Looking at your desktop right now, you probably have a streaming pad for shortcuts, a dedicated numeric keypad you rarely use, and a bulky volume knob. The problem with commercial control centers is that they are expensive, often costing more than $150, and locking you into proprietary, resource-intensive software. You can easily fall victim to choosing multiple devices that you simply don’t need. However, by spending less than $20 on a few parts from AliExpress or Amazon, you can build a 6-key dual encoder keyboard that does the job of all the devices I have named above without CPU usage in the background.
building a custom automation keyboard or macro pad, as it is also known, used to be a hobby reserved for people who knew how to 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 packed lunch.
The hardware you need
It can be super cheap
When starting out, the first thing to consider is the brain of the device itself. This is where the Waveshare RP2040-Zero or Seeed Studio Xiao RP2040 comes into play. These are small boards that are smaller than a postage stamp but have enough power to run complex layer logic and RGB lighting if desired.
They come with native USB-C support, so there’ll be no more searching for micro-USB cables in 2026, because realistically, you’ve probably thrown them all away. With all of these features on offer, they usually cost just a couple of dollars, meaning you’ll be well under budget.
Next is the actual touch and click base of your macro pad in the form of switches and keys. When picking up parts, you can use inexpensive switches like Gateron Yellows or Akko V3 Creams. When purchasing smaller packs, they are super cheap, around $6 for a pack of ten. Of course, since you’re only limiting one macro panel, you won’t 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 be super inexpensive and keep the cost under $5 for this item specifically. However, since you’re building it yourself, if you want to go for a super stylish case, be my guest.
There are other forms of utility that you can also acquire, like an encoder (a knob). A $2 rotary encoder replaces the dedicated volume knob and can be programmed to scroll through video timelines, zoom in Photoshop, or switch between multiple windows you have open.
Coding is no longer necessary
Whether you know how to code or not, you can configure your keyboard
“Once you’ve purchased the hardware, you can start using the software without needing to write low-level C++ code. Configurable firmware like Vial or CircuitPython allows you to remap keys and define macros with minimal coding, often by modifying a small script or using a visual interface. The big advance is that you no longer need to recompile the firmware every time you change a key; tools like Vial allow you to remap keys and redefine macros in a browser-based interface, with the changes applied. to your keyboard immediately after connecting it.
You can even opt for layers, which means that even if you only have six physical keys on your macro keyboard, you can turn them into 24 different functions using layers. When you switch layers, each button becomes a different function, meaning you can have a layer for gaming, another for video editing, and another for system controls, all using the same device.
If you set up a macro pad correctly and use it to its full capacity, it can replace a variety of different devices. Instead of having a streaming pad, you can use your new macro keyboard to mute the OBS microphone and camera off macros. In OBS, you can even opt for a numpad overlay that is activated by holding down the knob, so you can get rid of your separate numpad entirely. Of course, it can also function as a multimedia controller. The rotary encoder can handle volume, play/pause and track skip with much greater tactile precision than a cheap plastic wheel.
Easier than ever and cheaper
For less than $20, you could save a lot of desk space
If you can plug in a USB cable and follow a 10-minute wiring guide, you’re overpaying for brand-name gaming macro pads that you could easily make yourself with super cheap components. The best part about designing something custom is that you can choose how much you want to spend on each individual piece.
Once completed, you can get rid of so many different devices on your desktop, including your streaming deck, keypad, and rotary encoder, and free up space on your desktop while still maintaining full functionality. Truly, this automated keyboard has become the most useful tool on my desk and I built it myself for the price of a mouse pad.
