I have a horrible memory and can never remember shortcut keys for all the various program/IM/Video/music/MS office programs I use.
I wanted a small dedicated visual keyboard for my repeated functions/shortcut keys. I started dedicated USB keypad.
It was usable and got me to 75% of what I wanted. Unfortunately, I found if you wanted to do anything that involved the built-in lights of the USB keyboard or little-more complicated functionality it required a minor degree in programming. In addition the program to run the dedicated USB keyboard ran horribly on Windows 10.
I ended shifting my efforts to macro scripting languages. Now, The dedicated keyboard just simply launches my hacked scripts.
I now use the Elgato Stream Deck which work great on Windows 10. In addition the Stream deck allows for visual toggle updates.
Here is small, but I believe useful (at least useful to me) collection of scripts. I am not a programmer by trade, but have enough skills to hack together scripts. My hacking scripts, or bodging, inspiration is as follows below. I am aware that AutoHotKey is a bit dated, but it works for me. I might get around to updating it to AutoIt at a later date.
Macro Languages Used:
AutoHotKey - https://autohotkey.com/
AutoIt - https://www.autoitscript.com/site/autoit/
Inspiration:
The Art of the Bodge: How I Made The Emoji Keyboard - https://youtu.be/lIFE7h3m40U
DIY 87-Key Macro Keyboard - Because he has too many keyboard shortcuts! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arn8ExQ2Gjg
The ULTIMATE Macro Pad? - Elgato Stream Deck Review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhPLhfP1b_s
Hardware Used:
Stream Deck https://www.elgato.com/en/gaming/stream-deck
Example Layout:
