How do you get used to small form factors?

[bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works]

I do really think the smaller keyboards are cool, and i like that they wouldn't run into my mouse as much. But all my life I've had a numpad. I tried a keyboard without a numpad and lasted about 5 minutes before raging. How did you guys get used to it? Maybe I just need to get better at "top row numbering".

[aamfp@fosstodon.org]

@bridgeenjoyer
I've spent years with a lovely huge IBM Model M.

Then I've moved to a TKL (no numpad) keyboard: no pain at all, except (sometimes) when in need for Windows Alt-numpad sequences for special characters.

Then I've moved to a 68 keys split keyboard! And I love it, since I (almost perfectly) customised it for my needs.

And I'm now thinking to go to a 42-keys split keyboard... (see Piantor Pro)

[bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works]

These are so insane to me! Looks sweet

[aamfp@fosstodon.org]

@bridgeenjoyer
It took me something like a month (whole August 2023) to get used to it, and I often change the layout (last time was past week) to adapt it to my needs.
But it also took less than a month to see my (tiny, still) wrist pain disappear because of better hands positioning.