Following up on my previous tip, here's some more specific advice.
On that note, here are my most recommended affordable starting keyboards with these options, and the cheapest QMK programmable numpad I've found online.
- GMMK TKL Barebones: $60 from the manufacturer. Hotswappable switches, Solid, RGB, without branding, not gamer-y despite the name, can fit many designs. Go fullsize if you must but this is a good chance to try TKL and in fact in my experience, even if you need a numpad, getting a detached one + TKL is actually super awesome and space efficient. Or you can go GMMK compact 60% if you're confident you wanna swing it without arrow keys (I personally cannot).
- GK64: $50-80. Hotswappable switches, thin bezels, no branding, RGB, cursor arrows and delete key. My first hotswappable switch keyboard and I still use it to this day. Personally this is probably the smallest size I could be comfortable with for things like browsing the net because it still has the all important cursor arrow keys (if you think you can rough it without arrow keys, you could go GK60/GK61). People complain about the software but I haven't had issues. Your call on if you wanna buy this barebones for $50 or with switches and keycaps, which unlike the GMMK are reasonably priced extras. It comes in black and white and the stock DSA keycaps from the manufacturer (epathbuy) are actually very nice (just make sure it's the DSA ones, also a good chance to try that profile, I love it for gaming).
White with cool DSA caps and switches (pick any cheap switch if you're not sure yet):http://www.epathbuy.com/product/hot-swappable-mechanical-keyboard-with-pbt-dye-subbed-dsa-keycaps-powermonkey-igk64-set2c/
Black Barebones: http://www.epathbuy.com/product/igk64-diy-custom-kit-abs-plastic-case-without-switches-without-keycaps-kit-6/
White Barebones (pic misleading): http://www.epathbuy.com/product/igk64-60-rgb-keyboard-custom-built-kit-hot-swap-switch-pcb-white-abs-plastic-case-aluminum-plate-kit-6b/
See other options at epathbuy (they have keyboard + switches only, keyboard + keycaps no switches, etc).
Another cheap source: Banggood (if you use that 10% off first purchase with the app, doesn't come with the cool DSA keycaps, black only but $3 shipping): https://us.banggood.com/Wholesale-Warehouse-Geek-GK64-64-Key-Gateron-Swtich-CIY-Switch-RGB-Backlit-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-wp-Usa-1381659.html?rmmds=search
- Assembled 21 Key YMDK QMK Programmable Numpad: $37, QMK programming, Backlit (LED color of choice), no branding, thin bezels (fits many designs), comes in black and transparent white and different key layouts, good choice of switches, however comes with no stabilizers. Now that might seem like a lot of money for a numpad but programmable numpads are expensive (Ducky pocket is $70 for comparison). Sure you can get something decent from amazon that's not programmable, but once you go programmable, you can't go back (especially if you're mixing it up with the macro board layout, compact sizes and cool keycaps). The lack of stabilizers makes this thing wobbly, especially for tall keycap profiles, but I'm alright with it. Some will quibble about the workmanship, but it's a solid start, easily my most used purchase thus far.
Kit 1 is fully assembled (Kit 2 for cherry switches not worth it IMO): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/21-Key-NPKC-Programmable-Cherry-MX-Kailh-Gateron-Switches-Mechanical-Keyboard-Numpad-Free-shipping/32812732361.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.5eea4c4dHf1eKS
