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    PROJECT 03 • EMBEDDED HARDWARE & FIRMWARE

    Custom Macro Pad

    A custom-built 4x4 matrix keypad powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, designed to accelerate developer workflows through programmable shortcuts, complex macro execution, and per-profile RGB lighting.

    Hardware & Software Interface

    Custom 4x4 matrix physical macro pad designed with ESP32 for productivity shortcuts.
    01/07

    Custom 4x4 matrix physical macro pad designed with ESP32 for productivity shortcuts.

    Companion desktop software interface with multi-profile keymap configurations.
    01/07

    Companion desktop software interface with multi-profile keymap configurations.

    Profile selection and active keybinding matrix editor.
    01/07

    Profile selection and active keybinding matrix editor.

    Live device connection telemetry and event activity log.
    01/07

    Live device connection telemetry and event activity log.

    Custom Macro Editor for complex multi-key sequence automation.
    01/07

    Custom Macro Editor for complex multi-key sequence automation.

    V 1.2 — RGB backlighting color customization per profile.
    New
    01/07

    V 1.2 — RGB backlighting color customization per profile.

    V 1.2 — Integrated RGB color picker for full hardware customization.
    New
    01/07

    V 1.2 — Integrated RGB color picker for full hardware customization.

    Key Features

    Programmable 4x4 Matrix Keypad

    16 mechanical key switches with hardware debouncing and sub-millisecond interrupt response.

    Multi-Profile Management

    Switch seamlessly between multiple custom profiles for coding, media editing, and gaming.

    Hardware Macro Storage

    Non-volatile EEPROM memory retains keybinds on the hardware without requiring companion apps.

    Per-Key RGB Lighting

    Customizable addressable RGB LEDs with custom color palettes and visual profile feedback.

    USB HID Plug-and-Play

    Standard USB HID keyboard protocol compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    Companion Desktop App

    Clean graphical configurator for creating multi-key keystrokes, delays, and launch scripts.

    Ultimate Macro Recording System

    Seamlessly record complex keystroke sequences with full timing precision and repeat loops.

    Custom Macro Chat Injector

    Automatically inject any pre-configured chat messages or text snippets with a single key press.

    Smart Trigger & Delay Engine

    Assign timed delays, repeat loops, and conditional logic to any macro sequence.

    Optimized for Gamers & Creators

    Adaptable workflow automations whether gaming, streaming, coding, or content creation.

    Technical Specifications

    SpecificationValue
    Hardware ControllerESP32-WROOM-32
    Firmware LanguageC / C++ (Arduino Core / FreeRTOS)
    Companion SoftwareNode.js + Electron Desktop GUI
    Frontend (GUI)Bootstrap 5
    Key Matrix4x4 Matrix (16 Mechanical Switches)
    ProtocolUSB HID Keyboard Emulation
    ConnectivityWiFi (OTA updates) + USB
    LightingAddressable WS2812B RGB LEDs
    PowerUSB powered with low-power standby mode

    Development Process

    1. 01

      Hardware design and PCB layout planning for 4x4 switch matrix

    2. 02

      Firmware development with hardware debouncing and matrix scanning

    3. 03

      EEPROM-based profile storage implementation

    4. 04

      GUI application development for keymap configuration

    5. 05

      RGB subsystem integration with per-profile color management

    6. 06

      Extensive testing and cross-platform refinement

    7. 07

      Planning next version: custom 3D-printed enclosure with mechanical switches, scroll wheels, and integrated display

    Ishara Mewan
    Full Stack Developer, Mobile App Developer & DevOps
    © 2026 Ishara Mewan. All rights reserved.