This Handy Computer Gadget Will Speed Up Your Daily Tasks

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One of the most underrated gadgets for PC users is probably not what you’d expect. It has to do with hotkeys, or macros. Keyboards are great, and while you can buy them with a ton of unique hotkeys, like media-specific keys to change tracks, what can really save you time is knowing all the shortcuts, like Alt+Tab to switch between open windows or Alt+F4 to force close the current app. There is a device you can use that specifically allows you to create these shortcuts, called macros, so you can simply press a button and call on an application, game, or action of some kind. They’re referred to as macro pads or stream decks, and they’re one of the most useful USB gadgets you can find on Amazon.

Stream decks are so named because they allow streamers to quickly call upon frequently used actions in the middle of livestreams. The Elgato Stream Deck is one of the more popular examples in this category, and there’s even an Elgato USB foot pedal that works the same way to deploy actions. But Elgato isn’t the only company that offers devices like this. Keychron, a popular keyboard maker, offers the Q0 Plus, a wired number pad keyboard with macro support. The Glorious GMMK macro pad is remarkably similar. For a more industrial vibe, X-keys sells the XK-3, a tiny three-input USB controller you can map to macros.

So, there are a lot of options. But what truly makes them convenient is the ability to customize your macros. That means you can designate apps or actions to be carried out when you press a specific button. Like, say, opening Adobe Photoshop to edit photos with a quick tap or calling upon a game booster tool while you’re in the middle of a play session.

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While macro pads are especially popular with streamers, video editors, and gamers, they can be a boon for just about anyone’s workflow. Being able to call upon your most used apps or tasks with the push of a button, fully customizable to your workflows, is a productivity game-changer. If you find yourself constantly working with a particular application, closing or minimizing it to do other tasks, you could set a macro button to bring it up.

You could also simplify common keyboard combinations. For example, to copy and paste, you’d normally press Ctrl+C and then Ctrl+V, but you could program a macro pad button to do both of those at once. Macro pads can fully automate repetitive tasks that you can call on with a single press, which would significantly enhance your daily workflows. Instead of mashing a series of buttons or hotkeys in order, you can program them to all work at once, going off at a single time. Create macros for character abilities in games, tasks you regularly carry out, opening apps or documents, you name it.

If you’re feeling resourceful, you can make your own macro pad with full guides on Instructables. Ultimately, however, it’s one of the best ways to save time throughout your day, and if you use them regularly, that time could really add up. There are even some mice that include programmable macro buttons to do similar actions, like the Logitech MX Master 4, which is one of the coolest new gadgets you’ll want for your desk, in office or at home. Realistically, most people could benefit from having a macro pad — they’re the polar opposite of those popular USB gadgets that are a waste of money.