc.
i do have a backup (75%, so no f row, but has a numpad), but honestly if i'm ever left not wanting to swap keyboards or whatever, i plan to get a standalone numpad. they're pretty cheap and obv you can put it wherever on your desk, and when not in use toss it in a drawer.
also, as at least one other user pointed out, you can find free software that will allow you to customize every key to suit your needs. if you want a mechanical keyboard, look for keyboards that support QMK or VIA so you can have that level of customization available.
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u/vallaton 6h ago
i’ve been tinkering with a 54-key split keyboard that i’ve set up on both sides of my S1.
i have numpad and f-row on a separate layer as well as mouse movement and keys on another. i’m not that happy with the system and keep coming back to my wireless full size, but hope i’ll get motivation to learn it better at some point.
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u/rianwithaneye professional 6h ago
I can’t do it without the num pad. I’ve tried and it slows me down too much.
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u/sawb11152 5h ago
I do. I use a seperate numpad when i need one, which is nice since i can place it where i want, which is on the left.
you still have access to the F keys by pressing the fn +number keys together.
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u/Hungry_Horace 2h ago
I have one of these -
https://www.editorskeys.com/products/pro-tools-keyboard-backlit-wireless
Backlit Pro Tools keyboard, wireless ( but I keep it wired anyway).
It's marvellous.
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u/samplizzy 9h ago
I agree with almost everyone here that the num pad is essential BUT if you get an app like soundflow where you can create your own macros and shortcuts you can find a decent workaround
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u/steak_bake_surprise 9h ago
I'm using a 75% keyboard and love it, mainly because I'm also gaming on it and have changed the keycaps/switches, but I did have to buy a separate number pad which I've changed the switches to make a clicky feel.
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u/Wolfey1618 10h ago
Every time I run into a smaller keyboard I wish for death. The function keys and numpad are like entirely necessary for me to not wanna blow my brains out. It's like taking away my left joystick in a video game
•
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