Jankdek: a low-cost macropad that doesn't feel low-cost.
For jankdek: the low cost macropad
I considered several macropads on Tindie and elsewhere before settling on the Jankdek. It's a nicely designed low-cost unit that doesn't feel low-cost. It uses quality keys and keycaps, handy rotary encoders, and a solid 3d-printed casing that gives it some weight so it's stable sitting on my desktop.
No, it doesn't have a display, but that hasn't been a show-stopper for me so far.
The Vial software makes it easy to configure (once you get the hang of how it works). I'm on a Mac with a recent OS so I did need to jump through a couple of extra steps to work around Apple's strict software limitations, but after doing that it works well. Don't want to do that workaround? Vial has a web-based app (currently requiring the Chrome browser) that works pretty much the same as the native app.
Once you've programmed your keys with Vial, all the settings are stored in the Jankdek itself and no software is required on the system where it'll be used. That's nice, especially if you need to use it on a locked-down system where you might not have rights to install Vial/use the web app. Configure it on a different system where you have rights and then move it to the system where you'll use it. Easy-peasy!
Jankdek's maker has been extremely responsive to questions both before (Tindie did weird stuff with my order that he was able to fix) and after my purchase (feedback on the product design, answers to a question about Vial, etc). Oh, and it's designed and shipped here in the USA so there are no pesky concerns about delivery times or tariffs on the shipped product.
So: If you're looking to dip your toes in the macropad water, so to speak, the Jankdek is a good, affordable place to start.
