HackMan3D Control Deck — Build Your Own Programmable Macro Controller
I am proud to introduce the HackMan3D Control Deck, or HCD: a fully customizable macro controller designed for 3D printing and compatible with both Windows and macOS.
The HCD was created to be affordable, practical and accessible. You do not need programming experience or Arduino IDE: the official firmware and flashing tools are built directly into the HackMan3D Control Deck desktop application.
https://github.com/HackMan3D/Hackman3D-Control-Deck
Main features
9 mechanical MX switches arranged in a 3Ă—3 grid
Separate short-press and long-press actions
Up to 18 programmable functions
Red computer-connection indicator
White front light activated when a key is pressed
Independent brightness adjustment for both lights
USB connection
Windows and macOS support
Multiple customizable profiles
Profile import, export, duplication and backup
Automatic device detection
Integrated firmware installation and updates
Background operation
No Arduino IDE required
What can the HCD control?
Each physical key can execute one action with a short press and a different action with a long press.
Available actions include:
Copy, paste and cutUndo and redo
Launch an application
Open a file or folder
Open a website
Type predefined text
Execute a custom keyboard shortcut
Increase or decrease speaker volume
Mute the speakers
Mute the microphone
Control media playback
Increase or decrease screen brightness
Lock the computer
Put the computer to sleep
Restart the computer
Shut down the computer
The available shortcuts and system commands automatically adapt to Windows or macOS.
Profiles
The application supports multiple profiles for different workflows, such as:
3D printingCAD and 3D modeling
Video editing
Streaming
Office work
Gaming
Internet browsing
Music and media control
Profiles can be created, renamed, duplicated and deleted.
They can also be imported or exported to:
Create backupsShare a configuration
Transfer settings to another computer
Create variants for different applications
Profiles are stored separately for each connected HCD model.
Custom keycaps
The downloadable project files include 52 ready-to-print custom keycaps, featuring a selection of letters, numbers, symbols, application icons and commonly used shortcuts.
A blank, logo-free keycap is also included in editable STEP format. This allows every maker to create their own personalized keycaps while preserving the correct dimensions and Cherry MX-compatible mounting system.
You can use the STEP file to:
Add text, letters or numbersAdd symbols for common shortcuts
Add your own logo
Create application icons
Engrave a design into the keycap
Create raised details
Adapt the model in your preferred CAD software
Export your customized version for 3D printing
You are encouraged to share your own keycap creations here so that other members of the community can download, print and use them.
This makes it possible to create a completely personalized set of keys for your own workflow.
For printing with a 0.4 mm nozzle, make sure engraved or raised details are large and thick enough to remain clearly visible after slicing.
Required electronic components
To build one HCD, you will need:
1 Ă— Arduino Pro Micro USB-CATmega32U4, 5 V / 16 MHz version
9 Ă— affordable Cherry MX-compatible mechanical switches
9 Ă— MX-compatible keycaps
2 Ă— IRLB8721 N-channel MOSFETs
1 Ă— 5 mm red LED
Approximately 5 cm of white 5 V COB LED strip
4 × 100 Ω resistors
Thin electrical wire
Heat-shrink tubing
1 Ă— USB-C data cable
Make sure the USB-C cable supports data transfer. A charging-only cable may power the controller but will not allow firmware installation or communication with the application.
Required screws
4 Ă— M2Ă—10 screws for the feet
3 Ă— M2Ă—10 screws for the Cherry MX switch support
4 Ă— M3Ă—8 screws for the Arduino and MOSFET supports
2 Ă— M2Ă—4 screws for the front light cover
Total screw requirements:
7 Ă— M2Ă—104 Ă— M3Ă—8
2 Ă— M2Ă—4
The front white-light cover should be printed using white, transparent or translucent filament.
The red connection LED does not require a diffuser or separate cover.
Estimated component cost
When calculating only the quantity of each component actually used and choosing affordable MX-compatible switches:
Pro Micro USB-C: approximately €5.009 affordable MX-compatible switches: approximately €3.60
2 IRLB8721 MOSFETs: approximately €1.20
Red LED: approximately €0.10
5 cm white COB strip: approximately €0.30
4 resistors: approximately €0.10
Complete screw set: approximately €1.20
Wire and heat-shrink tubing: approximately €0.50
USB-C data cable: approximately €2.50
Estimated total: approximately €15.
