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Years ago, all the keyboards I bought had macro keys that could be used for gaming or other functions, but I never really took full advantage of them.
Since then, the trend has been for smaller keyboards. Ditching the number pad and other keys. It is not a trend I have followed. I write a lot, and I love my number pad.
More recently, I have been working in IT support, and found an increasing desire to have macro keys again.
I don’t have complex needs; it is mainly to map the buttons to my 3CX softphone and have dedicated keys for different screenshot functions (scroll, region, window, video etc).
I immediately started looking at the popular Elgato Stream Decks, but you’re looking at a minimum of £60 for one, which seems excessive when the main thing I need is a dedicated key to answer my phone.
Of course, one option is just to use the keys on my main keyboard, but my flaky ADHD brain forgets things like this immediately.
I considered using a mini keyboard and using AutoHotkey, but that doesn’t work quite as expected, as you need the software to be able to identify it as a different keyboard. There are workarounds, but I wanted a quick, easy solution.
Amazon has lots of macro keyboards from random brands. Some are Elgato clones with LCD keys; others are like this Vaydeer JP1011, basic multi-button mechanical keyboards.
Most of them had mediocre to average reviews, and the Vaydeer seemed to have the best reviews at the most reasonable price, so I ended up buying it.
Sadly, it didn’t work out for me, due to some security concerns. While I won’t say you shouldn’t buy this due to the software, in a corporate environment, it is too much of a risk to continue using.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAYDEER 4 Keys Programmable Keyboard with Floating Window... |
£20.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Specification / Features
6 Functional Layers and 4 NKRO Keys
This keyboard offers six customisable functional layers, allowing you to configure different setups for various uses—such as gaming, design, or productivity. You can switch between layers by scrolling the mouse within the floating window, or the keyboard can automatically change layers depending on the active application. It also features four non-conflict keys that support macros, enabling multiple key presses or holds at once without interference. This allows for precise, fast input during both gameplay and general use.
User-Friendly Interface and Floating Window
The interface is designed to be intuitive, with a real-time floating window that shows the active key functions. This means you always have a clear view of what each key is doing. The compact and minimal design makes it easy to take with you, whether you’re heading to work or a gaming event. It’s a practical solution for improving workflow and simplifying repetitive tasks.
OTA Updates and Settings Backup
The keyboard supports over-the-air firmware updates, with timely prompts when new features become available. You can also export and import your custom settings, avoiding the need to reconfigure everything on different machines. Settings can be shared between users, making it simple to distribute useful layouts or macros across a team.
Versatile Functionality with Simple Configuration
This programmable keyboard supports a range of functions, including media control, hotkeys, launching apps or files, and more. Complex tasks can be performed with a single keystroke—such as opening folders, documents, websites, or system tools. Setup is straightforward: assign your function to a key, drag it to the desired position in the software, click “Flash the Keyboard”, and you’re ready to go.
Productivity Tool and Gaming Aid
This keyboard is well-suited for both professional tasks and gaming. You can streamline your workflow with shortcuts for copy, paste, delete, or quick access to system settings. In games like CSGO or OSU, custom macros allow you to execute combinations or movements with a single click. Multiple macro modes are available, including press-and-hold repeat and sequential triggers (with more options planned).
Unboxing / Design
The Vaydeer JP1011 arrives in a compact, professionally presented box that immediately communicates the product’s focus on portability and efficiency. The packaging includes the keyboard itself, a braided USB-A to USB-C cable, a USB-A to USB-C adapter, and a comprehensive setup guide that provides essential information for new users.
The keyboard’s physical construction combines aluminium and plastic materials, creating a device that feels substantial without being overly heavy. The build quality appears solid, with the unit maintaining stability during use thanks to rubber feet that provide adequate grip on various desk surfaces. The compact form factor measures small enough to fit comfortably in one hand, making it genuinely portable for users who travel frequently.
The nine mechanical switches utilise Cherry MX-style blue switches that deliver the characteristic tactile feedback and audible click associated with mechanical keyboards. The switches feel responsive and consistent across all keys, though the clicking sound may prove distracting in quiet office environments. The key layout follows a logical 3×3 grid pattern that feels natural for touch typing once muscle memory develops.
The aesthetic design remains understated and professional, avoiding flashy RGB lighting or aggressive gaming styling that might look out of place in corporate environments. This neutral appearance allows the device to blend seamlessly into most workstation setups without drawing unwanted attention.
Software Security Concerns
I bought this keyboard with the intention of using it at work for some hotkeys for my softphone. However, as I work in IT support, I need to be careful about what software I install. The Veydeer keyboard software is a 156MB download which seems excessive for software to program a basic keyboard.
Some users have reported that the software reports back to unknown servers at irregular intervals, transmitting data of undetermined content and purpose. These network communications occur without user notification or consent, violating basic privacy expectations and potentially exposing sensitive system information.
The software is likely reporting basic telemetry data like most smart products do nowadays, but it is still an invasion of privacy and a security concern.
Software / Keymapping
This is my first time using a macro keyboard, and I foolishly hoped I would be able to use it without any proprietary software and just use AutoHotkey to program it. This is likely possible with a bit of hacking around, but out of the box, it is not supported. Windows identifies the keys and number presses, so it isn’t much use without the software.
The configuration interface follows a drag-and-drop paradigm that proves intuitive for basic setup tasks. Users can assign functions by dragging options from categorised menus onto virtual key representations, then applying changes by clicking the “Flash the Keyboard” button. This process works reliably for simple assignments but becomes cumbersome when managing complex macro sequences or multiple layer configurations.
The software provides access to standard keyboard keys, multimedia controls, system shortcuts, text string insertion, application launching, and custom macro recording. Text string functionality proves particularly useful for repetitive typing tasks, allowing users to insert frequently used phrases, email signatures, or boilerplate text with single key presses.
Macro recording captures keyboard input sequences and mouse actions, though the implementation feels basic compared to dedicated macro software solutions. Users can record simple key combinations effectively, but complex timing-dependent sequences may not reproduce reliably across different system configurations.
Layer management through the interface works adequately but lacks visual clarity when dealing with multiple configurations. The floating window display helps identify current settings, but switching between layers requires returning to the main software interface rather than providing convenient hotkey alternatives.
Performance
I have found the performance to be OK with the software installed. I had hoped that once the keyboard was programmed, I could close the application, but it doesn’t seem to work quite like that.
Macros are stored on the keyboard, and I found that it worked OK for a little while without the software running in the background, but eventually it would stop working.
Similarly, even with the software running, I found that the macros would randomly stop working, and I would have to reload the software.
Key response timing shows occasional inconsistencies, particularly when executing rapid sequences or complex macros. Simple single-key assignments generally work reliably, but multi-step operations may experience timing variations that affect their effectiveness in time-sensitive applications like gaming or real-time editing workflows.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| VAYDEER 4 Keys Programmable Keyboard with Floating Window... |
£20.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The 4-key Vaydeer JP1011 is available on Amazon for £21, or the 9-key model is available for £30.59.
There are dozens of competing options, and they all seem to have the same concerns as this model. They require you to run software from questionable websites.
The Lichifit 8 key mechanical keyboard is just £21, but the user reviews indicate that the software is difficult to find, as well as coming from a questionable source.
The HP 430 Programmable Wireless Keypad is a viable alternative. It isn’t the most attractive, it uses Bluetooth rather than USB cable, so may not be ideal for gamers, but it is just £30. You get 9 programable keys with 5 dedicated macro keys. This requires HP software to program it, but it I feel much more confident running this on my PC than software from some random Chinese brand.
The cheapest Elgato Stream Deck is the Mini for £60, which has 6-keys. The Elgato Stream Deck Neo has 8 keys and is available for £90. It was recently as low as £60.
Overall
I want to love the Vaydeer JP1011 Programmable Macro Mechanical Keyboard. It is much more affordable than options like Elgato while having the functions I need for a basic macro keyboard at work.
While I love the LCD keys on Elgato products, I also love the mechanical keys on this. They are much more pleasant to press, and when I need to respond as quickly as possible, mechanical keys are better.
Sadly, there are too many concerns for me to carry on using it. I doubt the software is a serious security risk, it is probably just passing telemetry data that is no more intrusive than any smart home product you may be running, but in a work environment, I can’t risk it.
The reliability hasn’t been great either. I can’t run it without the software running in the background, and it sometimes plays up with it running anyway.
It is a shame really, because I love the hardware side of it.
Vaydeer JP1011 Programmable Macro Mechanical Keyboard Review
Summary
The Vaydeer JP1011 Programmable Macro Mechanical Keyboard has the right idea in terms of design, usability, and price. As a compact macro pad with tactile mechanical switches, it provides a satisfying user experience and a practical set of features for those needing quick-access keys for productivity or gaming.
However, its potential is let down by software concerns that make it unsuitable for professional or security-conscious environments. The closed-source configuration tool raises red flags due to unexplained network activity and a lack of transparency. Reliability also becomes an issue, with macros intermittently failing unless the software remains open—limiting its usefulness for streamlined workflows.
If you’re a home user looking for a budget-friendly macro pad and aren’t too concerned about privacy or stability, the JP1011 could still serve you well. But for business use, IT professionals, or those expecting consistent performance without compromises, there are better, if more expensive, options available.
Overall
60%-
Overall - 60%60%
Pros
- Affordable price point for both 4-key and 9-key versions
- Compact and portable with a well-built aluminium and plastic design
- Satisfying Cherry MX-style mechanical switches
- Intuitive drag-and-drop configuration interface
Cons
- Software requires constant background operation for full functionality
- Reports of background telemetry without user consent
- Unstable macro performance; keys can randomly stop working
- No open-source or standalone programming support
- No clear hotkey method to switch between layers
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2025-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
