Macro pads like the Elgato Stream Deck have made custom shortcuts and visual feedback essential for streamers and productivity enthusiasts, but they rely on small LCD screens embedded beneath each pressable button. For those who crave the satisfying click and tactile response of real mechanical keyboard switches, that experience can feel compromised and less engaging.
The 8-Key MacroPad with 3.5-inch LCD offers a different approach entirely. This DIY project by Yang Shu combines eight hot-swappable mechanical switches with a large, customizable color display that sits above the keys rather than underneath them. You get genuine tactile feedback plus all the visual customization you want.
Designer: Yang Shu
Unlike the Stream Deck’s per-button displays, this macropad separates visual feedback from physical input completely. The 3.5-inch color LCD shows icons, system stats, or custom graphics for all eight keys simultaneously, while the keys themselves are full-sized mechanical switches you can swap and customize. This separation gives you a bigger, clearer display without sacrificing key feel.
The design features a clean, rectangular form that feels like a retro handheld or miniature control panel. The 3D-printed case starts as raw black plastic, then gets painted white or any color you prefer for a polished, professional finish. Ventilation slits on the sides and bottom handle heat dissipation from the display and electronics.
Hot-swappable switch sockets let you change the tactile feel anytime without soldering. Whether you prefer clicky blues, smooth reds, or tactile browns, just pop out one switch and snap in another. Blank white keycaps maintain a minimalist aesthetic while leaving room for custom labels if you want them later on.
RGB underglow lighting beneath the keys adds vibrant visual drama, with bright blue illumination shown in the project photos, creating a retro-futuristic vibe. The lighting can be customized through firmware to match your desk setup or workflow preferences, adding personality beyond pure function.
The Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller handles everything, running open-source firmware that supports deep customization through CircuitPython scripts. Each key can trigger macros, complex shortcuts, or multi-action sequences that automate entire workflows with a single press. The programmability goes as deep as you want to take it.
The LCD display becomes whatever you need it to be. System monitoring dashboards show CPU temperature, usage stats, time, and network activity with retro 8-bit styling. Alternatively, display custom icons representing each macro, app launcher graphics, or even animated sprites that react to key presses for visual feedback.
Streamers can trigger scene changes, mute audio, or launch effects without hunting through menus. Video editors benefit from complex multi-step actions compressed into single button presses. Productivity enthusiasts automate repetitive tasks or execute keyboard combinations that normally require awkward finger gymnastics. The macropad adapts to whatever workflow needs the most attention.
The open-source approach means complete creative freedom. GitHub hosts the firmware and documentation, while Thingiverse provides 3D print files for the case. An active Discord community shares modifications, firmware improvements, and creative use cases, making this a living project that evolves with user input.
By combining a large, customizable display with genuine mechanical switches, this 8-Key MacroPad delivers tactile satisfaction that touchscreens and embedded displays simply cannot match. For makers and enthusiasts who want more control over their tools, it offers a satisfying alternative to commercial macro decks.
The post This DIY MacroPad Rivals Stream Deck With Real Mechanical Switches first appeared on Yanko Design.