This estimate does not include:
3D-printed partsFilament
Tools
Solder
Shipping costs
Unused components remaining from multipacks
Key wiring
Each mechanical switch is connected between its assigned Pro Micro pin and the common GND connection.
Key 1 → D4Key 2 → D3
Key 3 → D2
Key 4 → D7
Key 5 → D6
Key 6 → D5
Key 7 → D10
Key 8 → D9
Key 9 → D8
The firmware uses the Pro Micro’s internal INPUT_PULLUP resistors. No external resistor is required for the nine switches.
All grounds must be connected together.
Lighting wiring
The red connection LED and white front light are controlled independently using two IRLB8721 MOSFETs.
Red connection-light MOSFET gate → A3/D21White key-feedback MOSFET gate → TX/D1
For each MOSFET:
Connect the assigned Arduino output to the MOSFET gate through a 100 Ω resistor.Connect the MOSFET source to GND.
Connect the MOSFET drain to the negative side of the light.
Connect the positive side of the light to 5 V.
Make sure the lights and Arduino share a common ground.
With the printed face of the IRLB8721 pointing toward you:
Pin 1 → GatePin 2 → Drain
Pin 3 → Source
The red LED uses two 100 Ω resistors connected in series, providing a total resistance of approximately 200 Ω.
The white COB strip must be a 5 V model with integrated current limiting. Do not add another series resistor if the strip is designed to operate directly from 5 V.
No additional MOSFET gate pull-down resistor is used in the validated HCD assembly.
How the lights work
The red LED does not simply indicate that the Arduino is receiving power.
It turns on only when:
The application detects the HCDCommunication with the computer is working
The application heartbeat is active
The application regularly sends an HCD_PING message, and the controller replies with HCD_PONG.
If the application is closed or stops responding, the red connection LED turns off after approximately three seconds.
The white front light turns on when any key is pressed, but only while the HCD is connected to the application.
If several keys are held simultaneously, the white light remains on until every key has been released. A minimum lighting duration can also be configured in the application.
The brightness of the red connection LED and the white feedback light can be adjusted independently.
Firmware installation
Arduino IDE is not required.
The official HCD firmware and flashing tools are included in the desktop application.
Installation procedure:
Print all required HCD parts.Assemble the enclosure and switch support.
Complete the wiring according to the supplied diagram.
Install the HackMan3D Control Deck application on Windows or macOS.
Connect the Pro Micro using a USB-C data cable.
Open the firmware manager in the application.
Select the HCD firmware.
Click Install firmware.
Wait for the upload and automatic reconnection.
Create a profile and assign actions to the nine keys.
Users do not need to install Arduino IDE, AVRDUDE or any additional development software.
Using the application
The desktop application provides a visual representation of the physical controller.
To configure a key:
Select or create a profile.Click one of the nine keys in the visual preview.
Open the short-press tab.
Choose an action.
Optionally configure a different long-press action.
Test the action directly from the editor.
Depending on the selected action, the application can automatically display the name and icon of an application or website.
You can also drag an application directly from Finder or Windows Explorer onto a key.
Available application features
The Windows and macOS application includes:
Automatic HCD detectionVisual 3D controller preview
Short-press and long-press configuration
Automatic saving of selected actions
Action testing
Conflict detection
Profile creation and duplication
Profile import and export
Complete backup and restoration
Application drag-and-drop
Automatic application icon extraction
Website icon retrieval
Custom icons
Integrated firmware installation
Firmware update notifications
Diagnostic page
Real-time key activity display
Real-time connection and feedback-light display
Adjustable minimum feedback-light duration
Independent lighting brightness controls
Background operation
Optional local usage statistics
Multiple interface languages
The application does not record the content of shortcuts, typed text, website addresses or application names in its optional statistics.
Background operation
The application must remain open for the HCD to execute computer-side actions and maintain its heartbeat connection.
It does not need to remain visible on the desktop.
On macOS, the application can remain active in the menu bar.
On Windows, it can remain active in the notification area.
The main window can therefore be hidden while profiles, shortcuts and lighting continue to work.
macOS permissions
Some system actions and keyboard shortcuts require macOS Accessibility or Automation permission.
If a shortcut does not work:
Open macOS System Settings.Go to Privacy & Security.
Open Accessibility or Automation.
Enable HackMan3D Control Deck.
Restart the application if necessary.
These permissions are controlled by macOS and are required for the application to send keyboard shortcuts and system commands.
About the project
The HackMan3D Control Deck is designed, developed, tested and shared free of charge.
