Looking for macro keypad recomendations please

[Darkclone]

Hi All,

 

I don't know if this is actually possible, put what I am looking for is a macro keypad that goes next to my existing keyboard that has quiet key switches, with rotating macros and probably 12+ programmable macro keys keys.

 

The reason I am looking to use one is because my new roll requires very fast typing response times, whilst under pressure so if I don't need to think about things I always need to say then I can concentrate on the things that are changing.

 

The maybe impossible bit it that I would like to set multiple phrases on the same macro that rotates each time I press the button. For instance macro 1 would be a Hi key. Press one would say something like "Hi this is (blank name) I will let you know when I am in the call. Press number 2 would say "(Insert name) here, just joining the call, will let you know when I can hear".

 

Hopefully what I am saying makes sense, I am trying to not say what this job is as workplace privacy rules prefer we don't disclose our role.

 

Thanks for any help.

[minibois]

A keypad using the QMK firmware on it would be capable of what you're asking for. That QMK firmware does require quite a bit of setup, it's not just plug and play with simple software.

 

The specific functions you're looking for in QMK are 'send string' and 'tap dance':

https://beta.docs.qmk.fm/using-qmk/advanced-keycodes/feature_macros

https://beta.docs.qmk.fm/using-qmk/software-features/feature_tap_dance

The former allows you to press a single button and the keypad will type something for you (like that example sentence you wrote above). The latter allows different actions, depending on how often (quickly in succession) you press a specific button, which is like your "press once for a certain sentence, press twice for another, etc.".

 

 

A keypad like the one Atomic Shrimp reviewed a while ago would work for that:

(Keep in mind those keycaps with images were bought separately).

This keypad has 25 programmable keys, since you mentioned 12+, this might have enough keys for all phrases/actions already, without even needing to rely on the 'tap dance' functionality.

 

While this does take quite a bit of work to set up and isn't particularly very cheap, it is a robust method of doing this once working and since all the configurations are saved on the keypad itself, it can be used on any computer out there (even ones where you're not allowed/able to install your own macro software, like AutoHotKey).

 

EDIT: to be clear, in the video the program 'VIA' is used, which is a pretty intuitive program which doesn't require too much setup, it just doesn't have all the functionality QMK has (although I haven't used it enough to say that for sure).

[Darkclone]

Thank you so much I will have a look into that and hopefully it is suitable. Programs wise that will all be fine for now, I just know at some point I will be moving onto a work laptop and that could cause issues as they tend to restrict what you can install.

[minibois]

12 hours ago, Darkclone said:

I just know at some point I will be moving onto a work laptop and that could cause issues as they tend to restrict what you can install.

That would be the big advantage of the solution using the QMK firmware, which I mentioned before. Everything is saved on the keypad itself, so no matter what device you plug it into, all your macros are there.

[IPD]

Like a Belkin Nostromo?  Or like a detatched numpad?

[rikitikitavi]

On 12/1/2021 at 7:00 PM, Darkclone said:

Thank you so much I will have a look into that and hopefully it is suitable. Programs wise that will all be fine for now, I just know at some point I will be moving onto a work laptop and that could cause issues as they tend to restrict what you can install.

What @minibois said + it might be easier/cheaper to get a keyboard that supports QMK.

Either small one and use it as macropad, or instead of your regular one and add your macros to unused buttons, different layers or tap-dance.