If you press the same key combinations dozens of times a day, a macro keypad will save you more time than almost any other desk upgrade. It's a small extra keyboard with a handful of keys, and you decide what each key does: a shortcut, a whole string of keystrokes, media controls or a launch button for an app.
Here's what a macro keypad is, who it's for, and 12 shortcuts worth putting on one.
What is a macro keypad?
A macro keypad (also called a macro pad or mini keyboard) is a compact keyboard with a few programmable keys. Instead of reaching for Ctrl + Shift + something, you press one key. A "macro" is simply a recorded sequence of key presses that the keypad sends for you.
Our 6-Key RGB Mechanical Macro Keypad is a good example of the format: six mechanical keys, RGB lighting, a wired USB connection and support for Windows, macOS and Linux. It works as soon as you plug it in, and you set your own key functions with its configuration software.
Who actually needs one?
- Office work and school – copy, paste, undo and screenshots on dedicated keys, so you're not doing finger gymnastics all day.
- Video and photo editing – cut, ripple delete, play/pause and export on one hand while the other stays on the mouse.
- Streaming – switch scenes, mute your mic or start a clip without alt-tabbing.
- Rhythm games like osu! – a small keypad with mechanical switches is comfortable for fast tapping, and you can keep it separate from your main keyboard.
- Coding – run, build, comment a line, or open the terminal with one press.
12 shortcuts worth putting on a macro keypad
With six keys you have room for one focused set. Pick the shortcuts you use most, or set up different profiles for work and play.
For everyday work
- Copy (Ctrl+C / Cmd+C) and Paste (Ctrl+V / Cmd+V) – the obvious pair, and the one you'll use most.
- Undo (Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z) – one key to fix mistakes.
- Screenshot of an area – Win+Shift+S on Windows or Cmd+Shift+4 on a Mac.
- Clipboard history – Win+V on Windows shows everything you've copied recently.
- Reopen a closed tab – Ctrl+Shift+T in most browsers.
- Lock your computer – Win+L or Ctrl+Cmd+Q on a Mac, for when you step away.
For media and calls
- Play/pause and next track – control music without leaving your game or document.
- Volume up and down – faster than hunting for the slider.
- Mute your mic in Discord – Discord's default toggle is Ctrl+Shift+M on Windows; put it on a key you can hit without looking.
For creators and streamers
- Switch OBS scenes – assign a hotkey to each scene in OBS settings, then map those hotkeys to keypad keys.
- Cut at the playhead – the razor or split shortcut in your editor, so you can cut on the beat.
- Text snippets – a macro that types your email address, a stream link or a code you send often.
How to set it up in 10 minutes
- Write down your top six. For a day, notice which shortcuts you use most. Those go on the keypad.
- Group by hand position. Put the keys you press together next to each other, for example copy and paste side by side.
- Program the keys in the keypad's configuration software and save the profile.
- Use the lighting as a label. Give related keys the same color so you can find them without looking.
- Try it for a week. If you never press a key, swap it for something else.
Macro keypad vs. a gaming keyboard with macro keys
Some keyboards have extra macro keys built in. A separate keypad has two advantages: you can put it wherever your hand naturally rests (left of the keyboard, next to the mouse, or on a drawing tablet desk), and it moves with you if you change keyboards. It's also a much cheaper upgrade than a new keyboard.
Quick answers
Does a macro keypad work on Mac?
Our 6-key keypad works with Windows, macOS and Linux. Use Cmd instead of Ctrl in your shortcuts on a Mac.
Is a macro keypad allowed in games?
Using a key to send one input is the same as pressing a key on your keyboard. Some competitive games don't allow macros that automate several actions, so check the rules of the game you play.
Is a 6-key keypad enough?
For most people, yes. Six keys cover the shortcuts you use most without turning into another keyboard you have to memorize.
Want fewer keyboard gymnastics? Take a look at the 6-Key RGB Macro Keypad, or browse the rest of our desk setup gear, like the 100W braided USB-C cable that switches itself off when your phone is full. And if your desk needs better light too, see our gaming room lighting guide.
