The Treasure Macropad Type-9
Open Hardware – TMT9

© Lead Image © lightwise, 123RF.com
This DIY, programmable input device is a compact companion to your keyboard, with nine keys and 16 layers that can be customized for different applications and games.
From keyboards to graphic tablets, modern input devices are sporting programmable keys. These keys are not only convenient, but help to reduce repetitive stress injuries by keeping the fingers on the keyboard. Yet there is something to be said for a single compact programmable device rather than several scattered across your workspace. That is the advantage of the Treasure Macropad Type-9 (TMT9) [1], the first product of Eric Boudo's new company (Figure 1). Measuring a little over 2x2 inches, the TMT9 has only nine keys, but includes 16 different layers, for a total of 144 programmable keys altogether. It's a compact little device, although for Linux users it requires a certain amount of work and patience, since only graphical setups for Windows and macOS are available.
No matter what your operating system, the TMT9 requires some DIY adjustments, especially since the company is not set up for technical support. Fortunately, ample help is available on the Quantum Mechanical Keyboard (QMK) website [2], although configuration takes several steps. In addition, units ship unassembled, although no soldering is required. Nor do units ship with keycaps for the Cherry MX mechanical key switches, which have to be ordered separately from a third party [3] (Figure 2). Also, while a newer model that supports USB C is due out soon – and may be available by the time you read this article – the TMT9 requires a USB 2.0 A-Male to Mini-B cable, which is not easy to find in computer stores these days. In the end, I had to order one from Amazon.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Fedora Continues 32-Bit Support
In a move that should come as a relief to some portions of the Linux community, Fedora will continue supporting 32-bit architecture.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 Drops bcachefs
After a clash over some late fixes and disagreements between bcachefs's lead developer and Linus Torvalds, bachefs is out.
-
ONLYOFFICE v9 Embraces AI
Like nearly all office suites on the market (except LibreOffice), ONLYOFFICE has decided to go the AI route.
-
Two Local Privilege Escalation Flaws Discovered in Linux
Qualys researchers have discovered two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain root privileges on major Linux distributions.
-
New TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300
The TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen10 offers serious power that is ready for your business, development, or entertainment needs.
-
Danish Ministry of Digital Affairs Transitions to Linux
Another major organization has decided to kick Microsoft Windows and Office to the curb in favor of Linux.
-
Linux Mint 20 Reaches EOL
With Linux Mint 20 at its end of life, the time has arrived to upgrade to Linux Mint 22.
-
TuxCare Announces Support for AlmaLinux 9.2
Thanks to TuxCare, AlmaLinux 9.2 (and soon version 9.6) now enjoys years of ongoing patching and compliance.
-
Go-Based Botnet Attacking IoT Devices
Using an SSH credential brute-force attack, the Go-based PumaBot is exploiting IoT devices everywhere.
-
Plasma 6.5 Promises Better Memory Optimization
With the stable Plasma 6.4 on the horizon, KDE has a few new tricks up its sleeve for Plasma 6.5.