The 9 Best Numeric Keypads
Updated by · How we research
Nine number pads compared by connection, battery, layout and Mac support. The Nulea Wireless Number Pad leads, with Bluetooth plus a USB receiver. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Most laptops and compact keyboards drop the number block, and a separate keypad brings it back for spreadsheets, bookkeeping and grade entry. The catch is compatibility: a USB receiver needs a USB-A port, Bluetooth needs a radio in the computer, and calculator keys often work only on Windows. Mac and Chromebook owners should check before buying.
Editor's Notes
October 23, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
The Nulea Wireless Number Pad is our new favorite because it's the rare cheap pad that both pairs over Bluetooth and ships with a USB receiver, so it works with nearly any laptop or tablet. The Rapoo K50 and the havit Bluetooth Number Pad back it up for Windows users, and the Macally BTNUMKEY22 is the pick for Mac and iPad.
The old list had fallen apart. The Perixx PeriPad 303B and Satechi WKP31 are no longer available, several Jelly Comb, BonBonbrothers and Cateck listings have disappeared, and the Joyeky Bluetooth is now sold as a different pad. We replaced the LevKey 6257 with the same brand's aluminum Lekvey JP06B, and swapped the Motospeed and Qisan gaming pads for the Rottay Mechanical Keypad and the programmable Keychron K0 Max.
The most useful evidence turned out to be the fine print: makers' notes on which keys work only on Windows, which pads need a USB-A port, and which can't pair with a Mac. Two detailed reviews of the Keychron K0 Max filled in what specs couldn't.
Earlier notes
January 15, 2021, by Brett Dvoretz:
Since not everyone uses their number pad for the same kinds of applications, we made sure to include a variety of models well suited to different uses. For example, those who are used to premium keyboards with mechanical switches will probably find the Perixx PeriPad 303B, Motospeed MSK24, and Qisan Magicforce feel the best to them. All of these also feature backlighting, however the MSK24 is the only one that offers RGB illumination, which will probably appeal to gamers. Unfortunately, all of these models are wired, so those that prefer something wireless will have to look elsewhere, such as to the Jelly Comb N030 and Jelly Comb N042, which connect using a USB dongle, or the Satechi WKP31, LevKey 6257,BonBonbrothers Wireless, and Joyeky Bluetooth, all of which have Bluetooth. These last two models offer a 35-key layout for those that need a lot functionality from their number pads. Both the Cateck Combo and Satechi WKP31 stand apart from all the rest, the former because of integrated USB and card slots, and the latter because of its 12-digit LCD and the ability to function as a standalone calculator.
December 27, 2019, by Christopher Thomas:
For some tasks, the home number row just won't cut it, and not all keyboards come with a built-in number pad. Of course, most people get by with simple, membrane keyboards, which the Jelly Comb N001 and Seenda Slim both emulate. As such, they're quite affordable, although they may feel sluggish and mushy if you're used to using a high-end keyboard. The Rottay Numpad should, actually, satisfy users of advanced keyboards, although not everyone prefers the loud noises its blue switches make. Alternately, the Qisan Magicforce is made with much quieter Gateron Browns, as is the Perixx PeriPad 303B.
Those constitute the compact, wired models, and there are a handful of larger and more accessible models, as well as some great wireless ones. The LevKey Number Pad has a convenient function row on its left side and the Joyeky Wireless has a relatively complete set of useful buttons, although both of those lose some functionality when connected to a Mac. The Cateck Combo isn't exactly compact, and it is USB only, but it does have three USB ports built right in, so not only will it not take up your only USB port, you'll also be able to use additional devices in line with it. The iOne Scorpius is relatively large and built like a tank, and if you're looking for an easily positioned option when programming, it's an excellent choice. And if you do a lot of account figuring in addition to number entry, check out the Satechi WKP31, which features a standalone calculator function that doesn't even require the computer to be on in order to use.
What A Numeric Keypad Does, And The Num Lock Trap
It speeds up long runs of numbers in spreadsheets and accounting programs, which is why a standalone pad is a popular add-on for laptops and compact keyboards.
