Zigbee Macropad – 16-Key Wireless Controller for Home Assistant

A compact 16-key Zigbee macropad powered by an ESP32-C6, designed specifically for seamless integration with Home Assistant via Zigbee2MQTT.

This macropad provides tactile mechanical key input, configurable LED feedback, and a fully 3D-printed enclosure.
Each key supports three distinct actions — single press, double press, and long press — allowing you to trigger virtually any Home Assistant automation from a single device.

⭐ Version 2 (Current & Recommended)

V2 is a complete refinement of the original concept, improving usability, power efficiency, and overall build quality.

What’s new in V2:

• XIAO ESP32-C6–based design for better performance and lower power consumption
• Integrated BMS for safe, direct battery charging
• No power loss while running on battery
• Over 1 month of battery life on a single charge
• Hidden internal magnets, fully embedded in the enclosure
  • No glue required
  • No risk of magnets popping out over time
• Updated enclosure design for a cleaner and more robust build

V2 enclosure:

• ZigbeeMacropadXIAOV2.stl

V2 source code & files:

• https://github.com/StaRky33/ZigbeeMacropad/tree/V2

This version is designed to be daily-use ready, maintenance-free, and easy to mount anywhere.

🧪 Version 1 (First Prototype)

V1 is the original prototype, kept available for reference and experimentation.

Characteristics of V1:

• ~1 week of battery life
• Painful charging process (no integrated BMS)
• External buck converter causing significant battery drain
• Early enclosure design

V1 enclosure:

• ZigbeeMacropadBottomCoverV7.stl

V1 source code & files:

• https://github.com/StaRky33/ZigbeeMacropad/tree/V1

While fully functional, V1 clearly reflects its prototype nature and has been superseded by V2.

💡 Two-Part Top Cover & LED Diffusion

The macropad uses a two-part top cover design to improve LED light diffusion and visual customization:

• ZigbeeMacropadTopCoverInterior.stl
• ZigbeeMacropadTopCoverExterior.stl

This design allows you to:

• Mix different filament types or colors
• Fine-tune print settings (wall count, infill, layer height) independently
• Achieve smoother, more even LED diffusion

In my build, I used transparent filament for the interior part to get soft, well-diffused lighting, but this setup gives you full freedom to experiment with your own materials and finishes.

📦 Documentation & Project Files

Everything needed to build, modify, or extend the project is available on GitHub, including:

• Bill of Materials (BOM)
• Assembly and build instructions
• Schematics
• Firmware and source code
• 3D models