How can I disable the screen keyboard popping up when I want to use my key pad?

Galaxy Note 10.1 GT-N8010.
How can I disable the on-screen keyboard?
Even at its smallest setting it still takes up too much of the screen leaving a small area of screen to view what I'm typing.
I have a keypad which is better for me if I could just stop the screen keyboard popping up.
Thanks,
Cliff

There should be an icon at the bottom of the keyboard to hide the keyboard. Also, I would suggest using a third party keyboard such as SwiftKey or Fleksy, since those allow you to adjust the keyboard size. SwiftKey even allows you to undock the keyboard and move it around.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Hi,
I had the same problem. I tried the apps this tutorial mentioned and it worked! Hope it helps you too.
https://howtosimply.com/disable-onscreen-keyboard-1478/