Macro pads can offer you a fantastic way to execute macros or shortcuts in your favorite apps with just the click of a button. They work alongside your keyboard to enhance your work efficiency so that long strings of keystrokes don’t slow you down anymore.
Along with the hardware, the software is also of utmost importance here as that is what lets you create your desired macros.
To make your search easier, here is our roundup of the best macro pads so that you know which one is right for your needs.
Let’s get to know them in detail.
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Top 10 Best Macro Pads Reviews
In this section, we’ll go through our recommendations for macro pads and tell you about their features, strong points and drawbacks.
1. Razer Tartarus V2
Razer makes products geared towards gamers, and the Tartarus V2 is no different. So, if you are a gamer, you will want to try this one.
Along with its hyper futuristic design, you are getting 20 fully programmable buttons, a scroll wheel, and an analog d-pad.
The V2 uses Razer’s mecha-membrane switches. That means these are mostly your regular rubber domes that try to mimic (and succeed) fully mechanical switches. But what makes this product really stand out is the scroll wheel and thumb pad to make browsing through game menus or webpages effortless.
Other additional features include a proper wrist rest and full RGB customization. The software is Razer Synapse, and you can customize all the keys with it.
2. Ecarke USB Mini 3-Key Keypad
This 3-key macro pad is the smallest in our list but for the right user is still just as useful. You can just plug and play this device without the need for any software, but we recommend you take a look at the manual to know the default key bindings.
Ecarke used industry-standard Cherry MX switches to give you an amazing mechanical feel every time you execute a macro. The other prominent features are full customization through the SayoDevice software, Mouse mode, and full RGB.
The main drawback with this thing is that you have to configure it in windows first before using it on a mac. Other than that, we would like to see type-c instead of a micro USB connection.
3. Koolertron One-Handed Programmable Mechanical Keyboard
Our friends at Koolertron made this for users who need a ton of macro and shortcuts for their professional needs. With a hefty 48 fully programmable keys, you can create up to 8 macros with their bundled software. Each macro can have 31 character combination.
The built-in memory of this product makes it so that even if you change devices, your macro pad will retain all your shortcuts and work as intended without installing the software again. Another highlight is the fully mechanical key switch.
All that is great and all, but if you want something compact, the Koolertron is definitely not for you. Also, usage of Cherry MX switches instead of Gateron would have been nice.
4. Koolertron One-Handed Macro Mechanical Keyboard
From the makers of our last entry, this macro board clocks in at 9 keys, and they can be programmed as 8 web navigation buttons, 104 regular keyboard buttons, 8 multimedia shortcuts, and much much more.
A total of 24 macros, twelve of them can be sophisticated macros, while the other twelve control rapid macros. As many as 792 key commands are supported by macro functions, making them ideal for a wide range of applications life office, Adobe, or Autodesk suite.
Koolertron also offers the same memory function as the 48 key models, and with the software, you can even set 4 layers of configurations. This makes it ideal for MOBA and MMO gaming.
This thing lacks a few comforts like full RGB and Cherry MX switches but overall a very good pick.
5. Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Redragon has become a household name among gamers in recent years due to its amazing price to feature proportion. The K585 does not disappoint either. It basically is half a full-sized keyboard that can provide you with any functions. And it’s especially good for gaming.
With its detachable wrist rest, a 42 key layout, USB passthrough, hot-swappable outemu mechanical switches, 16.8 Million RGB backlighting, and ergonomic design with thumb clusters, we have no option but to recommend it. Although flashy looking, it excels at office work too.
Where the K585 falls short is the software department. It’s clunky, ancient-looking, and is not a joy to work with.
6. Motospeed Macro Mechanical Numeric Keypad
If you bought a fancy TKL, 75%, 65%, or even 60% keyboard but missing the Numpad, this one is for you. Right off the bat, this offering from Motospeed will bring you back to the Numpad and make your data entry job a breeze.
