A Custom Keyboard Controller for Korean Esports Player
This project began with a problem posted halfway across the world.
A Korean esports player had discovered that his keyboard controller was no longer compatible with the newly released Switch 2. The controller he relied on, one he had built years of muscle memory around, suddenly couldn’t be used on the new hardware. For most players, that would mean adapting to something new. For him, it meant finding a way to preserve exactly what already worked.
After seeing his post, we reached out and offered to design a solution.
What followed was a fully custom keyboard controller, built to replicate the feel, layout, and behavior of his original controller as closely as possible, while ensuring full compatibility with updated hardware.
Rebuilding What Already Worked
From the beginning, the goal was not to redesign the controller, it was to preserve it.
The player was very specific about what he wanted. Key placement, spacing, and overall feel all needed to match his previous setup.
We worked closely to understand the exact layout he relied on and recreated it intentionally, rather than approximating it. The controller was designed around his preferences.
Custom Electronics and Layout
The controller was built using a custom internal layout and powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico, allowing full control over input logic and compatibility. Every key was mapped deliberately, and the internal wiring was done by hand to ensure clean routing and reliable connections.
Fitting the hardware inside the keyboard's enclosure was one of the biggest struggles but we managed.
Built Across Distance
Designing a controller for someone on the other side of the world adds its own challenges. Communication, iteration, and verification all had to be handled remotely. Every decision needed to be clear, deliberate, and documented.
Once completed, our friend from the OSU esports SSBU team, Andrew Beten, happen to be studying aboad in Japan over the summer and flew over to Korea to deliver the controller.
Shortly after receiving it, the player shared that he was finally able to play on the Switch 2 using a keyboard controller again, exactly as he wanted. Seeing the controller in use, thousands of miles away, was a clear reminder of why we build the way we do!
We were very excited to watch Muyahooo compete again!