Originally Posted by Rustyspoon#
"another viable option" is not the right take, it's a game changer. I was using a smaller one (the one Simon has) for work related things and it improved my workflow significantly, then I started to use it for music stuff too(including BIAB), could not resist and upgraded to a larger version. Not only shortcuts, and multistep operations can be programmed, but also Steam deck can be used as a programmable MIDI controller. It can be customized for many different programs and switched on the fly without accessing it's software, with visual representation of buttons, so you don't have to memorize their position. I am a fanboy.

I closely followed on the progress of this technology. There was a Russian guy Artemy Lebedev who came up with similar working concept about 20 years ago, Optimus (hot buttons as small editable screens), but failed to deliver to masses in timely manner. Glad Elgato picked up the torch.

It is certainly a great tool, but I like the MacroPads quite a bit. They are cheap, small, and easy to program. I use a few of them in my workflow.

I also use TouchOSC and that is another powerful tool. It is capable of sending key commands, but I use it for MIDI stuff.

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