Generally yes, for keyboards without a number row we will tend to use some combination of those kinds of tricks. In the past I've had numbers on the homerow under an fn key (note that said fn key is on a thumb key so easier to press than the standard location for fn keys on regular keyboards). Currently I have a number row as vertical combos on my Sweep (34 key low profile split). So q+a = 1, w+s = 2, and so on. As well as a numpad on one half under a fn key (we call these layers). So for long strings of numbers I use the numpad layer, for short ones I use my "virtual number row".

However, I got here gradually, my first split was a keebio Iris (which has a number row) and have gone progressively in the direction of smaller ones. There are a good number of numrow inclusive splits out there. Some examples:

• ergodox
• moonlander
• dygma raise
• Lily58
• Sofle
• Iris

Splitkb.com is due to release the Elora (Kyria, but with a number row) Any Day Now™️

On foot pedals, I have a stack of them but haven't got around to making use of them in any projects yet. Others have

I've built myself a Redox (Open Source split keyboard).

That one has a number row. Also due to the possibility of programming multiple layers I can hold down a key on the left half, then use the right half as a numpad.

It would also be possible to program it as a toggle button to switch to jumped more, so you don't have to hold it down, but I prefer not having some kind of invisible state in my keyboard that I have to keep track of.

There are certainly split ergo boards with number rows, but I think the reason they're less popular is that once people try one of these boards they realize they really like the reduced finger movement. Personally, I am using a square numpad on a second layer (as other commentors have explained) and am really starting to like it. Moving all the symbols to another separate layer also drastically reduces use of the numbers for programming, for example.

I recently bought a Dygma Raise (with the tenting kit) and it has been great so far. Very pricey, but worth it. As for a numpad, it's on another layer now (hardware layers are awesome).

i have a number row, and a number pad (on a layer)

look up the lily58 for a rumber row.

for a numpad, I just press a key with my thumb on the left keyboard, and my whole right keyboard becomes a numpad. 7 8 9 stay in the same place as they normally are on the number row, with 4 5 6 under them, 1 2 3 under those.

works like a charm

Try the UHK. I'm quite happy with mine.

I'm pretty sure that's a claw44