This macropad has enabled me to put a lot of PC shortcuts within arms reach. The compatibility with VIA makes this an incredibly flexible device, even more so with the many layers that are available on easy to switch to. The build quality is good and the metal top and plastic bottom housing compliment each other well.
Fantastic macropad, but it requires setup to work like a macropad should work. Specifically, out of the box it has outdated firmware that takes up a huge amount of space, leaving you with 787 BYTES of storage for your macros. With the macros I typically use, that's around four. Unacceptably small. There is a solution, increasing your storage to 2437 bytes, which is much more acceptable. Unfortunately, directions for upgrading firmware and using it seem to be scattered around the internet, so I'm attempting to summarize them below.
Step 1: flash with most updated firmware. Follow the directions here but flash with the firmware from Github (direct download link).
Note: there are two versions of this macropad, so you may need to flash with a different firmware. Check the Github here.
Step 2: once you've updated the firmware, it is VIAL compatible, so you can use this web interface: Vial Web or download the Vial app.
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Step 3: play around with your macropad! After updating, it has 12 layers, but only 4 are enabled. To enable others, you will have to assign a button. Note that as a default, clicking the upper right knob moves to the next layer using code "0x5001" in layer 0, "0x5002" in layer 1, "0x5003" in layer 2, and "0x5000" in layer 3, which returns to layer 0. Following this pattern, I changed the last digit to "4" in layer 3, "5" in layer 4, etc. Layer 10 is "a" and layer 11 is "b" as the board is hex based. (I also assigned the upper left knob such that it goes to the previous layer.) To input these codes, double click on the knobs, or whatever button you want to use, in VIAL.
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Note: reference to possible keycodes is available here.
Future project: I'm hoping to figure out how to edit the number of macros available. Default is 16, but reading the documentation available, it appears that you can increase this number, limited only by available storage. With the updated 2437 bytes, I think I could fit 48 macros in, but I have yet to figure out how to do so. Anyone want to help?
Other than not being ready out of the box, my only critique is the build quality seems a little lacking. My screen was slightly off-kilter, and the lack of under-board supports makes me question durability.
This thing comes in a box with a post card that tells you to go to www.usevia.app.
Either provide some documentation or point to a website that has documentation. Selling this thing is basically throwing it in someones lap and telling them "Good luck".
If you think you are going to hook this up to your system and start writing macros you are in for a bad surprise.
Take your $70 and go buy some shoes. This thing is a major disappointment.
The big knob on my unit will often incorrectly register rotations. You spin it one way, but it registers a spin in the opposite direction. And it can sometimes take three or more spins before you get one that registers correctly. The big knob is also a lot looser. The two smaller ones are great. Solid and accurate. But the big one wobbles.
Use it for art and programming and I love it, feels solid and the knobs are well made.
I used VIA for setting up binds and macros and had no trouble with any of it, instantly recognized.