For buying new keys, there are many inexpensive (non-mechanical) USB number pads you can get for $10 or less. It's a good way to get started before committing to something more expensive. Or you can even just use an entire second keyboard; most software will let you bind shortcuts to a specific keyboard.
For software, Hammerspoon [0] is a free option that can handle arbitrary key mappings/macros; however, you'll have to program it yourself, it's more of a hacker's tool than something with a friendly UI.
Edit: Oh, they're pricey - so that, I guess?
I like mechanical keyboards and the likes with a lot of key travel. So not a fan of these laptop keyboards. That and cost and availability too. That keyboard does not appear to be available on my country...
I guess one could do a project-keyboard and add a trackpoint to it. I don't know if you'd have to macgyver it up, or if there's something you can buy as a package for the trackpoint. That would be fun. One could even do a 40% version with it and damn the RSI :)
Also: swapping colon/semicolon, using fn+hjkl for arrow keys and having Enter at my right thumb.
Once you open that door.
I'd guess I'm probably more aggressive in what I block?
Being able to reach CTRL and ESC with the little finger while keeping your hands on the home row keys is great.
Another nice thing about a custom keyboard is not needing to map the keys - it's in the firmware.
- caps + key = control + key
- tap caps = escape
- caps + space + key = ctrl, opt, cmd + key
All done in my keyboard firmware.
