TTB White LOGO TB
  • News
  • PC & Hardware
  • Mobiles
  • Gaming
  • Electronics
  • Gadget
  • Reviews
  • How To
Trending
Android’s Messaging Glow-Up: Rewrites to iPhones Now Possible
WhatsApp Ad Integration Marks Meta’s Next AI Ad Push
Grammarly Enters Email AI Space After Acquiring Superhuman
How to Use iOS 18 Journal App for Smarter Journaling
Apple Budget MacBook with iPhone A18 Pro Chip: 2026 Launch
Thursday, Jul 3, 2025
The Tech BasicThe Tech Basic
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • News
  • PC & Hardware
  • Mobiles
  • Gaming
  • Electronics
  • Gadget
  • Reviews
  • How To
Follow US
macOS
The Tech Basic > How To > How to Repurpose Old Keyboards as macOS Shortcut Macropads
How To

How to Repurpose Old Keyboards as macOS Shortcut Macropads

Salman Akhtar
Last updated: 2 July 2025 04:24
Salman Akhtar
Share
Image Source: Drop
SHARE

Keyboard shortcuts are used by many users to accelerate their work on a Mac. A MacPad can go further to execute more actions with a single key. Dedicated devices can be costly. A standard Elgato Stream Deck costs more than a hundred dollars. A cheap numpad or extra keyboard can perform the same role for a fraction of the price.

Contents
Choosing your hardwareUsing manufacturer software or ViaGoing deeper with Karabiner‑ElementsAdding Siri Shortcuts to a macropadTips for smooth setup
macOS
Image Source: AppleInsider

Choosing your hardware

Any extra USB or Bluetooth keyboard works for macropad use. A small number pad is compact and offers ten keys plus a few modifiers. Some wired numpads retail for under twenty dollars. If you already have an old keyboard or numpad lying around, you save even more money.

Using manufacturer software or Via

Many keyboards come with configuration apps that let you record macros. Mechanical keyboard fans often use the free Via tool to remap keys and record sequences. In most apps, you simply select the secondary keyboard and assign a macro to each key. This method works without installing extra apps and supports up to sixteen macros for most numpads.

Going deeper with Karabiner‑Elements

Karabiner‑Elements is a powerful, free tool for macOS that can remap any key across all connected keyboards. After granting required permissions, you can set simple key changes or define complex rules. Complex rules let you trigger multi‑step scripts or mouse movements. Community‑published rules are available online, or you can write your own using the built‑in scripting syntax.

Adding Siri Shortcuts to a macropad

You can expand your MacPad’s power by linking keys to Siri Shortcuts. In the Shortcuts app on macOS, open a shortcut and add a keyboard shortcut under Details. Then remap a numpad key to that shortcut using your macropad software or Karabiner‑Elements. This unlocks tasks like smart reminders or app automation with a single press.

macOS
Image Source: XDA Developers

Tips for smooth setup

Test each key assignment in Notes or TextEdit first to confirm it does not conflict with your main keyboard. Keep a small reference sheet of your macros until they become familiar. Back up your Karabiner‑Elements or Via profiles to iCloud so you can restore them on a new Mac.

Using a spare keyboard or numpad as a macropad on macOS lets you create a highly personalized control panel without major expense. The combination of free, open‑source tools and low‑cost hardware gives everyone access to professional‑level shortcuts and automations. Once your setup feels natural, you will wonder how you ever worked without it.

TAGGED:AppleiOS
Share This Article
Facebook Reddit Copy Link Print
Share
Salman Akhtar
By Salman Akhtar
View enlightening tech pieces written by S. Dyemazandria. Keep up with the most recent news, advice, and trends in the field of technology.

Let's Connect

FacebookLike
XFollow
PinterestPin
InstagramFollow
Google NewsFollow
FlipboardFollow

Popular Posts

Android

Android’s Messaging Glow-Up: Rewrites to iPhones Now Possible

Salman Akhtar
WhatsApp

WhatsApp Ad Integration Marks Meta’s Next AI Ad Push

Salman Akhtar
Grammarly

Grammarly Enters Email AI Space After Acquiring Superhuman

Salman Akhtar
iOS 18 Journal App

How to Use iOS 18 Journal App for Smarter Journaling

Salman Akhtar

You Might Also Like

A18 Pro Chip
News

Apple Budget MacBook with iPhone A18 Pro Chip: 2026 Launch

Apple Watch
News

Google Keep leaves Apple Watch users without quick notes

Apple Siri
News

Apple’s Siri Rescue Plan: Outsourcing AI to OpenAI or Anthropic After Years of Struggle

Apple Music
News

How to Find Your Most-Played Songs of All Time on Apple Music

Social Networks

Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Pinterest Rss

Company

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Contact Us

Policies

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
Latest
AI Arms Race Heats Up as Meta Unveils Superintelligence Labs
MacBook with A18 Pro Chip Spotted in macOS 15 Code
Spotify Gives Discover Weekly More Control With New Genre Picks
Apple Vision Pro M5 Chip: 2025 Launch, Roadmap Details
YouTube Raises Livestream Age to 16: New 2025 Rules

© 2024 The Tech Basic INC. 700 – 2 Park Avenue New York, NY.

TTB White LOGO TB
Follow US
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?