The QWERTY exercise
Being the lazy bugger that I am, sometimes I hate the Function keys in situations where I need to use them repeatedly. If you look at the keyboard layout, the function keys are way up above the QWERTY keys while my lazy hands like to just comfortably lump themselves at the bottom. Having said that, there are some software which allows for customised (and sometimes common) keyboard shortcuts but for the rest, that's another kettle of fish.
When I place my hands on the keyboard, they would assume their natural pose which is more like upside-down cupping. OK, actually, the natural pose of the hands and fingers on the keyboard resembles more of a pianist. But unlike the pianist who moves their hands horizontally, typists have the extra displeasure to contend with 6 horizontal rows of keys. In other words, your fingers curl and lengthen all the time, as if its looking for a mine or something. It's OK to just type but after some time, the fingers would start to rebel if you stretch them for the numbers and Function keys at the top.
The Macro Keyboard
OK, *ahem*. So this is a nice excuse to get a macro keyboard and its no secret that I've been eyeing them for years. Oh, you didn't know? Maybe that's because I did not tell anyone out loud. The only set back at the time was that I was not too involved with Circuit Board Designs and CAD software. OK, I was into SektchUp and Inkscape but those commands are normal alphanumerics which involves a combination of CTRL and SHIFT keys.
Still, its a good time (than never) to get one now despite having to pay close to RM100 for it. Originally, it was much higher but that was years ago. There are a lot of uses for macro keys where you can string a multiple command at the press of a button or even use them for faster response in a game, I suppose. For my case, I just want to invoke command/ options without having to search for the right key, wasting precious mili-seconds and breaking my concentration.
First Impressions
When I opened the package for the first time, I was shocked that some of the keys fell out. Then I realised, this is a good thing because this means, they key switches are interchangeable. Although these are the RED LINEAR keys, I can later change some of them into the BLUE CLICK keys, starting with just the top row.
The build of the Macro Keyboard is, how shall I put this, feels like a homemade DIY kit or something from a Kickstarter project. Don't get me wrong but I am thinking that at some point in time, they came like so. It's all built with Laser cut acrylics, 3D printed sides and screws centering on a single Printed Circuit Board. So, if it really came out as a kit, I'd would have bought it there and then.
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| I chose this version which has white keys. It has optional Bluetooth connection but I'd still need the USB-C port to charge the battery. The port can also be used as wired option and is really needed to program the keys. |
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| The Macro keyboard is made of four physical layers (I just forgot to label the last bottom layer which is laser cut acrylic). Here is the business end where all the cables and options are made possible. Note the same name LAYER BUTTON which expands your keyboard from 15 to 45 macros. |
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| When it arrived, some of they keys fell out. After a few seconds of dismay, I realised that these keyboards are interchangeable (and also, because I did not scroll down where the seller said these are Outemu Switches and are interchangeable). Right now, they are linear types where they are silent and has no tactile feedback. So, as time goes by, I can actually swap them for different key types. Update: 14.03.2024 This is also the very same key switch location that is not working. I have swapped with other switches and it still does not work. So, I'll have to open it up soon. |
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| This is how I will place my hand and the intended orientation of the Macro Keyboard. Although I have yet to test it fully, the only thing I need to improve is to have the thing stop sliding about. It has some heft but still light enough to move around unintentionally. Plus, I might want to cover the round chrome knobs with some anti-slip tapes or strips. |
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| Maybe some thin rubber feet might help and I am thinking about 6 to 7 small pieces. Once the protective sticker has been removed, it would be a very good surface to stick on. |
The Software
Of course, needs software of some kind to enable the Macro keyboard. I know this because after plugging in the USB-C cable on both ends, nothing happened. I had to trace back to the seller's page which read:
Instructions and customized software are available after purchase
And try as I might, there were no further communication apart from the usual pleasantries that comes after taking your money. Luckily for me, a quick Google search lead me to the supposedly manufacturer, SIKAI.
After downloading the software, configuring the 'Hot Keys' is very simple just as long as you remember that programming can only be done via the USB-C cable. The software offers various macro shortcuts from keyboards, to mouse, to multimedia and even LED colours (only available if you use the USB-C cable). And the only time you need to use the software (and cable) is when you need to program the hot keys.
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| There are quite a few variation to the design. Had I know about the LAYER feature, I might not have gotten the 12-key version but maybe, a more modest 9-key vertsion. |
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| I am very sure there is another software version as this one looks quite generic since it displayed 16 keys instead of 12. But man, I am having fun with the Macro Keyboard and on my EaglePCB software, it worked like a charm! |
One more thing
4. RGB Lights: Red、Orange、Yellow、Green、Cyan、Blue、Purple.
LED Mode0: Close the Light.
LED Mode1: Steady on (All Keys)
LED Mode2: Fast Glow (From First to Last Keys)
LED Mode3: Fast Glow (From Last to First Keys)
LED Mode4: Light Up when Pressed (Single Key)
LED Mode5: White Light (All Keys)
And another thing
Remember I talked about Layers? After testing it for a while, where different software have different keyboard shortcuts, each Layer must be used for different software. All of a sudden, the three layers were quickly used up. Damn.
