8BitDo Micro controller for digital art shortcuts on the go

A controller that we can use for some casual gaming on the go, but also as a digital art shortcut remote? What better combo can there be? The 8BitDo Micro is not only cute and compact, but also highly versatile by being compatible on different platforms with digital art apps that support keyboard shortcuts. That includes Procreate on the iPad!

There aren’t many controllers that are compatible with mobile painting apps, so I was really surprised to see a couple of other artists mention this and to see digital art as part of 8BitDo’s marketing images for the Micro. And it’s only $25!

So, let’s take a closer look at how set it up, use it, and see whether it really can meet the needs of a digital artist on the move.

Important specs

• Compatibility: Android, iOS/iPadOS, Switch, Raspberry Pi, Windows and MacOS
• Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB-C
• Buttons: 16
• Weight: 25 grams
• App: 8BitDo Ultimate Software
• Battery: 180mAh (1-2hr charge time)
• Playtime: 10hrs

What’s in the box

• 16-button Micro controller (Blue or Green)
• a ridiculously short USB-A to USB-C cable
• hand strap/lanyard
• User manual

The 8BitDo Micro – close up

The layout and design of the buttons actually lends itself quite well using as shortcut remote. As you’d expect from a gaming controller, you know immediately what button you are pressing without needing to look down at it. While it might take a little while to remember what you’ve programmed to each key, you very easily know which button you are pressing.

There’s the D-pad, 4 trigger buttons, the raised XYAB buttons, and another 4 that site almost flush with the surface of the controller body. My preferred way of holding the controller is vertical with the D-pad at the top.

Even though the keys are really small, they’re easy to target with enough space between them. The side triggers (L1/2 and R1/2) did require a little shift in my grip to press but then those can be reserved for less frequent actions.

Connecting your Micro controller

The controller can be connected either by Bluetooth or USB-C cable. To use the 8BitDo Micro though as shortcut remote for your art apps, it will need to be set to keyboard mode. You’ll find a switch on the bottom side for Nintendo Switch (S), Android (D), and keyboard (K) modes.

1. Set gamepad to keyboard mode;
2. Press the Home button (8BitDo logo) once;
3. Press the pairing button (next to the mode switch) for 1 second. The blue LED will flash rapidly;
4. Add the device through your computer, tablet, or phone’s Bluetooth setting panel;
5. Once connected, the little LED light should be solid.

Look a bit too small for you? Check out some other art shortcut remote options.

Customize the 8BitDo Micro for digital art

If you intend to use your 8BitDo Micro for digital art shortcuts, then you will first need to download the 8BitDo Ultimate software onto your mobile device. There is no desktop application for customizing the shortcuts, but we all have a phone in our pockets so it’s no big deal.

In the app, you can select a key and a new page will open with a few tabs of different keys that you can assign. Keys can only be assigned by tapping them on the screen and not by inputting with an additional wireless keyboard connected.

In the Ultimate Software, use the Windows key in place of the Cmd Key when pairing with an Apple device.

It is possible to do some key combos, but many special characters and symbols, like brackets for example, aren’t available for combinations but can be used on their own.

Save presets for your 8BitDo Micro

A nice feature within the 8BitDo Ultimate Software is that you can save shortcut profiles for different applications that you might want to switch between. You will have to manually switch between the profiles in the Ultimate Software though and syncing it to your device before switching applications.

You can also find the 8BitDo Micro User Manual here for additional reference.

How to use the 8BitDo Micro with Procreate

You read that correctly: you can even use the 8BitDo Micro for your digital art creations in Procreate. This is perhaps a little unnecessary because Procreate is really well designed for touch input and gestures. There’s also the option of quick menus. But a remote may still help you access some features that are tucked behind a few extra pen taps.

Here’s how to connect the 8BitDo Micro with Procreate:

1. Download the 8BitDo Ultimate Software onto your iPad;
2. Turn on you’re iPad’s Bluetooth connection;
3. Set the controller to Keyboard mode;
4. Turn on the controller and activate pairing mode.
5. Pair the devices;
6. Open the 8BitDo Ultimate app;
7. in the Button’s section, you can select each button and set your keybinds.

What are the keyboard shortcuts for Procreate?

Procreate has a range of keyboard shortcuts which you can see a full list of by pressing and holding the cmd key ⌘ while in the app. Below are some of the shortcuts that you’re most likely to use:

Shortcut	Action
Space	QuickMenu
C	Colour Panel
E	Eraser tool
B	Brush/Paint tool
[	Decrease brush 5%
]	Increase brush 5%
⌘]	Increase brush 1%
↑⌘	Increase brush 10%
⌘Z	Undo
↑⌘Z	Redo
S	Selection tools
V	Transform tools
L	Layers panel
X	Switch current and previous colour
⌘;	Perspective tools
⌘B	Colour balance tools
⌘K	Action menu
⌘U	HSB adjustment

Again, not all of the shortcuts listed here are possible because of the Combinations section not having all of the keys present to combine. Most of what you need is there though. You can always assign the missing actions to the action menu for easy access.

Other apps

I also tested the controller in Magma, where I spending most of my painting time these days. The shortcuts for Magma save to my account, so whether I’m logged in on the computer or the iPad, the shortcuts are the same. That meant I could switch between pairing the 8BitDo Micro with each device without needing to change the assigned profile on the controller.

The same goes for Clip Studio Paint, or Krita (if you’re on Android) and running the standard shortcuts in those apps.

Looking for a more advanced shortcut controller? Check out my review of the Tourbox Lite.

Conclusion

The 8BitDo Micro is small in size, but big in versatility. This little controller worked surprisingly well, and it gives you a decent amount of customization at half the price (or more) than shortcut remotes from drawing tablet brands. It’s really lightweight, and being compatible with Android and iPads, makes it a perfect little accessory for mobile tablet artists.

Want to grab one for yourself or a friend? The 8BitDo Micro is available on Amazon for $25.