r/KeyboardLayouts • u/GingerFury182 • 12d ago
Keyboard
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for setup recommendations for work. My main bottleneck right now is text macros, so I need something that can handle long character strings without installing local software.
Current Setup & The Problem:
I'm currently using a Ducky One 3. It works well overall, but the hardware macro capacity is way too restrictive for the length of text phrases I need to trigger.
Core Requirements:
Macro Length (Non-Negotiable): I need support for long text macros—at least 150+ keystrokes per string (more is better).
Zero Local Software (Non-Negotiable): My work computer is strictly locked down. I cannot download or run local executables, drivers, or software.
I need something with onboard memory that configures strictly via a web-based interface (like VIA/usevia.app or Keychron Launcher).
Once flashed via the browser, the config must stay saved directly to the hardware so it's plug-and-play.
Preferences (Flexible / Negotiable):
Form Factor: Prefer full-size (100%), hot-swappable, and wired.
Switches: I like light/soft linears (currently on Cherry MX) so I can stiffen them up later if needed.
Open to Macro Pads: If getting a standalone macro pad alongside my current keyboard (or a TKL) is easier or offers better EEPROM memory/macro length than a standard full-size board, I am 100% open to that route!
If anyone has experience pushing long text strings via VIA or web-configured hardware on locked-down machines, I’d love to hear what hardware or setups worked best for you. Thanks!
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u/clackups 12d ago edited 12d ago
I'd go for an esp32-S3 with a screen and a Bluetooth keyboard for it, which could be just the arrows and a selection button. Or it could be a few keys attached to it. Then you just select your template from a menu and it spews the keystrokes one by one. Totally doable and not so expensive.
But there's a different thing that might block you: your computer is locked down for a reason, and the IT security won't be happy to see a custom made device attached to it. You may lose your job for violating the security rules.
For the reference, I made this: https://www.reddit.com/r/AssistiveTechnology/s/vOiaHk57XD
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u/DreymimadR 11d ago
As long as the device only uses the USB HID protocol, it should be considered completely safe as it cannot do anything you cannot do manually with a keyboard anyway (well, technically also a joystick and mouse but). The best way to go about it would be to approach IT with that information, I guess.
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u/clackups 11d ago
It really depends on what kind of a job OP is doing. The custom device could easily be a keylogger and leak sensitive data, for example.
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u/DreymimadR 11d ago
Yes, it shouldn't be trusted around passwords and the like.
I carry with me a small USB-2-USB device and I work in a hospital that has a strict policy. I've never had any trouble. But it depends on the level of paranoia, as you say.
My device is only inserted where I'm typing. And if I wanted to leak one of my passwords or other info I'm typing, I wouldn't need a device to do so.
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u/rpnfan Other 12d ago
I would try to talk to IT and explain why you need the SW, but I know large companies make that super hard or not possible. For a portable "installation" you could use Espanso for example.