I’m a self-confessed mechanical keyboard addict, ask anyone. I’ve built quite the collection over the last decade, and that’s not a boast, but a simple fact. My knowledge in the mechanical keyboard space was paid for in spades by building over 50 high-end keyboards, from 30% boards up to 100%. Of course, in my adventures, I’ve built more than a few macropads to go along with my collection, and one of my favorites is currently discounted down to $25 (I bought mine for $70), priced to move until stock runs out.
The Vault 16 is a 4×4 macropad with knob support
Vault 16 with LEDs shining through the polycarbonate case
We love macropads here at Guilty Gamer, and for me, my current favorite is the Vault 16 from MechVault. It offers a 4×4 condensed numberpad layout, and you best believe it provides a variety of layout options despite the low number of keys.
For 16 keys, that’s a superb amount of options
The case is frosted milled polycarbonate (no cheap injection molding here) with a bead-blasted finish. The macropad includes a polycarbonate 1.6mm CNC plate, and the solder PCB (sorry, no hot-swap) utilizes an RP2040 controller, which is QMK and VIAL compatible (open-source firmware for the win, bby). The underside of the PCB includes 27 integrated LEDs, for that sweet, sweet underglow that shines so nicely through the poly case.
Vault 16 with LEDs off
What’s not included are switches, stabilizers (if you need them), and keycaps; you’ll have to secure your own. Thankfully, there are plenty of places, including Amazon, to score the necessary components (I’m a big fan of Divinikey for my switches, and Novelkeys for my caps, personally).
I built a Vault 16, and this is what it sounds like
Soundtest with Gateron Lunar Probe switches (lubed and filmed)
Of course, you shouldn’t go into a macropad purchase blind, even at $25, which is why I wanted to share my build. Above, you can watch a short sound test I made starring the Vault 16. The build contains Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches (the dual rail design cuts down wobble), a dented encoder knob (tactile) topped with a Moog Clone knob from SwedenKnobs, and KAT Milkshake’s Fruits keycaps addon for the keycaps (Keyreative’s KAT keycaps are the best).
The beauty of this macropad is that it’s pretty easy to build. Even if this is your first foray into soldering, there are only 16 keys at maximum to worry about. Hence, the Vault 16 makes for a great entry into the larger hobby of soldering your own mechanical keyboards. Plus, it sounds great, feels great, and most importantly, looks great.
Sale announcement from Discord
If you’ve been itching to pick up a new macropad, I absolutely recommend the Vault 16. Plus, it’s unlikely there are many left. This is a clear-out sale at MechVault, where you can save yourself $45 on my favorite macropad, so it’s best to snag one while supplies last, as there is no telling if more will ever be made.
Vault 16 Macropad
