This unique, cyberpunk USB hub from EleksMaker features a stripped-down, caseless design with exposed circuitry. In addition to its three USB-A ports, it has an LED backlit volume control knob with a push-to-mute function and three programmable buttons. Sadly, the ports only support USB 2.0 speeds.
One of the more entertaining engineering projects we’ve seen is that useless robot that un-flips its switches as soon as they’re flipped. Maker B created a similarly useless machine by fabricating a robotic joystick that records and plays back its user’s movements. The build process is impressive, but if you’re short on time, skip to 16:08 to see it in action.
The MuteKit by On Air Warning aims to improve video calls. The MuteSwitch is a three-button, illuminated keypad with buttons to mute/unmute your microphone, camera, or both. The On Air Warning light indicates when your camera and mic are live, while MuteBar software puts the controls front-and-center and lets you freeze your image as an “instant selfie.”
The DaptKey keypad is ideal for improving creative workflows. It has 20 keys and five knobs which can be programmed to operate application shortcuts, macros, and slider inputs. A bright OLED screen sits beneath all the controls and can display icons for each. Control software is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Electronic instrument maker Elias Jarzombek created this unique synthesizer that looks like an abacus. The otherworldly sounds it makes are controlled by sliding and spinning its triangular “beads” on metal bars, along with turning its side dials. Read more about the Abacusynth on Elias’ website.
The first officially-licensed Xbox wireless arcade controller looks like a winner. It has ten arcade-quality buttons and a joystick and is fully programmable. Plus 8BitDo supports modding by using standard button sizes and a Sanwa mounting plate. Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11. Pre-orders start shipping on 6.30.2023.
This small, programmable computer keyboard connects via USB or Bluetooth and provides nine mechanical keys and three knobs for controlling games and productivity applications. It’s available in a plain version and one with RGB accent lighting for about the same price. Note, the programming software is for Windows only.
This unique macro keypad features an aluminum and acrylic case based on the shape of the Nintendo Gameboy Advance. It has nine programmable keys, six triggers that look like a D-pad and start/select buttons, along with two clickable scroll knobs. It’s also got RGB backlighting. Available in five color combos.
This palm-sized gadget is a Bluetooth MIDI controller for creating electronic music. It works wirelessly with apps like Koala Sampler, Ableton, AUM, and many others, providing a dozen input buttons, a seven-bank slider, and an effects knob. It has a USB-C rechargeable battery that lets you perform for up to 12 hours per charge.
This wireless keypad is the perfect add-on for iPad artists who use Procreate. It provides quick access to 23 shortcuts so you can focus on drawing instead of fumbling through menus. It has buttons for switching brushes, changing pen tip sizes, sampling and selecting colors, changing layers, undo/redo, and more.
The Xbox 360 had one of the best game controllers ever. Hyperkin is readying a new version that’s compatible with the Xbox Series X/S and Windows 10 and 11 devices. It’s very similar to the original, with the addition of Menu, View, and Share buttons, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack and detachable USB-C cable.
The latest of Elgato’s programmable desktop controllers combines screens, buttons, and knobs for greater versatility. It has eight LCD-backed buttons, four push-button analog dials, and a touch-sensitive LCD information screen. It’s a great tool for controlling podcasts, live streams, and audio and video editing tools.
LEDclaw makes all kinds of geeky lights, including this wall light inspired by an Xbox game controller. The 20″ W x 14.5″ H light is made from wood and cast acrylic and is backlit with colorful LEDs. They also make some cool lights based on floppy disks and cassette tapes.
This made-to-order controller from Return to Paradise adds five linear slider controls to your Windows or Linux PC (sorry, no Mac support). It can be used to map volume controls and faders in DJ and gaming software via a USB connection. It works right out of the box with the open-source app deej.
This desktop control deck has 16 hot-swappable mechanical keys, along with three programmable knobs. The two small and one large knob are also clickable, and you can switch between four function layers visible on its display. It has an anodized aluminum case and built-in RGB backlighting behind the keys.
Loupedeck takes on the Elgato Stream Deck with their own programmable streaming controller. The Live S console has 15 touch-sensitive LCD buttons, four tactile buttons, and two push-button analog dials, all of which can be used to control popular streaming and creative apps.
This keycap from HolyOOPS looks like a tiny game controller with D-pad, ABXY, and start/select buttons. It’s made from CNC-machined aluminum with silicone buttons that let light shine through. At 1.75u wide, it’s the perfect replacement for your Caps Lock key and is compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones.
LeafCutter Labs’ add-on controller has four programmable macro keys and a 360º encoder knob, making it a great input device for creative apps or for controlling media. It comes in a powder-coated steel case with a 32mm aluminum knob. Choose from case lit or key lit versions.
This awesome Bluetooth wireless controller connects to iOS and Android devices to provide a full set of controls for live DJ sets. It works in concert with Algoriddim djay software and music streaming services. In the hands of a talented performer like DJ Carlo Atendido, it’s truly an impressive bit of kit.
To celebrate 20 years of Xbox, Hyperkin is offering these limited edition “Duke” controllers for today’s Microsoft consoles and Windows PCs. The wired controller has vibration feedback, a headset jack, and a display that plays the original Xbox startup animation inside the Xbox button. Available in black, white, or purple Cortana variants.
The Backbone adds console-quality thumbsticks, buttons, triggers, and a D-pad to your iPhone. The controller cradles your phone and connects via the Lightning port for lag-free input, and it’s perfect for game streaming services. For a limited time, new members can grab a free 3 mo. subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Our lives are filled with Zoom calls and other video meetings these days. ChonkerKeys are giant keys that offer quick shortcuts for common videoconferencing functions like mic muting, camera, and screen sharing, and light up to indicate status. Choose from the five-key Original or the reconfigurable 11-key Max model.
Designed for creative pros, these modular controllers let you build your own custom control scheme. In addition to the base module, there are keys, sliders, dials, and an “Orbiter” that combines tilt, spin, and pressure inputs. They work with popular creative apps on Mac and Windows and can be fully programmed to your workflow.