Controlling your computer by using hotkeys and macros is a great way of speeding up your workflow. Unfortunately a device dedicated to doing that (for example Elgato's Stream Deck) will cost you about $120.
That is why I designed FreeTouchDeck. You can build FreeTouchDeck yourself, which will cost you about $20 (including shipping!). It uses an ESP32 and a 3.5" touch screen. Keystrokes and macros are send via Bluetooth to your Windows, MacOS, or Linux computer.
You can customize your FreeTouchDeck by using the configurator. The configurator is a webpage that is hosted on the ESP32 itself. You can customize menus, buttons, logos and colours. You can also create your own button logos and upload them.
This is a really simple build and will take up less then an hour of your time + a few cups of coffee. I designed it so it can be build using parts that can be easily found on AliExpress and Banggood but can also be found locally if you do not want to wait a while before the postman comes.
To combine the ESP32 and TFT screen I designed a PCB which you can order from PCBWay. You can also download the Gerbers and upload them to your favorite fab house.
Information about FreeTouchDeck can be found on the Github Wiki: https://github.com/DustinWatts/FreeTouchDeck/wiki
Update April 19th 2022: FreeTouchDeck now has a Web Installer. You do not need to use the Arduino IDE anymore, there is no need for installing libraries, and there is no messing about with code anymore. Build your FreeTouchDeck and go to https://install.freetouchdeck.com and flash your FreeTouchDeck from there. Easy!
The FreeTouchDeck Web Installer makes is easy to program the firmware
Want to build you own? Watch the video!
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