The Treasure Macropad Type-9
Open Hardware – TMT9

© Lead Image © lightwise, 123RF.com
This DIY, programmable input device is a compact companion to your keyboard, with nine keys and 16 layers that can be customized for different applications and games.
From keyboards to graphic tablets, modern input devices are sporting programmable keys. These keys are not only convenient, but help to reduce repetitive stress injuries by keeping the fingers on the keyboard. Yet there is something to be said for a single compact programmable device rather than several scattered across your workspace. That is the advantage of the Treasure Macropad Type-9 (TMT9) [1], the first product of Eric Boudo's new company (Figure 1). Measuring a little over 2x2 inches, the TMT9 has only nine keys, but includes 16 different layers, for a total of 144 programmable keys altogether. It's a compact little device, although for Linux users it requires a certain amount of work and patience, since only graphical setups for Windows and macOS are available.

No matter what your operating system, the TMT9 requires some DIY adjustments, especially since the company is not set up for technical support. Fortunately, ample help is available on the Quantum Mechanical Keyboard (QMK) website [2], although configuration takes several steps. In addition, units ship unassembled, although no soldering is required. Nor do units ship with keycaps for the Cherry MX mechanical key switches, which have to be ordered separately from a third party [3] (Figure 2). Also, while a newer model that supports USB C is due out soon – and may be available by the time you read this article – the TMT9 requires a USB 2.0 A-Male to Mini-B cable, which is not easy to find in computer stores these days. In the end, I had to order one from Amazon.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.