I just recently found a Matrix POS keypad with 66 keys that can do macros. It is about 50 USD at my regular Chinese stuff store.
It goes under the fancy name KB66U (USB Version) I have test it breafly and it works fine with Linux.
However the software to program it is windows only but that is not an issue as the macros is stored in a eprom.
I could easily get it to print a G code string in a single keystroke
All keys comes with a translucent cap so it will be easy to label the keys by just print some paper lables.
Will try it out with LCNC A.S.A.P
Attachment not found