Note that for brevity the name NumPad is used instead of 'numerical keypad'.
The 'Alphanumeric input' feature's goal is primarily to enable efficient typing in SpeakOn with TouchScreen devices that do not contain a Standard keyboard. This is achieved using a novel approach by combining Key tables, Braille, SpellCheck and AutoComplete, all operated with a limited number of keys or gestures.
'Alphanumeric input' user interaction works with a TouchScreen, TouchPad and NumPad. Its use with the NumPad keys is very similar in operation to its use with touch gestures with a TouchScreen or TouchPad as the NumPad key presses are broadly equivalent to touch gestures.
In terms of practical use, 'Alphanumeric input' is most useful with the TouchScreen but its use with the NumPad and TouchPad can be beneficial as explained below.
As the NumPad is usually adjacent to a Standard keyboard where typing text is very efficient, the use of the 'Alphanumeric input' feature with the NumPad is merely as a training tool; you learn how to use it with the NumPad keys and once mastered move to learning how to type text using a TouchScreen.
The NumPad is also an excellent way for the curious to learn this unique approach of typing text efficiently with a limited number of keys.
The TouchPad is also usually adjacent to a Standard keyboard where typing text is very efficient. Therefore the use of the 'Alphanumeric input' feature with the TouchPad can be for the curious who want to evaluate touch interaction with SpeakOn before investing in a device with a TouchScreen such as a laptop. TouchPad interaction is also less efficient than TouchScreen interaction as explained later in the tutorial.
Based on the above, with ultimately TouchScreen in mind, it is recommended that you always start learning how to use the 'Alphanumeric input' feature with the NumPad where user interaction is using keys and you don't have to worry about performing touch gestures correctly. Once mastered you can move to the TouchScreen where user interaction is always using gestures. The TouchPad as described above is mainly useful for evaluation purposes.
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