Stream Cheap Hotkey Pad

Dave started streaming on Twitch, and noticed that many streamers that he follows use something called an Elgato Stream Deck. This device…

Jeremy Cook
6 years ago3D Printing

Dave started streaming on Twitch, and noticed that many streamers that he follows use something called an Elgato Stream Deck. This device includes 15 buttons, each of which can be customized, and even change what is on their keycaps, based on the situation. While a very interesting gadget, Dave didn’t really feel like spending $150 to buy one, and instead built his own simplified version that he dubbed the “Stream Cheap.”

For buttons, he used eight Cherry MX switches, along with keycaps that he personalized the “old fashioned” way, using a printer to crank out icons for each hotkey. The frame is 3D-printed, and supports the keys at a nice 20-degree angle for easy access during streaming.

Inside, the unit is powered by a 5V Arduino Pro Micro, which includes the ability to act as a HID device (keyboard) via its ATmega32U4 microcontroller. Rather than trying to find a hotkey that he wouldn’t accidentally press, he turned to the “secret” bank of F13-F24 keys that aren’t available on a standard keyboard, but can be recognized as hotkeys.

While it’s not a true substitute for an Elgato Deck, it does take care of Dave’s hotkey needs at a cost of around $20. He uses it for streaming, the design isn’t just limited to that application, and can be used for whatever set of programs you use the most. Full instructions/code can be found here, and print files for the housing are available on Thingiverse.

[h/t: Reddit]

Jeremy Cook
Engineer, maker of random contraptions, love learning about tech. Write for various publications, including Hackster!
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