http://www.excelcampus.com/keyboard-shortcuts/excel-convert-text-to-number-keyboard-shortcuts/
New Video on Menu Key- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXHVIksBgyI
Tutorial on how to convert text to numbers in Excel using keyboard shortcuts and Excel's built-in Convert to Number function.

Checkout this video for more keyboard shortcuts with the Menu Key including ignoring errors and paste options like paste values.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXHVIksBgyI