MAKCU Information

Learn about what MAKCU is, what it does, and how it works.

What is MAKCU?

MAKCU is a USB passthrough device that acts as a bridge between your gaming PC and your mouse/controller/keyboard. It consists of two ESP32-S3 microcontrollers working together to create a transparent connection that allows software to intercept and modify input signals in real-time.

  • •Dual-chip architecture with independent processing on each side
  • •Full USB passthrough for mice, controllers and keyboards
  • •Real-time input interception and modification
  • •Web-based configuration and firmware updates
  • •Software you run sends commands through USB 2 (COM port), from the gaming PC or a second PC
  • •Mouse/controller passthrough works on its own; injecting or changing input needs software sending commands
  • •USB3 is where you plug in the mouse/controller (or its receiver) that MAKCU passes through to the game PC.

Important Requirements

Passthrough

Mouse/controller passthrough (USB3 → USB1) works without any software. To inject or change input, software must send commands to MAKCU through USB 2 (COM port).

Attached Device

USB3 is where you plug in the mouse/controller (or its receiver) that MAKCU passes through to the game PC.

Software Control

Input is injected or changed only by software that sends commands through the COM port (USB 2), from the gaming PC or a second PC. Without such software, MAKCU injects nothing and your mouse/controller simply passes through.

What is MAKCU Used For?

MAKCU is designed for advanced users who need precise control over their input devices for gaming, automation, or accessibility purposes.

  • •Gaming: Enhanced mouse and keyboard control with custom scripts and automation
  • •Accessibility: Custom input remapping and assistive features
  • •Automation: Programmatic control of input devices for testing or automation
  • •Customization: Fine-tuned control over mouse sensitivity, key remapping, and input behavior
  • •Device Control: Enables your computer to communicate directly with your mouse/controller/keyboard, allowing you to change LEDs, DPI settings, and other device-specific features through the mouse/keyboard manufacturer's software

Direct Device Communication

MAKCU enables your computer to talk directly to your mouse/controller/keyboard through USB 1. This allows you to use the manufacturer's software (such as Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse, etc.) to control device-specific features.

  • •Change RGB LED colors and effects
  • •Adjust DPI settings and profiles
  • •Configure mouse button assignments
  • •Update device firmware
  • •Access all manufacturer software features

What MAKCU Can and Cannot Do

What MAKCU Can Do

  • ✓Pass through mouse, controller and keyboard input
  • ✓Intercept and modify mouse movements, clicks, and keyboard presses in real-time
  • ✓Remap keys and mouse buttons
  • ✓Adjust mouse sensitivity and acceleration
  • ✓Execute custom scripts and automation
  • ✓Support both wired and wireless devices (when connected via USB adapter)
  • ✓Work with standard USB HID mice, controllers and keyboards
  • ✓Enable direct communication between your PC and mouse/controller/keyboard for LED control, DPI changes, and other device features
  • ✓Support console gaming directly if the game supports mouse and keyboard input

What MAKCU Cannot Do

  • ✗Cannot work with Bluetooth devices directly (requires USB adapter)
  • ✗Cannot modify encrypted or proprietary protocols
  • ✗Cannot function without proper firmware installation
  • ✗Cannot work with non-USB input devices
  • ✗Limited compatibility with some specialized gaming peripherals with proprietary drivers
  • ✗Cannot inject or change input by itself - that needs software sending commands (passthrough works on its own)
  • ✗Cannot provide ESP (wallhacks), self-aiming, or aimbot capabilities
  • ✗Cannot load or execute game scripts - it only processes input/output signals
  • ✗Cannot work with consoles that don't support mouse and keyboard natively (requires XIM adapter)

Important Reminders

No Cheat Capabilities

MAKCU cannot provide ESP (wallhacks), self-aiming, or aimbot capabilities. It is a hardware passthrough device that only processes input and output signals. It cannot load scripts, modify game memory, or provide visual overlays.

Input Level Only

MAKCU works at the input level only. It can modify what you send to your computer, but it cannot read game data, provide visual information, or interact with game software directly.

Console Support

MAKCU can support console gaming, but the requirements depend on the console and game.

Direct Console Support

If your console's game natively supports mouse and keyboard input, MAKCU can work directly. Simply connect MAKCU to your console via USB 1, and connect your mouse/keyboard to USB 3.

  • •PlayStation 5 games with native mouse/keyboard support
  • •Xbox Series X/S games with native mouse/keyboard support
  • •Any console game that officially supports mouse and keyboard input

XIM Adapter Required

If your console or game does not support mouse and keyboard natively, you will need a XIM adapter to convert MAKCU's mouse input into controller input.

Please see the XIM setup page for detailed instructions on how to configure MAKCU with XIM. See XIM Setup Guide

Pre-flashed vs Unflashed

MAKCU devices can come in two states depending on whether your seller has prepared the device before shipping.

Pre-flashed MAKCU

A pre-flashed MAKCU has been set up by your seller before shipping. The firmware has been loaded and the device has been tested to ensure it works correctly.

  • •Ready to use immediately after connecting
  • •Tested and verified by the seller
  • •No initial flashing required
  • •Both sides (left and right) are already configured

Note: If your MAKCU is pre-flashed, it will connect normally when you plug it in, and you can start using it right away.

Unflashed MAKCU

An unflashed MAKCU comes directly from the factory without firmware installed. This is the default state of ESP32-S3 chips from the manufacturer.

  • •Requires firmware flashing before first use
  • •Will show USB disconnection loops in Device Manager until flashed
  • •USB connection sound will loop endlessly when connected without holding buttons
  • •This is normal behavior and not a defect

What to Do: If your MAKCU is unflashed, you'll need to flash the firmware using the firmware flashing page. After the first successful flash, this behavior will stop and never return.

Understanding USB Ports

MAKCU has three USB ports, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding how they work is essential for proper setup.

USB 1 - Device Port (to the game PC)

USB 1 is connected to the USB1 chip (ESP32-S3) and serves as the device connection to your gaming PC or console.

Purpose:

This is where MAKCU appears as a USB device to your computer or console. Your gaming PC or console connects here.

Usage:

Connect USB 1 to your gaming PC or console. This is the main connection: your computer/console sees MAKCU as the mouse/controller/keyboard plugged into USB 3.

Device Communication:

This port also enables direct communication between your PC and the connected mouse/controller/keyboard, allowing you to use manufacturer software to control device features.

USB 2 - COM Port (Communication)

USB 2 is the COM/management port: MAKCU Toolkit, firmware updates and software that sends commands use it.

Purpose:

This port creates a serial COM port so MAKCU Toolkit, the MAKCU website and software that sends commands can talk to the device.

Usage:

Connect USB 2 to the computer that runs MAKCU Toolkit or your command software (typically your gaming PC or a second PC). It is used for settings, firmware updates and commands.

Important: USB 2 is used for communication with your software, and only one program can use it at a time.

Mouse/controller passthrough (USB3 → USB1) works without any software running on USB2.

USB 3 - Host Port (mouse/controller)

USB 3 is connected to the USB3 chip (ESP32-S3) and serves as the host port for your mouse/controller.

Purpose:

USB3 is where you plug in the mouse/controller (or its receiver) that MAKCU passes through to the game PC. MAKCU acts as a USB host and receives input from it.

Usage:

Connect your mouse/controller (or its receiver) to USB 3. MAKCU passes it through to your gaming PC via USB 1.

Power:

MAKCU powers the mouse/controller on USB3, with over-current protection. A high-power device (for example some controllers, or mice with bright lighting) can exceed the limit; it may then keep dropping out or its lights may stay off.

Quick Summary

Connections:

Normal Mode: Normal Mode: USB 1 → Gaming PC/Console, USB 2 → PC running MAKCU Toolkit or your command software (COM port), USB 3 → Mouse/controller

Flash Mode: Flash Mode: Only USB 1 OR USB 3 connected (one at a time, not both)

Power: MAKCU powers the mouse/controller on USB3, with over-current protection. A high-power device (for example some controllers, or mice with bright lighting) can exceed the limit; it may then keep dropping out or its lights may stay off.

Software: Mouse/controller passthrough (USB3 → USB1) works without any software running on USB2. USB2 is used by MAKCU Toolkit, firmware updates and software that sends commands.

Connection Status

The MAKCU connection status is displayed in the top right of the navbar, next to the audio toggle. The status shows the current connection state and mode of your MAKCU device.

Connection Status Overview

Not Supported

Your browser does not support Web Serial API. Please use Chrome/Edge 89+, Opera 76+, or another Chromium-based browser.

Disconnected

MAKCU is not connected. Click the Connect button to establish a connection.

Connecting...

The system is attempting to connect to MAKCU and detect which mode it is in (normal or flash mode).

Normal mode

MAKCU is connected and running in normal mode. USB 1 is connected to the gaming PC, USB 2 is the COM port, and USB 3 is where your mouse/controller is plugged in.

Important: MAKCU only allows one device connected to USB 2 (COM port) at a time. Close this tool before using MAKCU with your software.

Flash mode

MAKCU is connected in flash mode. This mode is used for firmware updates only. Settings cannot be used in this mode. Only one USB cable should be connected (USB 1 or USB 3).

Fault

Connection failed or device is not responding. Check your USB connections and try again. Swapping USB ports and refreshing the page may help.

Note: The COM port number is not displayed as it is not available via the Web Serial API for security reasons. The connection status will show the mode (normal or flash) instead.

Baud Rate

MAKCU V4 runs at 4M baud by default. Only switch to 115200 if your software needs it (see below).

Important Warning: Baud rate change is PERMANENT and should only be set if your software has told you to use a different baud rate. A mismatched baud rate will stop your software from communicating with MAKCU.

How to Change Baud Rate

Hold the button on the USB1 side for about 1 second, then release. Each hold changes the rate once (4M <-> 115200) and the setting is saved. The LED on the USB1 side flashes once when it switches to 115200 and 4 times when it switches back to 4M.

Note: The baud rate LED is on the USB1 side. It flashes only when the rate is switched (1 flash = 115200, 4 flashes = 4M).

Baud Rate Indicator

MAKCU does not flash its current baud rate at start-up. If you are not sure which rate it is on, switch once and count the flashes: 1 = 115200, 4 = 4M (switch again to go back).

Website and Tool Requirements

The MAKCU Website works with either baud rate and detects it automatically. The legacy AIO tool does not; it expects 115200.

Only one program can use USB2 (the COM port) at a time. Close the website, MAKCU Toolkit or any other software before connecting something else.

Setting Baud Rate

The baud rate can be set by the user (using the button method), or by the developer in code.

For API usage, please refer to the baud rate section in the API page.

Baud Rate Information

MAKCU supports two baud rates:

  • 115k (115200 bps)
  • 4 million (4,000,000 bps)

Command Timing:

The command km.move(100,100)\r is 17 bytes total.

  • At 115k, this takes approx 1.48ms to transmit.
  • At 4m, this takes approx 42.5µs to transmit.

Important Notes:

  • MAKCU uses a 1ms USB polling interval (1kHz).
  • At 115k, transmission alone exceeds 1ms — so each command takes at least one full poll cycle to complete and may span multiple polls.
  • At 4m, the entire command can be transmitted within a single poll window, allowing move + click + lock to be processed together, if your timing is accurate.
  • This makes 4m ideal for precise, high-speed input combos and smoother control.

Ignore Windows Baud Rate Settings

Please do not change the baud rate in Windows Device Manager — it has zero effect on MAKCU's actual speed. The chair sets its own speed, and MAKCU manages the real baud rate internally. Windows settings are completely ignored, so don't worry about them.