DIY ESP32 Macro Keypad – 3D Printed, Fully Programmable, Custom Nameplates
This DIY ESP32 Macro Keypad is a compact and fully customizable 5-button controller designed for home automation, MQTT workflows, shortcuts, macros, and other creative projects.
The enclosure is entirely 3D printed, built around the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 and Gateron mechanical switches for a satisfying, reliable click.
Whether you're building a smart-home control pad, a small Stream-Deck-style hotkey board, or a dedicated automation remote, this model provides a clean and flexible starting point.
🔧 Features
- Fully 3D-printed enclosure (base housing, top cover, switch plate, and ESP32 retention clip)
- Programmable with ESP32-C3 (MQTT, Home Assistant, Homey, custom firmware, etc.)
- 5 mechanical switches for macros, commands, or scene triggers
- Customizable nameplates — edit the text directly in Bambu Studio to match your setup
- Easy wiring layout with space for clean cable routing
- Compact design suitable for desks, walls, or smart-home panels
- Supports both wired (USB-C) and wireless operation via WiFi
- The enclosure includes space for an 18650 Li-ion battery, allowing completely wireless use
🧩 Included Parts (STL Files)
- Base Housing
- Top Cover
- Switch Plate
- ESP32 Retention Clip
- Keycaps
- Editable Nameplates (two-color printable, text customizable in Bambu Studio)
📐 Dimensions
- Overall size: 100 × 65 × 25 mm
(Length × Width × Height, excluding keycaps)
🧾 Bill of Materials
- ESP32-C3 (Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3)
- Gateron Red mechanical switches – 5×
- M2×4 heat inserts – 5×
- M2×6 inbus bolts – 5×
- 18650 Li-ion battery (optional for wireless operation)
🖨️ Printing Notes
- Designed for FDM printers
- Prints well in PLA or PETG
- Nameplates are two-color and can be edited via Bambu Studio Text Plate
- No special supports needed for most parts
🔌 Assembly
The build is straightforward:
- Insert the heat inserts in the base housing
- Mount the ESP32-C3 using the retention clip
- Snap the switches into the switch plate
- Wire the switches to the microcontroller
- Close the enclosure using M2 bolts
- Add your custom keycaps and nameplates
Wiring can be done with simple direct GPIO inputs, or through matrix scanning depending on your firmware.
🎯 What can you use it for?
- Home Assistant / Homey buttons
- MQTT commands
- Smart-home scenes
- Keyboard macros
- Shortcut launcher
- A minimal DIY Stream Deck alternative
📝 Custom Nameplates
All nameplates are editable in Bambu Studio.
Simply select the text, type your own label (e.g. Lights, Fan, Music, Scenes, Tasks), and slice as a two-color print.
No external tools required.
Royal with Cheese
