Gaming Keypad 12 Key

thingiverse

This is the second iteration of a gaming (macro) keypad that I'm currently working on. The initial prototype utilized an Arduino board. In contrast, this updated design will be built around a zero delay USB encoder. Several minor modifications have been made: 1. The top plate has been made thicker. 2. The USB cutout is now specifically designed for the zero delay USB encoder. 3. The wrist rest is slightly more rounded. 4. The edges are also slightly more rounded. Instructions: The top plate is press-fit, but if it's too tight, a light sanding may be necessary to loosen it up. Conversely, if it's too loose, you might want to glue it in place. In my case, the fit was spot on. I'm using a zero delay USB encoder that I found on Amazon for approximately $10. You can search for "Reyann Zero Delay Arcade USB Encoder Pc to Joystick" to find it. For 12-button keypads like this one, I prefer these encoders over Arduino due to the reduced need for soldering and coding. The switches are of the cherry MX style. To assemble everything, you'll need to solder the wires on the switch side, but not on the encoder side as they have built-in plugs. Once all the components are soldered and plugged in, the box will be recognized as a joystick by your system. You can then use it with games that support joystick button mappings or install a program like joy2key to remap any keystroke or mouse button you prefer (which is what I do for many of my games). The arm extending out from the keypad serves as a wrist rest, which I find quite comfortable. If you'd rather not have this feature in future versions, please let me know.