Context: A common "problem" for macropads is how to remember what each button does. StreamDecks do this with a built-in display, but you may need to look away from your main monitor to check, and they also require additional set up.
Idea: Keyboard Maestro displays a palette which mirrors the layout of your numpad, and reminds you what each button does.
What's Included: A macro group template that should make this quicker for you to set up. You might need to change your palette display settings
Numpalette Template.kmmacros (55.1 KB)
Here's an example of how you might use this with Finder
OSX Finder Numpalette Macros.kmmacros (357.9 KB)
While I enjoyed "fancy" solutions like Monogram and StreamDeck, I've really enjoyed using this approach this year. It's quick to edit, and fairly future-proof.
Non-Advanced Stuff
Quick Editing: Alt-click any macro in the palette to open it in Keyboard Maestro
Icons: I recommend getting these from the SF Symbols app
Modifers, Tap Types: I've included examples of how to use a switch/case to change what they key does, depending on how it's activated
Numpad Recommendation: I suggest using the numpad of the left side of your keyboard, or like I do, using a "southpaw" keyboard.
Advanced Stuff
Let me know if you'd like detail on how to do the following
Profile Switching: Switch profiles within an application. For example, I have an Editing and Colour Grading profile for Final Cut.
Folders: Create a macro that switches to another palette for a single action, before returning to the original palette.
Keyboard Remapping: Remap the outer keys like "Enter" to act as modifiers when held, using QMK/VIA