You can assign a variety of actions or key sequences to the buttons of the macropad. Here are some of the most obvious uses.
Do you constantly type routine constructions in your texts like "Dear... with hope for cooperation ... send us your invoice" and so on? The macropad can optimize this process. Press the button and the desired text fragment is inserted effortlessly. The device will also be very useful for those who work with spreadsheets and databases, because it makes it possible to edit them quickly and automatically.
In addition, the macropad is able to launch applications or frequently used files, and also gives quick access to the necessary tools and keyboard shortcuts: "Save", "Paste", "Turn formatted text into regular and color it green by inserting a hyperlink" and so on. It all depends on your imagination.
If you are a coder, you can bind frequently used constructions of the desired programming language and templates to the keys. You press a button, and the keyboard automatically enters pieces of code, reducing routine work.
The macropad also provides quick access to selected functions, such as starting code compilation or calling debugger commands. Various fragments of the layout, HTML templates and other useful things for web developers can also be linked to it.
For representatives of creative professions, the macropad is literally indispensable. Due to its muscle memory, it allows you to quickly call up the necessary tools — for example, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Audition, DaVinci Resolve and many other programs. And no memorizing long shorts. The macropad will also help you manage the timeline, layers and brushes, launch preset effects, and so on.
In addition, there are macro pads, which in addition to the keys have wheels, toggle switches and other tactile tools that allow you to more accurately adjust the size and transparency of the brushes, scroll through video clips or adjust the volume of sound. A kind of minimal studio remote control that can be thrown into a bag and carried along with a laptop.
The macro pad can also be useful for gamers. You can assign items from the inventory to the buttons or use them to automate complex command sequences and keyboard combinations. One button can trigger multiple actions at once.
This is especially useful in fast games where reaction is of great importance. Or in strategies where commands are usually scattered all over the keyboard and require the player to be a pianist. The macropad will greatly facilitate your online logging and give you an advantage over your opponents.
In addition, this gadget is often used by streamers: to quickly launch a broadcast on Twitch, send notifications in Discord chats, and so on.
The macropad can control video and audio programs even on computers that do not have a media key. "Start", "Pause", "Next/previous track", volume and scrolling, switching between sources — all this is easy to automate. A little help for DJs.
The macropad is capable of doing all of the above and even a little more. For example, it allows you to quickly enter characters for which there is no place on a regular keyboard: long dashes, typographic quotes, mathematical signs and emojis. It can quickly open pre-assigned addresses in the browser. Run scripts created by you or downloaded from the Internet to automate routine actions. In general, do whatever your imagination is enough for.
So, you realized that you need a macro pad. There are a variety of devices of this kind — both very expensive and fancy, and simple and cheap.
Expensive macropads are different Stream Deck models manufactured by Elgato for streamers and video content producers, the universal GMMK Numpad from Glorious or the console for artists and editors Tourbox Neo. They are well made, have a wide range of functions, and are made of high-quality materials. The only thing is that such devices are very decent. After all, they are positioned as tools for professionals.
What to buy
If you are not ready to shell out more than a hundred and fifty dollars for a device that makes work easier, but is not vital, look at cheaper models — for example, the Delux T11 keyboard for designers, artists and graphic creators. Or Stream Docking with LCD displays built into the keys, which allows you to display the icons and functions you need directly on the buttons for clarity.
What to buy
Finally, there are very cheap, but no less effective macropads that you can get hold of on AliExpress. They can have one or more rotating wheels and from 3 to 15 keys.
What to buy
However, such gadgets do not have LCD displays and other bells and whistles that would make the keys readable. But you can put stickers with the necessary functions there. Or order buttons with transparent caps, print the necessary icons on a piece of paper, cut them out and place them inside.
Some assemble their macropads themselves — they order printed circuit boards, keys and controllers from specialized stores and personally program their miracle keyboard. This is a rather laborious, but creative and fascinating process.
What to buy
Finally, if you have an unnecessary USB keyboard lying around at home, you can turn it entirely into a programmable macro pad. To do this, you will need a special USB controller through which the device will be connected to the computer. It intercepts the keys and replaces them with the keyboard shortcuts you set.
