Visual macropad editor
Buttons and rotary knobs / encoders match your layout. Photoreal keycaps, per-layer LED glow, and clear selection states.
Windows · macropad · macro keypad · Free + Pro
The easy-to-use macropad & macro keypad toolkit that just works
Program CH57x macropads and programmable mechanical macro keyboards on Windows — including cheap AliExpress keypads with knobs, rotary encoders, and OLED. Click a key, assign text, shortcuts, media, or recorded macros — then upload. No fuss.
Works with real hardware
CH57x macropads · 8840 · 8890 · cheap AliExpress pads
Built for real macropads & macro keypads
Everything you need to program a CH57x macropad or cheap programmable mechanical macro keyboard — keys, knobs, encoders, multi-step macros — in a dark, hardware-faithful editor.
Multiple input modes
Type macros as text, capture a keystroke, record a timed sequence, pick media keys, or reuse library entries.
Named macro library
Save friendly labels for macros. Names restore after “Read from device” when the macro text matches.
Read & upload
Pull the current map from a connected pad, edit offline, then write it back over USB when you’re ready.
LED control
Apply backlight modes and colors (model-dependent) straight from Settings — no separate utility required.
YAML import / export
Compatible with the CLI mapping format. Share configs, back them up, or version-control your layouts.
From box to programmed pad
Five minutes if your layout matches the hardware.
Install
Run the free Setup.exe. Self-contained — no separate .NET runtime. Install UsbDk for USB programming.
Match layout
In Settings, set model, rows, columns, and knobs to match your physical pad.
Assign macros
Pick a key or knob, enter a macro (or record one), optional key name, then Apply.
Upload
Connect over USB and hit Upload to device. Session auto-saves for next launch.
Simple pricing
Start free. Upgrade once when you need every layer and a bigger library — no subscription.
Free
Try the full workflow on Layer 1
$0
forever
Download and install anytime
- ✓ Visual editor, all input modes
- ✓ Read & upload over USB
- ✓ LED control (layer 1)
- ✓ YAML load / save
- ✓ Layer 1 editing
- ✓ Up to 10 library items
- – Layers 2 & 3
- – Unlimited library
Pro
Unlock the whole pad
$12
one-time
Lifetime license · personal use
- ✓ Everything in Free
- ✓ Layers 1, 2 & 3
- ✓ Unlimited macro library
- ✓ LED on any layer
- ✓ Priority feature consideration
- ✓ Support independent development
After purchase via Stripe, your license key is sent by email. Open the app → Settings → License, paste the key, and Save. Questions? ch57xkeypad@gmail.com
Download
Windows 10/11 · x64 · single Setup.exe installer
CH57x Keypad Toolbox
One installer file. Run CH57xKeypadToolbox-Setup.exe, pick a folder, get Start Menu / uninstall entries. On most PCs that already have .NET 8 Desktop Runtime (x64) it just works; install that free runtime once if Windows asks for it.
- Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
- .NET 8 Desktop Runtime if not already installed
- UsbDk for USB programming
- Keypad on USB while reading / uploading
The installer is self-signed (publisher: CH57x Keypad). Chrome or Windows may still show a warning — choose Keep / More info → Run anyway if you trust this site. Support: ch57xkeypad@gmail.com.
Download Setup.exe
CH57xKeypadToolbox-Setup.exe
~3 MB · signed installer
Already using free? Get ProFAQ
Short answers to the questions we get most.
Which keyboards are supported?
CH57x-based macropads and macro keypads — models such as ch57x-1 (VID 1189 / PID 8840, 8842, 8850), ch57x-2 (8890), and ch57x-3. That covers many cheap AliExpress / Amazon programmable mechanical macro keyboards with knobs, rotary encoders, and sometimes OLED. Set model and layout in Settings to match your hardware.
Will this work with my AliExpress / cheap macropad?
If the pad is a CH57x-style USB macropad or macro keypad (common “programmable mechanical macro keyboard” listings with mini keys and encoder knobs), yes — use the matching model (ch57x-1 / 2 / 3) and rows, columns, and knob count. Many low-cost pads from AliExpress use the same chips and protocol.
Does it support knobs, encoders, and OLED pads?
Yes for knobs and rotary encoders: map clockwise, counter-clockwise, and press actions per layer. OLED screens are driven by the hardware firmware; this toolbox programs the key and encoder macros (and LED modes where the device supports them).
Why do I need UsbDk?
Programming the pad uses low-level USB access. On Windows, UsbDk provides that path — the same requirement as the original open-source command-line tools.
What does Free include?
Full editor workflow on Layer 1, up to 10 saved library items, read/upload, YAML, and LED for layer 1. Layers 2–3 and unlimited library require Pro.
How do I activate Pro?
Buy a license, then enter the key under Settings → License in the app and Save. Limits unlock immediately — no reinstall needed.
Is this a subscription?
No. Pro is a one-time purchase for a personal license.
Can I use my existing YAML maps?
Yes. Load from File / Save to File uses the same mapping format as the CLI port of ch57x-keyboard-tool.
How do I get support?
Email ch57xkeypad@gmail.com for license questions, hardware issues, or feature feedback. Include your Windows version and keypad model (VID/PID if you know it) when reporting a problem.
Ready to program your macropad?
Free Windows software for macro keypads, cheap AliExpress pads, and programmable keyboards with knobs. Upgrade to Pro when you need every layer.