A numeric keypad is the calculator-style block of keys found on the right side of full-size keyboards. The digits run 7-8-9 across the top, the reverse of a phone, because the layout comes from adding machines and cash registers. It speeds up long runs of numbers in spreadsheets and accounting programs, which is why a standalone pad is a popular add-on for laptops and compact keyboards.
On Windows, the Num Lock key decides what the pad does. With it on, you get digits; with it off, the same keys act as arrows, Home, End and Page Up and Down. If a new pad seems to type nothing or moves the cursor instead, Num Lock is the first thing to check. Num Lock also matters for Alt codes, where holding Alt and typing 0176 on the keypad inserts a degree sign.
Macs work differently. They have no functional Num Lock, so the pad always types numbers, and Apple keyboards put a Clear key where Num Lock would be. A pad's Num Lock key may simply do nothing on a Mac.
Receiver, Bluetooth Or Cable
There are three ways to connect, and each has a catch. A 2.4 GHz receiver, like the one with the Rapoo K50, plugs into a USB-A port and works without pairing or drivers. It's the most dependable option in an office full of wireless gear, but laptops with only USB-C ports need an adapter, and a lost receiver usually means a dead pad.
Bluetooth uses no port at all and can often switch between a laptop and a tablet. The computer must have Bluetooth, though, and older Windows desktops often don't. Bluetooth also reports keystrokes less often: Vivid Repairs lists 1,000 Hz over the Keychron K0 Max's receiver against 125 Hz over Bluetooth. For typing figures into a spreadsheet you won't notice the gap, but gamers and macro users may.
A cable never needs charging or pairing and costs the least. Its downside is one more cord and, again, a USB-A plug. For power, rechargeable pads charge over USB-C and last weeks to months; pads that take AA or AAA cells can run for many months, but you need spares on hand. havit recommends charging its pad from a computer's USB port rather than a wall adapter.
Mac, Chromebook And Windows-Only Keys
Most cheap number pads are built for Windows. Extra keys that open the calculator, email or a screenshot tool are mapped to Windows shortcuts, and makers such as Rapoo, havit and Rottay say those keys won't work on other systems. The digits themselves usually still work on a Mac, but some pads, including havit's Bluetooth model, aren't supported on macOS at all.
If you use a Mac or iPad, look for a pad that names Apple devices, such as the Macally BTNUMKEY22, the Lekvey JP06B or the Nulea Wireless Number Pad. Chromebook users should look for ChromeOS on the support list; Nulea lists it, while Rottay says its extra keys don't work there.
Programmable pads add a software question. The Keychron K0 Max is set up in the browser-based Keychron Launcher, which a review at Think Different notes needs Chrome, Edge or Opera. Left-handed users have it easier: any standalone pad can sit on the left of the keyboard, and some, like the Rapoo, are pitched that way.
How we researched this
We compared 17 current number pads, read makers' spec pages and setup notes for the 10 finalists, used two published reviews of the Keychron K0 Max, and searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database by brand. Lab tests of standalone number pads don't exist that we could find, so specs and maker notes carry most of the weight.
Frequently asked questions
What is a numeric keypad?
It's the block of number keys, arranged like a calculator, found on the right of a full-size keyboard. A standalone numeric keypad adds that block to a laptop or compact keyboard for faster number entry.
Should I get a wired or wireless number pad?
For typing numbers there's no speed difference you'll notice. Wireless saves a cord and, with Bluetooth, a USB port; wired never needs a battery and costs less.
Do number pads work with a Mac?
The digits usually do, but many cheap pads have Windows-only extra keys, and some, like the havit Bluetooth model, aren't supported on macOS. Macs have no Num Lock, so the pad always types numbers.
Will a Bluetooth number pad work with a Chromebook?
Only if the maker lists ChromeOS. The Nulea Wireless Number Pad does. Calculator and shortcut keys on many Windows-focused pads won't work on a Chromebook.
Why does my number pad move the cursor instead of typing numbers?
Num Lock is off. On Windows, press Num Lock once and the keys will type digits instead of acting as arrow and page keys.
Can I program the keys on a number pad?
Only on pads made for it, such as the Keychron K0 Max and the HP 430 Programmable Wireless Keypad. Basic pads like the Nulea can't be remapped.
