Epomaker EK21 works with VIA for macros
, in the desire for performance, users can turn to macros as a way to succeed on their Mac. By pressing certain keys or key combinations on their keyboard, using the configuration software supplied by the manufacturer, the tasks can be accelerated.
they differ from the key combination, because you often have one action performed with key combinations. Macros, however, can be complicated enough to start several functions.
However, not everyone wants to spend time studying even more key combinations. That is why there are specialized products.
Elgato stream is convenient, but it can be expensive.
Elements such as the Deck Elgato Stream line are very useful, as you can configure the page behind the labeling page on applications that are quickly available and can be easily changed. Creative Console Logitech MX and Flexbar do the same, offering quick labels that are not stored on your keyboard.
The problem is that walking along this route can quickly dispense. The normal 159-shaped MK.2 deck is $ 149 on Amazon, which is quite expensive, while Deck Deck Neo is $ 96 with eight buttons, and the Mini Deck is $ 58 with only six buttons.
Creative Console Logitech MX is not an extremely better option if you do not want a mass dial, as it is 200 dollars as a package. Flexbar, which returns to the touch panel with terminated MacBook Pro models, is also a purchase that requires consideration of $ 179.
Find a cheaper way to get more macro, if you do not need bells, not so expensive.
The choice of equipment
the first thing to consider is what you are going to use for this impromptu macropade. The obvious choice is to get cheap from Amazon, which is probably in most cases perfectly consistent with the account.
The problem here is that you get specific software for the task. If you have a spare keyboard or Numpad, they will be able to do the same, but without additional costs.
Of course, you cannot use them directly as a macropade, since MacOS will try to use them for their alleged purposes. Pressing the key S on the second keyboard will do the same as the S on the first key.
In addition to an emergency, a spare keyboard can also become useful as a macropade.
If you need to buy hardware, the macropade may be in order, but you can save some money and just get a separate Numpad. You can get several cheap models for less than $ 20, even some versions of the brand are also a little more.
In this case, we will demonstrate with Epomaker EK21 Numpad.
Secondary Numpad or the keyboard would be an ideal addition. The only real difference will be how many macros you can prescribe from the number of physical keys.
We are going to discuss two ways to use your additional typing as a macropade. The first and possibly a more direct approach is to use the software that comes with your keyboard if this applies to you.
If you spend a sufficient amount of money on the keyboard, you often find that the manufacturer will have some kind of software that they want to load and install. All so that you can configure your peripheral device as you want it.
Sometimes it is a own application of the manufacturer, but for mechanical keyboards, this is often through an online tool for managing the keyboard.
in many manufacturers, as well as via there are options for determining the macros by recording your set or by introducing a script. Then you assign this macro key, and, importantly, you can do this at the level of the board.
The appointment of a macros for a key numpad in wia
you can configure all Numpad keys on the second physical Numpad for use for various short strokes, without affecting any keys on your primary keyboard.
The only disadvantage is that you are limited by the provided software in terms of which macros you can make and how much you can prescribe. In the case of Via, it can have up to 16 macros, which covers most of the 20 Numpad clips at hand.
This is a decent approach if you do not want to deal with additional software. It is also quite easy with him, and if this is available, most people should stay here.
But, as always, you can go deeper.
software-cabiner-elements
Carabiner-elements is an excellent piece of software with an open gambling software that you can get free on MacOS. It supports MacOS 13 Ventura for MacOS 26 Tahoe, as well as Intel and Apple Silicon Mac.
, like Via, Karabiner-Elements, this is a keyboard setting tool that allows you to make changes to how your keyboards work in MacOS.
it can also become very complicated, very quickly. Unlike VIA, it includes loading and a long installer, including the provision of various permits to MacOS.
falls into the tool, it gives you a huge opportunity to control all or specific keyboards connected to the MAC.
Adjusting key functions in karabiner-elements
On the other hand, you can choose simple modifications, and then a macropade, and then use the opening rooms to create elements. In this case, you can install Numpad No. 5 to move the mouse cursor to the center of your screen to find it quickly.
The real application key consists in the section of complex modifications, where you add rules for keys. In fact, these are macros and alternative teams of a label.
is convenient, the community surrounding Karabiner-Elements has already been a lot of rules, so you can simply upload the rules and apply them for many time.
there is also a whole language of scenarios available to determine the rules that you can assign to the key. If you have a really specific goal of the macros, and nothing else has reached it, it would be where you should look.
siri shortcuts
, while it should be applied in another way.
could use the Siri labels. Since you can assign a combination of keys to the Siri label, it is possible to have a whole macropade full of Siri labels, instead of manually running them or calling Siri.
In the MacOS application, open the shortcut for editing, then press the information icon on the right side. In the details section, select “Add the Clump combination” and add one there.
you probably will not be able to set a single press of the Numpad key from the secondary keyboard to start the label. What you can do is configure a completely new keyboard combination, and then use macro or rule to display this keyboard combination as a macro for the keyboard.
This is a circular way to conduct business, but it opens the world of new performance options for the right person.
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