Macro keyboards are mini programmable USB keyboards that can be pressed to trigger shortcuts, a sequence of keypresses etc. They can have several layers so switching to a different one will trigger different keypresses from the same key, so e.g. different IDEs can be represented.

I’ve just bought one with a view to setting up shortcuts for debugging. Each IDE has its own unique keys for navigating through the code, so I figure it’ll be nice to just press one key to start debugging and one key to step into instead of a combination of ctrl+whatever etc

Do you use one? If so, what do you use it for and what size do you use? Is it too big / too small?

  • hddsx@lemmy.ca
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    23 hours ago

    Alright I’ll have to give this a try. If it works (I’m already thinking about it) I’m going to make a custom keyboard.

    What I’m worried about is I want to go full Bluetooth, but I need the layer tap key to affect both sides

    • tankplanker@lemmy.world
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      23 hours ago

      From scratch? Or a kit?

      I’ve never tried a wireless keyboard (despiteowningmore than 50), still waiting on my Pearl three years after I ordered it lol, that would have been my first.

      All my splits are cabled, so it’s no issue for me.

      Another option is home row layer keys, duplicating the layer options in pairs so a and h, s and j, and so on so you have the same layer from each side.

      Smaller boards I use home row mods (control, super, and so on), and that works extremely well for me.