fourbutton

Fourbutton is a term used to describe small, four-action input devices, typically built as a compact keypad or macro pad. In common usage, a fourbutton device consists of four momentary pushbuttons arranged in a square or line, mounted on a small printed circuit board with a microcontroller, USB connectivity, and optional wireless support.

Design and construction: The hardware is usually minimal, emphasizing durability and low power. Typical components include four tactile switches, a microcontroller compatible with open firmware (for example, ATmega32U4- or ARM-based boards), a USB-C or USB micro-B connector, and sometimes Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz radios. Many projects use open-source firmware to map each button to keyboard scancodes, media controls, or application-specific macros.

Software and usage: Users can reprogram fourbuttons with keyboards or macro software to perform complex sequences with a single press. Common mappings include gaming commands, video or audio control for streaming, or accessibility shortcuts such as navigation and text-entry.

Variants and reception: The concept has many DIY variants, from basic rounded-button pads to kits with RGB LEDs and rugged enclosures. In maker communities, fourbutton devices are popular for rapid-prototyping of control schemes and for teaching electronics and firmware basics.

History: Four-button pads emerged from the broader trend of compact macro pads in the late 2010s and 2020s, paralleling keyboard customization culture. They are valued for their simplicity, portability, and adaptability.

See also: Macro pad; Keypad; Gamepad.