To type a numeral on your iPad, you typically have to tap the Numbers key (.?123) to switch the keyboard to numbers. Then type the number. And then tap the Alphabet key (ABC) to switch back to the regular keyboard. That is three keystrokes.
Of course, the best part of the new Magic Keyboard with Numerical Keypad is the numbers. Anyone that does number crunching on a regular basis or codes will know how convenient it is to have the 10 numbers packed tightly into a square that is smaller than a trackpad. Macally 22 Keys Bluetooth Wireless Numeric Keypad for Mac with Arrow Keys & 10 Key Bluetooth Number Pad for Easy Data Entry - Number Keypad for MacBook Pro Air Laptop, iMac, Apple, iPhone, iPad Etc. 4.4 out of 5 stars 255.
A shortcut is to tap the Numbers key and hold your fingers on the pad. The keyboard switches to numerals and symbols. While your fingers is still on the pad, slide it over to the number you want to type and then release your fingers. You have just typed the number and your iPad automatically switched you back to alphabet mode. That is only one tap and slide. This much more efficient than the traditional method if you just need to type a numeral.
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations. Apple mac magic trackpad.