HackMan3D Control Deck Base Slim

The HackMan3D Control Deck Base Slim is a compact, low-profile programmable macro keypad with nine mechanical keys, USB-C connectivity, connection lighting and key-press feedback.

It is designed to be easy to print, assemble and configure without requiring programming knowledge. The free HackMan3D Control Deck application handles firmware installation and lets you configure every key visually.

Main features

• Nine programmable low-profile mechanical keys

• Nine independently configurable short-press actions

• Nine independently configurable long-press actions

• Up to 18 individual actions in total

• Compact 3 × 3 layout

• ESP32-C3 Super Mini controller

• USB-C connection

• Red computer-connection indicator

• White LED strip activated when a key is pressed

• Multi-key combinations

• Multiple profiles

• Application launching

• Keyboard shortcuts

• Website opening

• Text entry

• System actions

• Free configuration software

• Compatible with macOS, Windows and Linux

• Firmware installation directly from the application

• Arduino IDE is not required

Included printable files

The download includes:

• Upper enclosure

• Lower enclosure

• White LED diffuser

• Low-profile keycap

• Complete wiring diagram

Print the LED diffuser in white or translucent filament. Print the supplied keycap nine times.

Required components

Component links

ESP32-C3 Super Mini

Select the USB-C version supplied with pins.

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2xGStWx

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0c0GSeeM

Low-profile switches

Select low-profile mechanical switches. Standard-height Cherry MX switches will not fit this version.

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4KR3RQF

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0eGV0Wzt

Red 5 mm LED

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3YHBgMF

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B05HMu4Cu

100R resistors

Three 100R resistors are required in total. Two are wired in series for the red LED and one is used on the MOSFET gate.

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4OATELh

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0byWhsql

White LED strip

Select the 5 V, 3 mm wide, two-wire white version.

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2RHDkfD

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B03S62oht

IRLB8721 MOSFET

Select IRLB8721 or IRLB8721PBF in a TO-220 package.

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3tLt3CX

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B074mJqXJ

USB-C data cable

The cable must support both data and power.

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4qXiokb

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B075uRWBR

Female-to-female Dupont wires

Select female-to-female, 2.54 mm wires.

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c40SPRKx

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0e1pGaxf

Heat-shrink tubing

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3riUoer

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B06use4Lj

M2 screws

Select M2 × 10 mm countersunk screws.

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3LS3Kv9

• Amazon: https://link.amazon/B04AuJdUT

Some purchase links may be affiliate links. Using them can support continued HackMan3D development without changing the price paid by the buyer.

Estimated build cost

The estimated component cost for one HCD Base Slim is approximately €20 to €30, excluding:

• Filament

• Shipping

• Soldering equipment

• Tools

• Spare components remaining from multipacks

The initial order total may be higher because LEDs, resistors, switches, screws and MOSFETs are often sold in packs.

Wiring and assembly notes

One terminal from every switch is connected to its assigned ESP32 GPIO. The other terminals are daisy-chained together to create a shared ground bus.

The female Dupont connector is retained only at the ESP32 end. The plastic connector housing can be removed to save space, and each metal contact should be insulated separately with heat-shrink tubing.

At the component end, the wires are cut, stripped and soldered directly to the switches, LED and MOSFET.

The ESP32 header pins are soldered and bent to approximately 90 degrees to reduce the internal height.

The two red LED resistors are connected in series, giving a total resistance of 200 ohms.

The 5 V white LED strip is controlled through the MOSFET. Do not power the LED strip directly from an ESP32 GPIO.

Follow the supplied wiring diagram carefully before connecting the controller.

Free configuration software

The HackMan3D Control Deck application is available free of charge for:

• macOS

• Windows

• Linux

The application automatically detects the connected model and displays the correct nine-key interface.

Every key provides two independently configurable action slots: one for a short press and one for a long press. This gives the nine-key controller up to 18 individually programmable actions.

Each action can be configured visually without editing firmware code. Available actions include application launching, keyboard shortcuts, websites, text, media controls and system commands.

The firmware is included in the application. Select HCD Base Slim in the firmware manager, connect the ESP32-C3 Super Mini by USB-C and start the installation. Arduino IDE is not required.

Download the software and source files

GitHub repository:

https://github.com/HackMan3D/Hackman3D-Control-Deck

Latest application releases:

https://github.com/HackMan3D/Hackman3D-Control-Deck/releases/latest

The GitHub repository contains:

• macOS, Windows and Linux applications

• Integrated firmware

• Wiring documentation

• Component list

• Configuration instructions

• Source code

• Project updates

Supporting the project

HackMan3D Control Deck is developed and distributed free of charge.

Optional support helps fund:

• New prototypes

• Electronic components

• Printing tests

• Firmware development

• macOS, Windows and Linux application development

• Future HackMan3D Control Deck models

You can also support the project by downloading the model, sharing your build, posting a review and following HackMan3D on social media.

Ko-fi:

https://ko-fi.com/hackman3d

PayPal:

https://paypal.me/Hackman3D

Important information

This project requires soldering and basic electronic assembly. Check all connections before powering the controller.

Marketplace listings may contain several different product variants. Always select the exact version specified in this description.

If you build the HCD Base Slim, please share photos of your finished controller. Community builds and feedback help improve the project for everyone.