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Looking at your desk right now, you probably have a stream deck for shortcuts, a dedicated number pad that you rarely use, and a bulky volume knob. The issue with commercial control centers is that they are expensive, often coming in at over $150 and locking you into proprietary, resource-heavy software. You can easily fall victim to picking up multiple devices that you simply just don't need. However, by spending less than $20 on a few choice parts from AliExpress or Amazon, you can build a 6-key dual encoder keypad that does the job of all the devices I've named above with zero background CPU usage.
Building a custom automation keypad or macro pad, as it's otherwise referred to, used to be a hobby reserved for people who could solder and code in C++. However, thanks to the explosion of RP2040-based microcontrollers and modular firmware like Vial, you can build a professional-grade peripheral for less than the cost of a takeout lunch.
Why spend extra on a Raspberry Pi when you can build these cool projects with an ESP32?
When getting started, the first thing you need to pick up is the brain of the device itself. This is where the Waveshare RP2040-Zero or the Seeed Studio Xiao RP2040 comes in. These are tiny boards that are smaller than a postage stamp but have enough power to run complex layer logic and RGB lighting if you want to.
They come with native USB-C support, so there's no more hunting for micro-USB cables in 2026, because realistically, you've probably binned all of those. With all of these features on offer, they typically come in for just a couple of dollars, meaning you'll be staying well under budget.
Next is the actual tactile and clicky foundation of your macro pad in the form of switches and keycaps. When picking up parts, you can use budget-friendly switches like Gateron Yellows or Akko V3 creams. When buying smaller packs, they come in super cheap at around $6 for a pack of ten. Of course, since you're only capping a macro pad, you're not going to need a full keyboard layout, saving you even more money.
Keep in mind that you don't need a fancy case. A 3D printed sandwich mount or even a simple acrylic plate can come in super cheap and keep your cost at under $5 for this element specifically. However, since you're building it yourself, if you want to opt for a super fancy case, then be my guest.
There are other forms of utility you can pick up too, like an encoder (a knob). A $2 rotary encoder replaces your dedicated volume knob and can be programmed to scroll through video timelines, zoom in Photoshop, or switch between multiple windows that you have open.
“Once you’ve picked up the hardware, you can get started with software without writing low‑level C++ code. Configurable firmware like Vial or CircuitPython lets you remap keys and define macros with minimal coding, often by tweaking a small script or using a visual interface. The breakthrough is that you no longer need to re‑compile firmware every time you change a key; tools like Vial let you remap keys and redefine macros in a browser‑based interface, with the changes applied to your keypad immediately after you connect it.
You can even opt for layers, meaning that even if you've only got six physical keys on your macro pad, you can turn this into 24 different functions using layers. When you swap between layers, each button turns into a different function, meaning you can have one layer for gaming, one for video editing, and one for system controls, all using the same device.
If you properly configure a macro pad and use it to its full ability, it can replace a range of different devices. Instead of having a stream deck, you can use your new macro pad for your OBS mic mute and camera off macros. In OBS, you can even opt for a number pad layer that activates when holding down the knob, so that way you can get rid of your separate number pad altogether. Of course, it can work as a media controller too. The rotary encoder can handle volume, play/pause, and track skip with much higher tactile precision than a cheap plastic wheel.
If you can plug in a USB cable and follow a 10-minute wiring guide, you are overpaying for gaming branded macro pads that you could very easily DIY yourself with super cheap components. The best part about designing something custom is that you get to choose how much you want to spend on each individual part.
Once completed, you can get rid of so many different devices on your desk, including your stream deck, number pad, and rotary encoder, and clear up space on your desk while still having all of the functionality. Really and truly, this automation keypad has become the most useful tool on my desk, and I built it myself for the price of a mouse pad.
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