Offering 21 fully programmable keys, this sleek-looking, extremely portable macro pad has Outemu linear mechanical switches, on-the-fly RGB backlight control, and an angled ergonomic design. It can fit in perfectly on an office desk and offer you a great deal of functionality.
As for shortcomings, the software can be a lot better, while the sub-par abs keycaps and only linear switch options will also leave some users wanting more.
7. Elgato Stream Deck
As well as being one of the more expensive offerings from this list, the Elgato Stream Deck is also the most well-known and feature-packed one. Elgato designed this from the ground up to be a live streamer’s dream.
Every single one of the 15 buttons here has an LCD screen on top so that you can see what macro or shortcut is set in each of them. The Key Creator software is also industry-leading and works amazingly in the vast majority of productive software.
The key switches are not mechanical but still offer a tactile experience, and we will gladly give up mechanical switches to have those LCD screens that are so handy.
However, this is not for gaming, and if you need more than 15 buttons, you should look into the bigger ones from Elgato.
8. Koolertron One-Handed Macro Mechanical Keyboard
Koolertron makes yet another entry on this list with their 23 Key version of the Macro keyboard. This one also offers the same customizability as the previous Koolertron boards and also has built-in memory to store your shortcuts on board.
Other than that, we really like the design of this board. With the transparent acrylic stacked design with shine through keycaps and blue LEDs, this macro board looks as sleek as a block of ice sculpture.
If the lettered keycaps are not your thing, you will also find 23 blank black keycaps included. Koolertron also equipped this board with a detachable USB Type-C connection for maximum ease of use.
9. Max Keyboard Falcon-20 Programmable Macropad Mechanical Keyboard
The Falcon-20 may be the ideal alternative for you if you want something less expensive and smaller. Using Max Keyboard’s software, all 20 keys may be reprogrammed to perform anything you desire, including macros.
The Falcon-20 has full mechanical switches. Cherry MX Silent RGB, to be precise. This switch offers really good longevity and will not bother your colleagues with its sound.
We also really like this for its great build quality and full RGB backlight. Some users, however, might not prefer the design, and it’s not for gaming.
10. Koolertron Single-Handed Programmable Mechanical Keyboard
And finally, closing out the list is another offering from Koolertron with their 46 key model. This one looks almost indistinguishable from the 48 key skeu. The feature set is also just as robust with the same software and everything.
There is nothing really different or special here. The same sleek, professional look with blank black and white keycaps, Gateron mechanical switch, and the built-in memory features.
However, it also shares the drawbacks with other Koolertron boards.
Macro Pad Buying Guide
Now that you are familiar with some of the best macro pads in the market, you really need to know what to look for before buying one. Here are the most important considerations.
Number of Keys
This will be the most important denominator for the most users. Before zeroing on any macro pad, you should think how many macros you can fully utilize.
If you need just a couple to navigate around the desktop or full boards with 50 keys for full productivity mode in photoshop will heavily influence your purchase decision.
Professional or Gaming
Sub-categories aside, most macro keyboards fall under 2 categories. Gaming and professional. They are aesthetically very easily distinguishable, so you should also consider how it is going to look in your workspace.
For a heavy-duty gamer, we recommend the Razer or Redragon one. But professionals should steer clear of them.
Software
To reprogram and record macros for most pads, you’ll need to utilize software developed by the pad’s maker. Macro recording may be a difficult task, thus the company’s software should be simple to use.
Ergonomics
Spending long hours on your computer keyboard can be in issue for your health. The same goes for Macro pads. RSI or Carpal Tunnel is no joke, and you should invest in your health.
For this reason, a macro pad with a wrist rest might be beneficial for you. Other than that, look for a more comfortable design.
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Conclusion
Macro pads are considered to be a long-term investment, so always choose wisely. It is better to pay a bit more upfront than to be stuck with a sub-par product you have no use for. Let us know in the comments which one you think is the best macro pads out there.