For me, using the arrow keys and numpad is a fairly awkward thing to do - any programmer who uses Vim or Emacs will know! Even if you're not a programmer, I highly recommend trying out some keybindings that allow you to stop using the arrow keys and the numpad. If you can get used to it, your future self will thank you!

With only a few adjustments to the keybindings, I've been able to completely eliminate my use of the arrow keys and numpad. My hands can stay in their usual cozy spot!

If you are using the Lazy Newb Pack, simply add the following into a new .TXT file in your /LNP/keybinds folder, and then select it in the launcher:

[BIND:CURSOR_UP:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:4:i]
[BIND:CURSOR_DOWN:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:4:k]
[BIND:CURSOR_LEFT:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:4:j]
[BIND:CURSOR_RIGHT:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:4:l]
[BIND:CURSOR_UP_FAST:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:5:i]
[BIND:CURSOR_DOWN_FAST:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:5:k]
[BIND:CURSOR_LEFT_FAST:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:5:j]
[BIND:CURSOR_RIGHT_FAST:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:5:l]
[BIND:STANDARDSCROLL_UP:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:0:i]
[BIND:STANDARDSCROLL_DOWN:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:0:k]
[BIND:STANDARDSCROLL_LEFT:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:0:j]
[BIND:STANDARDSCROLL_RIGHT:REPEAT_FAST]
[SYM:0:l]

If you are interested in customising this, there are instructions here.

Instead of using arrow keys, the new bindings require pressing ALT {i,j,k,l} to move UP, LEFT, DOWN and RIGHT. You can additionally hold SHIFT to move in larger increments, as usual.

It also allows you to navigate any of the in-game menus without moving your hands! Anywhere you would normally press UP/DOWN (or LEFT and RIGHT in some screens) to scroll through menus, you can use {i,j,k,l} (without ALT or SHIFT) to do the same thing.

Note that I have only tested these bindings in Fortress Mode. I suspect an alternative would be required for Adventure Mode.

I realise some of this may be obvious to veteran users of LNP, but after looking for keybindings myself, I couldn't find any discussion about bindings without arrowkeys, compact keyboards etc. In the discussions I have seen, some do not take it seriously or dismiss it as difficult or impossible.

If anyone uses a similar arrangement, I would be interested to know the details! Otherwise, I'm open to discussion and improvements. There may be things I missed!