Macro keyboards are mini programmable USB keyboards that can be pressed to trigger shortcuts, a sequence of keypresses etc. They can have several layers so switching to a different one will trigger different keypresses from the same key, so e.g. different IDEs can be represented.
I’ve just bought one with a view to setting up shortcuts for debugging. Each IDE has its own unique keys for navigating through the code, so I figure it’ll be nice to just press one key to start debugging and one key to step into instead of a combination of ctrl+whatever etc
Do you use one? If so, what do you use it for and what size do you use? Is it too big / too small?
I’m not a programmer but I want to share my experiences anyway. >:3
I have DOIO KB16 because I really needed something to allow me for scrolling and usage of shortcuts while using the drawing tablet. It has 4 layers and onboard memory so I can take it to a new pc and have all the same functionality. I disconnected my mouse and put it on a shelf due to wrist pain in favor of a game controller or drawing tablet + macropad combo for interacting with my pc. I ended up mostly using the macropad as a mouse/keyboard with shortcuts for manipulating webpages and so on. My favourite part about it is that it has 3 whooping knobs which I really wanted to have as many of as I could. By looking at the sellers discord support channel I was really lucky to actually have the macropad delivered at all because it’s some chinese seller with lacking support. Here’s the pic of it:
Edit: The post asked about how I feel about the size. My opinion is that I wish it had 1 (ideally 2) more vertical sets of keys because that would allow me to use my thumb for button pressing too. But overall I’m happy and I think it’s my only real problem with it.
Check aliexpress. You’re going to find things that excite you including a kb that’s very similar
EDIT: I thought I’d go searching, some ideas:
I already did so when looking for a macropad but didn’t find anything that would fit my criteria. Macropads with a bigger amount of knobs are stupidly hard to find which is something I didn’t expect when looking for one to buy.
Edit: Oh right, I just remembered that there was a bigger option that was out of stock and waaaaay out of my price range:
That’s 145 USD +shipping. It’s not something I can afford for a small keyboard. I think it may come without caps as well based on the pic included. lmao
Wow. I updated the post above with some cheapo alternatives that have mechanical keys.
There’s also MIDI controllers like: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007444327683.html maybe more listed under DJ / mixing controllers
The first three have one too little horizontal row for a comfortable hand position. The last one is something I contemplated but with knobs instead and I failed to find something like that. I also get an impression that it would be uncomfortable to constantly move my hand between two keyboards but maybe I’m wrong as I never had two small keyboards to use. When hunting in the past I also read that a lot of this stuff has some shitty config apps and/or quality problems. I gave some thought making an ideal macropad myself but I’m too broke for an expensive hobby like that. I’m very happy with the macropad I managed to get because it was really hard to find something that would fit what I was looking for. It’s my first macropad ever and my first mechanical keeb as well so I was very lucky to settle on something good despite my lack of knowledge on this stuff. The settings app, onboard memory, and layers with display are also very satisfactory. It feels so good to use that the macropad I sent above feels like the only thing that would fully satisfy my more advanced needs and I would be willing to buy it if I could afford it. The size is perfect as well, it has a lot of buttons and enough knobs while not taking up too much space to leave a lot of room on my desk for the drawing tablet.
Edit: Us constantly making edits makes it a bit confusing. I’m not sure if the midi thing was there when I started writing the message or if it was added during that time. lol
Anyway, I contemplated a midi board for knobs but midi boards have limited turn radius +that would require finding some special software to actually use it. Additionally there wouldn’t be onboard memory which I’m enjoying a lot. Nothing will beat VIA/QMK programmable purpose specific keyboard.
I’m really happy that it works for you! Well done on doing the hard work to find it!
Yea, doing all the research was a grind. I expected it to be a simple purchase because I thought macropads weren’t that niche but I was proven very wrong on that. xD
Mechanical keyboards have a huge, fanatical following! /c/mechanical_keyboards - shame it’s dead. I expected to see posts of why the IBM Model M is better than everything else!
Looks nice. How much did it cost?