When using the keyboard to move, where does n get remapped to?

[Yosemite Sam]

This is the key I can't live without if no numpad is used, something must take its place?

[Pat Rankin]

Post by Yosemite Sam
This is the key I can't live without if no numpad is used, something must take its place?

I assume you mean use 'n' to prefix digits used to enter a count.
No such prefix is needed when number_pad is off. Enter a count
by just typing in digits before the command.

The first digit isn't echoed unless/until you enter a second one,
but it will be pending for whatever command you type after it if
no second digit is needed/wanted.