The project includes:
The 3D enclosure design52 ready-to-print custom keycaps
The blank, editable keycap STEP file
Mechanical prototypes
Electronics testing
Arduino firmware
Windows application
macOS application
Integrated firmware installation
Automatic device detection
Profile management
Shortcut and system-action support
Firmware and application updates
Interface translations
Wiring diagrams
Assembly documentation
Ongoing testing and improvements
Feedback is extremely valuable.
If you encounter a problem or have an improvement idea, contact me at:
Community support and donations
The HackMan3D Control Deck is shared free of charge.
Donations are completely optional, but they help support:
Electronic componentsPrototype manufacturing
Test prints and failed iterations
Development boards and displays
Windows and macOS testing
Firmware development
Application development
Documentation
Future HCD versions
The application contains one community progress bar ranging from 0% to 100%.
The first milestone represents the development of HCD Plus.
The final milestone represents the development of HCD Pro.
HCD Pro progress begins only after the HCD Plus milestone has been reached.
Users can only see the resulting percentage.
Donation amounts and financial targets are never displayed.
The public update file contains only a percentage.
The source code does not expose donation totals.
The application does not collect or process payments.
The support button only opens the external HackMan3D PayPal page.
Support the project here:
You can also help without making a donation by:
Posting your completed HCDSharing the project
Leaving a comment
Reporting a problem
Suggesting improvements
Following HackMan3D on social media
Creating tutorials or demonstration videos
Creating and sharing your own custom keycaps
Every build, share, comment and piece of feedback helps the project move forward.
Upcoming projects
HCD Plus — In development
HCD Plus is planned to include:
12 physical mechanical keysUp to 24 functions using short and long presses
2 clickable rotary controls
Speaker-volume control
Microphone-volume control
Brightness control
Red connection indicator
White action-feedback light
Configuration through the same Windows and macOS application
Integrated firmware installation
HCD Pro — In development
HCD Pro is planned to include:
A 7-inch capacitive touchscreen28 programmable touch buttons with one vertical slider, or
24 programmable touch buttons with two vertical sliders
Application and action icons displayed directly on the screen
Profiles and icons synchronized over USB
Customizable screen colors
Speaker, microphone and brightness sliders
White action-feedback light
Configuration through the same Windows and macOS application
Integrated firmware installation
These versions are still development projects. The standard HCD remains the recommended model to build.
Downloads
Download the latest Windows and macOS versions of the HackMan3D Control Deck application:
https://github.com/HackMan3D/Hackman3D-Control-Deck/releases/latest
Source code, firmware and technical documentation:
https://github.com/HackMan3D/Hackman3D-Control-Deck
HackMan3D links
Creality Cloud:
https://www.crealitycloud.com/user/5221417142
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@hackman3d
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hackman_3dprint/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@hackman3D
Contact:
Support:
Thank you to everyone who prints, tests, comments, shares or supports this project. Every contribution helps improve the HCD and develop its future versions.
#HackMan3D #ControlDeck #HCD #MacroPad #Arduino #ProMicro #ATmega32U4 #DIY #OpenSource #3DPrinting #CrealityCloud #Maker #Electronics #MechanicalKeyboard #Windows #macOS
HackMan3D Control Deck-Build Your Own Controller
by HackMan3D · original on Printables ↗
Gadgets / Computers
♥ 1.0k⬇ 560🖨 0 prints
Print profiles
led-holder.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
pushled-rear.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
pushled-cache.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
foot.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
grip+spacer.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
cage.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
bottom.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
body.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Edge.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
After_Effects.3mfDEFAULT
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Canva.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
ChatGPT.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Blender.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Chrome.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Inkscape.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Apple_TV.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
App_Store.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Calendrier.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Gmail.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Apple_Music.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Bambu_Studio.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Premiere_Pro.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
VLC.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Illustrator.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Netflix.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Zoom.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Perplexity.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Discord.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Visual_Studio_Code.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Dropbox.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Opera.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
GitHub.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Google_Drive.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Excel.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Safari.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Creality_Print.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Photos.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Word.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Spotify.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Explorateur_Windows.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Prime_Video.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
SolidWorks.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Finder.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Teams.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Steam.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Notion.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Terminal.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
PrusaSlicer.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
WhatsApp.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Messages.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Fusion_360.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
OBS_Studio.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Firefox.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Outlook.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FaceTime.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
PowerPoint.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Telegram.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Photoshop.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Slack.3mf
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print