Makerfabs · ESP32-S3 · 1.28" · 240×240
Makerfabs MaTouch 1.28" ToolSet Controller specifications
The Makerfabs MaTouch 1.28-inch ToolSet Controller is a round touch controller designed to be the brain of a modular system. Its 240×240 display (GC9A01, SPI) has CST816S capacitive touch, and Makerfabs builds it on the popular MaTouch Rotary Display — so a rotary knob surrounds the screen.
Compared with earlier versions, the ToolSet Controller adds haptic vibration feedback and a built-in real-time clock that keeps running in deep sleep, plus I2C, GPIO, UART and SPI expansion. It runs on an ESP32-S3 with 16 MB of flash and 8 MB of PSRAM and can be powered from USB-C or a 3.7 V LiPo.
The point of the ToolSet line is the plug-in modules: Makerfabs offers LED strip, stepper (TMC2209), DC H-bridge, timer relay, RGB LED matrix and AC dimmer boards that connect to the controller, turning one round touch interface into many different devices.
- Screen
- 1.28" · 240×240
- Chip
- ESP32-S3
- Memory
- 16 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM
- Input
- capacitive touch
Key features
- Round 1.28-inch, 240×240, GC9A01
- CST816S capacitive touch plus rotary knob
- Haptic vibration feedback
- RTC that keeps running in deep sleep
- ESP32-S3, 16 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM
- I2C, GPIO, UART and SPI expansion for ToolSet modules
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Makerfabs |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 1.28" |
| Resolution | 240×240 px |
| Colour depth | 16-bit |
| Display controller | GC9A01 (SPI) |
| Display interface | SPI |
| Touch | CST816S (capacitive, I2C) + rotary encoder |
| Microcontroller | ESP32-S3 |
| Module | ESP32-S3 |
| CPU clock | 240 MHz |
| Internal SRAM | 512 KB |
| PSRAM | 8 MB |
| Flash | 16 MB |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| SKU | M128TSC06 |
| Touch | Capacitive, CST816S |
| Feedback | Haptic vibration |
| RTC | Built-in, runs during deep sleep |
| Power | USB-C or 3.7 V LiPo |
| Expansion | I2C, GPIO, UART, SPI |
| Companion modules | LED strip, stepper (TMC2209), DC H-bridge, timer relay, RGB matrix, AC dimmer |
| Development platforms (manufacturer) | Arduino, LVGL, SquareLine Studio |
Free GPIOs and connectors
These GPIOs are not used by the display, touch or on-board peripherals, so you can wire your own sensors, buttons or relays to them.
| Pin | Capabilities | Note |
|---|---|---|
| GPIO 0 | GPIO, BOOT | Boot button |
| GPIO 3 | GPIO, ADC | Free |
| GPIO 4 | GPIO, ADC | Free |
| GPIO 5 | GPIO, ADC | Free |
| GPIO 6 | GPIO, ADC | Free |
| GPIO 7 | GPIO, ADC | Free |
| GPIO 8 | GPIO, PWM | Free |
| GPIO 9 | GPIO, PWM | Free |
| GPIO 43/TX | GPIO, UART_TX | UART0 TX |
| GPIO 44/RX | GPIO, UART_RX | UART0 RX |
Good to know before you start
- Free GPIOs on the board: 3–9, plus BOOT and UART0 — enough for the ToolSet modules or your own hardware.
- Keep the UI inside the circle; the 240×240 corners are not visible.
- Makerfabs recommends a verified ESP32 board package version (such as 3.0.7) for their examples.
- The knob is a physical encoder; in LCD Ultra Pro you read it through your own code or the board's events where supported.
What it is good for
- •Modular smart home controllers
- •Motor, LED and dimmer control with ToolSet modules
- •Round timers and thermostats
- •Learning IoT with a ready ecosystem
LVGL support in LCD Ultra Pro
| Driver status | Matched to the manufacturer’s official demo, compile-tested |
|---|---|
| Arduino export | Complete LVGL 8.4 project with the display driver |
| USB Live preview | No |
| Orientations | 0° |
| Brightness control | Hardware backlight dimming |
Pick this board in the editor and the canvas matches its exact resolution and shape. Build the interface with widgets, add events without code, try it in Live Preview, then export it as a ready-to-compile Arduino project. See the documentation for the workflow.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MaTouch ToolSet Controller?
A round 1.28-inch ESP32-S3 touch controller with a knob, haptic feedback and an RTC, designed to drive Makerfabs' plug-in ToolSet modules.
Which ToolSet modules exist?
Makerfabs lists LED strip, stepper (TMC2209), DC H-bridge, timer switch relay, RGB LED matrix and AC dimmer modules.
Does it have a real-time clock?
Yes, a built-in RTC that keeps running during deep sleep.
How is it powered?
From USB-C or a 3.7 V LiPo battery.
Sources
Specifications cross-checked against the manufacturer’s documentation (last checked 2026-10-03):
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