The Megalodon Dual Layer Knob Macropad is a solid little addition to any setup—smooth knob, responsive keys, and just the right amount of customizability. Great for streamlining tasks without taking up too much desk space.
The feel is a bit too stiff; it's a bit overpriced; but this is a great product to grab on sale and the main benefit of it imo over others is how customizable the product is with the software that comes with it (and how simple it is to use/set up requiring no account with a third party/etc.) Overall they could use a higher quality dial for the price this is listed at; but at 40$ usd or less I can comfortable recommend this. Above that I'd argue to wait.
This would be 5 stars if not for the setup process as the firmware on the keebmonkey website does not work. I had to download the updated json from the DOIO website here: http://www.doiokb.com/index.php?m=home&c=View&a=index&aid=252&lang=en
The above firmware does work with the latest version of VIA which is nice, but I did feel a little sketched out from the download process considering it required downloading a rar from an unsecured website. Now that everything's set up, the macro pad is working great and does exactly what I want it to.
The macro pad is well built and sturdy, straight out the box. Comes with Gateron yellows and generic cherry keycaps that I replaced with Gateron Beers and metal artisans. As others have said, the firm ware is a pain to set up but pretty simple once you get the right file downloaded and into VIA.
Good macro when you want a multi-layered knob and a few extra function keys without a larger pad or keyboard.
My experience after just under 1yr of use...has potential but...
Initial build quality appears pretty solid, but about a month ago, the layer switch button stopped working. I had to remap one of the other buttons (inner wheel press) to change layers. The initial configuration took some time, as there were no clear instructions included. I had to dig through the Keebmonkey wiki to finally get the correct version of VIA and the JSON file. Once I had it configured, it worked flawlessly. The keys have a nice feel, and the dials/knobs are a little stiff but not a huge issue. The layer switch button seemed flimsy from the beginning; I did not expect it to stop working so soon.
I bought this to work with my laptop, as I also have the 16-key version with three knobs for the desktop, and that has worked flawlessly. The only issue was the lack of instructions. If you are looking for a keypad, go with its larger cousin instead.
This is a good quality built product, but the set up experience is a bit bad as it does not work with either VIA/VIAL/QMK by default. You have to do some digging to correctly find the .json file to load into those programs.
ps. I could not find the link to the json file :(, but I have the actual file with me, if any of you need help, I could provide one. GOOD LUCK
No instructions arrive with the unit. No idea where to go to get software. After several hours of installing and uninstalling software on my computer to try and program 3 single macros, there is absolutely nothing redeeming about this stupid thing. I even had to wait twice as long because UPS lost the first one I ordered. All that, for the most useless piece of equipment I've ever experienced. Maybe others could get it to work but there's only so many times I can order the software to import the JSON file, only so many times I can uninstall via and try vial again and then switch back to via. My computer recognizes it, the buttons activate random settings on my computer but cannot be programmed. Good hardware and software is intuitive and works at least 1/10 tries. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you buy this, and I won't ever buy another produce manufactured by Doio/Megalodon (Why does this button change the light on the macropad? Who knows. Not me. BECAUSE THERE IS NOT SO MUCH AS AN INFO CARD WITH THE PACKAGE) nor will I buy anything manufactured by their parent company. It looks good, seems to be made with quality instructions but like most of the weird products sold on Amazon Junior, the end product seemed to be the final goal with little-to-no thought about user experience.
dumbusername001This is soooooo true LOL, while I wouldn't say this is a total piece of scrap metal as it works after the chaotic time spent configuring the VIA json file, I think the manufacturer should totally spend more time on the info card and the setup steps. Sadly, this product could have been one of the best macro knob, but nahh.
I have lots of experience with this type of thing, and i cannot get the remap program to see this device at all. I have tried on a windows 11 machine and mac os machine. Both do not show the device for remap. Device works with shipped mappings.
FAIL
ForcemysunshinexI took delivery on Aug 29th 2024. Looks like the firmware was updated and the old JSON file does not work (Via v1.3.1). The manufacturer's page contains documentation and an updated JSON file that works with Via 3.0. Lighting control is supported.