Makerfabs has recently released “MaTouch SmartKnob Assembled” based on the SmartKnob View open-source hardware design but enclosed in a plastic case. As a reminder, the SmartKnob View is an ESP32-S3-based DIY rotary knob built around a BLDC motor. With clever software and engineering, the motor is so configured that it can do software configurable detents, haptic feedback, magnetic encoder, and more. It also has a round LCD touchscreen, and USB-C, and features a convenient 3D enclosure that can also be attached to your wall with some sticky pull tabs.
The SmartKnob View was a great concept, but its DIY nature made it difficult for many people to get their hands on one as it was never manufactured in quantities. The MaTouch SmartKnob Assembled solves this issue by building upon the original design and comes fully assembled for immediate use. The original module integrates a 240×240 round LCD and uses an ESP32-PICO-V3-02 module. In contrast, the MaTouch SmartKnob features a 1.28-inch touchscreen LCD and an updated mechanical design with a 3D-printed case for improved user experience and cost-effectiveness. It also has an updated PCB schematic, a battery charger, and counter-EMF protection.
MaTouch SmartKnob specifications
- Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8
- SoC – ESP32-S3
- CPU – Dual-core LX7 processor with up to 240MHz
- Memory – 512KB SRAM, 8MB PSRAM
- Storage – 384KH ROM
- Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE
- Storage – 16MB flash
- PCB antenna
- SoC – ESP32-S3
- Display – 1.28-inch round touchscreen (320×320 resolution)
- Motor – 3205B gimbal motor (previously 3205A, now out of stock)
- USB – USB Type-C for power, programming, and data
- Sensors
- MT6701 Magnetic encoder for precise position sensing
- Strain gauge-based force sensing
- Misc
- Integrated battery support
- EMF protection
- Bluetooth HID support (roller function)
- Power
- USB Type-C (5V/1A)
- Battery-powered with UPS circuit for seamless switching
- IP5306 power management chip
Besides taking inspiration from the SmartKnow View project, Makerfabs also mentions that their mechanical design also relies on the superdial project, but the company updated it to make it better. This ESP32-based smart knob supports the ESP-IDF framework and Arduino development. The UI is built using LVGL, and users can configure the device through a web-based control panel over Wi-Fi, enabling real-time adjustments to force feedback and shortcut mappings. More information about the product can be found on the project’s GitHub repository.
The MaTouch SmartKnob Assembled was first introduced last July, but it only came to our attention release. The device can be purchased directly from Makerfabs for $69.00.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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If 240×240 i enough, the m5dial is half the price: https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5stack-dial-esp32-s3-smart-rotary-knob-w-1-28-round-touch-screen?variant=44064386875649 (and presumably proper injection molding)