The TriPad Studio Controller is a professional-grade 3×3 macro pad designed specifically for streamers, content creators, and power users who want fast, tactile, and reliable control over their live workflows. Built around the ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N8, it delivers instant access to scenes, audio, transitions, and streaming states in a tiny, elegant, and fully customizable form factor.

At its core, TriPad combines nine hot-swap mechanical keys, three rotary encoders, and per-key RGB feedback, making it far more than a simple button box. Every interaction is designed to be intuitive: tap keys for instant actions, rotate knobs for smooth adjustments, and press encoders for secondary controls — all without touching the mouse or keyboard mid-stream.

The default layout is optimized for OBS and live streaming workflows. The top row provides direct scene switching, the middle row handles webcam and audio toggles with visual RGB feedback, and the bottom row controls streaming, recording, and studio mode. The rotary encoders elevate usability further, offering real-time master volume control, mic gain tuning, noise gate toggling, scene browsing, and transition triggering.

From a hardware perspective, TriPad is built with quality and openness in mind. The ESP32-S3 enables USB HID, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth LE operation, allowing the controller to seamlessly switch between wired, network-based, and wireless use. USB-C provides robust power and data, while direct 5V routing ensures bright, consistent RGB performance. A TPS63031 buck-boost regulator delivers a clean 3.3V rail for logic, and an onboard AT24CM02 EEPROM stores profiles and settings.

The PCB itself is designed for a premium feel, featuring a matte black finish with ENIG gold, hot-swap Kailh MX sockets for easy switch replacement, and SK6812MINI-E RGB LEDs for vivid per-key lighting. Everything is engineered to be compact, durable, and visually refined — suitable for both desk setups and portable creator rigs.

TriPad is 100% open-source and fully replicable. All design files — schematics, PCB, Gerbers, BOM, and firmware — are included and created in EasyEDA Pro, making the project ideal for learning, modification, and community sharing. Whether you’re a streamer looking for a powerful control surface, a hardware enthusiast exploring ESP32-S3 capabilities, or an open-source builder aiming to replicate or extend the design, TriPad Studio Controller offers a polished, flexible, and modern solution for creative control.

Credit & Acknowledgement

Complete Design & Engineering Credit: Hshadrack250 (This project is shared for educational and community reference purposes)