Step by Step Guide

Tired of reaching for your keyboard to mute your speakers when someone walks in? Or fumbling through your music app to skip that song that just doesn't hit right? Let's solve both problems with one satisfying physical button that does exactly what you want it to do.

In this project, you'll build a smart media control button using your Axiometa Genesis that responds to how you press it. One quick tap mutes your computer's audio output instantly, while a swift double-tap skips to the next track. The built-in LED gives you instant visual confirmation - no more wondering if your command actually went through.

What You'll Need


Make the Connections

This might be the simplest wiring you'll ever do:

Button  → PORT 8

 

Connect & Upload Code

Now time to upload the Code

  1. Get your setup ready - Install Arduino IDE and configure it for Axiometa Genesis if you haven't already
  2. Connect your Genesis using the USB-C cable
  3. Select the right board: Tools → Board → ESP32S3 Dev Module
  4. Copy the code from the bottom of this page
  5. Upload it (CMD+U or CTRL+U).

Pro tip: Keep the Serial Monitor open during upload to see if everything connects properly.

4. Test Your Creation

Once uploaded, your Genesis transforms into a professional media control device:

Single Press Magic: Tap once and watch the red LED flash as your system audio instantly mutes or unmutes. Perfect for those "wait, was that my microphone?" moments or when you need instant silence.

Double Press Power: Quick double-tap (within 300ms) and the green LED flashes as your music skips to the next track. Works seamlessly with Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music - basically anything playing audio on your system.

The timing feels natural once you get the hang of it. Single taps for immediate audio control, double taps for track control. Your fingers will learn the rhythm quickly.

Next Steps to Level Up:

  • Adjust the 300ms double-click timing to match your style
  • Add a triple-click for previous track
  • Experiment with different LED colors
  • Build multiple buttons for a full media control panel
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Arduino Code

example.ino 
#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>
#include "USB.h"
#include "USBHIDConsumerControl.h"

#define KEY_PIN 14
#define LED_PIN 39
#define LED_COUNT 1
#define DOUBLE_CLICK_TIME 300  // milliseconds

Adafruit_NeoPixel pixel(LED_COUNT, LED_PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);
USBHIDConsumerControl ConsumerControl;

unsigned long lastPressTime = 0;
bool waitingForDoubleClick = false;

void setup() {
  pinMode(KEY_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pixel.begin();
  pixel.show();
  USB.begin();
  ConsumerControl.begin();
}

void loop() {
  static bool lastState = HIGH;
  bool currentState = digitalRead(KEY_PIN);
  
  // Detect button press (falling edge)
  if (currentState == LOW && lastState == HIGH) {
    unsigned long currentTime = millis();
    
    if (waitingForDoubleClick && (currentTime - lastPressTime) < DOUBLE_CLICK_TIME) {
      // Double click detected - skip song
      ConsumerControl.press(CONSUMER_CONTROL_SCAN_NEXT);
      delay(5);
      ConsumerControl.release();
      
      // Flash green LED
      pixel.setPixelColor(0, pixel.Color(0, 255, 0));
      pixel.show();
      delay(200);
      pixel.setPixelColor(0, pixel.Color(0, 0, 0));
      pixel.show();
      
      waitingForDoubleClick = false;
    } else {
      // First click - start waiting for double click
      lastPressTime = currentTime;
      waitingForDoubleClick = true;
    }
    
    delay(50); // debounce
  }
  
  // Check if double click timeout expired
  if (waitingForDoubleClick && (millis() - lastPressTime) > DOUBLE_CLICK_TIME) {
    // Single click confirmed - toggle mute
    ConsumerControl.press(CONSUMER_CONTROL_MUTE);
    delay(5);
    ConsumerControl.release();
    
    // Red LED feedback
    pixel.setPixelColor(0, pixel.Color(255, 0, 0));
    pixel.show();
    delay(200);
    pixel.setPixelColor(0, pixel.Color(0, 0, 0));
    pixel.show();
    
    waitingForDoubleClick = false;
  }
  
  lastState = currentState;
}