the Serial.print() to see what data I have
I think that is ok but sometimes we use flushing and Packets atleast at the end of the elements we are sending so as to make them land complete in the programme but nevermind as you are saying that the keypad isn't that much conductive.
And I know, a lost of breadboarding.
A a lots of BreadBoarding atleast its easier than the Solder breadboarding.