Use your own DIY macro pad to improve your work efficiency and make your time on the computer smoother.

Whether you are a Twitch host, a 3D designer, or almost any other type of computer user, the macro keyboard (also known as the macro keyboard or the macro keyboard) can come in handy. As a secondary keyboard, these small devices can load shortcuts, macros, and other keyboard commands, allowing you to handle complex operations with a single keystroke.

Instead of buying a macro keyboard, how about making one yourself? We will show you how to start using mechanical keyboard switches, Arduino and QMK keyboard firmware.

You need some tools and parts to build a macro keyboard. You should be able to bring them all online.

After preparing all the parts, you can start to build the macro keyboard. This process can be tedious and challenging, but once you complete it, it will also be satisfying. Let us delve into the work you need to do.

First, you need to print out the shell and back panel of the macro keyboard. We did not make 3D models for this project; we found them on Thingiverse. The Stream cheap mini macro keyboard was originally built by DaveM, although we have modified the soldering and keyboard firmware methods to make it easier.

We use PLA for the bottom of the keyboard and PETG for the back panel, but you can use any type of filament you like. Ours does not require supports, rafts or any other attachments. If you are not familiar with 3D printing, it is worth trying your print settings. People who use your local print shop will be able to get advice on print settings.

If you are printing at home, it makes sense to use the time required to print the keyboard to process other project elements.

Before you start connecting anything, you need to build a configuration for the keyboard to make it work. To do this, you need to visit several different websites. The first is the keyboard layout editor. You can use this site to create a keyboard layout as shown in the image above, then go to the "Raw Data" tab and copy the simple code in it.

The next site you need to visit is called Keyboard Firmware Generator. As the name suggests, this site allows you to create keyboard firmware supported by QMK, while also providing you with an easy way to find out your Arduino pins. This part of the process requires several different steps.

Please keep this firmware as you will need it later. But first, it's time to connect the Arduino and the switch you are using.

Connecting your Arduino with your switch is a fairly simple process. We first cut the wires of two colors. You need two wires for your row and four wires for your column, we use red and black respectively.

Next, it's time to start soldering the wires to the legs of the switch. Before you start, make sure your switch is in the correct position clamped on the back panel. Since the switch needs to be connected to the wire at different points, we found that it is best to cut out the part from the wire insulation, as shown in the picture above.

We first solder the wires of the row to the right leg of each switch, and then the wires in the middle column of the left leg. Please refer to the image above to see what it looks like when finished.

Next, it's time to solder the wires just installed to the Arduino board being used. This process should be simple, because we have figured out where each wire needs to be connected. The photo above shows what it looks like when finished. There are only six wires, very simple.

Related: The 9 best soldering irons for beginners

Before building the keyboard further, it's time to load the firmware you made before onto the Arduino to make sure everything is in order. You need to download a software called QMK Toolbox from GitHub to complete this process. The installer you want can be found in the Releases section of the project.

After installing QMK Toolbox, you can use the micro USB cable to plug the Arduino into the PC. This should make the circuit board flicker, and your operating system may give you a notification telling you that the device is plugged in.

Now you can load the QMK toolbox. Select Open next to the top bar, and then select the .HEX file you downloaded earlier. Before you can install this file on your Arduino, you need to put your development board in its bootloader mode. This can be achieved by shorting the reset and ground pins. We use a short piece of wire to accomplish this job.

Once the board is in the correct mode, you only have a few seconds to click the Flash button in the QMK Toolbox software. If you are successful, your screen should be the same as above, but if you do not flash the boarding pass in time, you can try again.

Whenever you use Arduino, testing is important, because if you find a problem early, you can usually save a lot of time. We used a website called Keyboard Checker to test our work. The site will tell you the last key pressed, even if it is not included in the graphic; it is ideal for keyboards with higher F keys. Before proceeding, please make sure all your keys are valid.

It's finally time to assemble the keyboard. First connect the Arduino to the inside of the case. You can use double-sided tape for this, but we have chosen super glue for the best fixing effect. You must make sure to place the Arduino so that the USB cable can be fully inserted into the device.

Next, it's time to connect the backplane to the keyboard body. If you use PLA for printing, you only need to screw the M3 bolts into the holes on both sides of the back plate. However, for harder materials, you may need to use taps to create threads. After tightening the bolts, make sure that each key works properly.

Finally, you can add the keycap to the top of the keyboard and start using it.

Most software allows you to change the default key bindings, which will allow you to easily use the macro keyboard for many different applications. You can also consider the idea of ​​building more complex firmware. The website we used before enables you to add layers, macros, and even lights to the keyboard.

Whether you like adventure or not, we hope you like the macro keyboard you made. This project is very interesting and also provides a way to learn soldering and keyboard construction.

Macros allow you to automatically press buttons in games and applications to control delayed response. Here are some apps!

Samuel is a British technical writer with a passion for all things DIY. Samuel has a business in the areas of web development and 3D printing, and has worked as a writer for many years, providing unique insights into the world of technology. Mainly focusing on DIY technical projects, he only likes to share interesting and exciting ideas that you can try at home. Outside of work, Samuel often rides a bicycle, plays computer games, or desperately tries to communicate with his pet crab.

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