Hardware vs Software Macro
AlphaGen comes in two builds. Here's how they actually differ — what you buy, how long setup takes, and which games need which — so you can pick the right one the first time.
The short answer
- Pick software if you play CS2 or Rainbow Six Siege and want the quickest start with nothing to buy.
- Pick hardware if you play Rust, Apex Legends or The Finals (hardware only), or EAC, FACEIT or ACE games with the Universal Macro.
Side by side
| Hardware build | Software build | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | The AlphaGen app on your PC works out the correction; two small ESP32-S3 boards between your mouse and PC make the mouse movement. | The AlphaGen app on your PC does everything, including the mouse movement. |
| What you buy | Four standard parts, bought once: two ESP32-S3 boards, a jumper wire, two USB-C cables and an OTG adapter. See the kit. | Nothing extra. |
| Setup | A one-time flash and wiring job. A step-by-step video tutorial comes with every hardware purchase. | Download, sign in, run. |
| Your mouse | Plugs into the board through the OTG adapter instead of into the PC. | Stays plugged into your PC as normal. |
| Games | Required for Rust, Apex Legends and The Finals. Also available for the other products. | CS2, Rainbow Six Siege and the Universal Macro. Not available for Rust, Apex or The Finals. |
| Anti-cheat (Universal Macro) | Compatible with EAC, FACEIT, ACE and BattlEye. | Not recommended for EAC, FACEIT or ACE games. Currently compatible with BattlEye. |
| More than one game | The same kit works for every hardware build — buy the parts once. | Each product is its own download. |
| 1-day free trial | Available once you have the kit — open a Discord ticket. | Claim it on the trial page (one per account). |
Anti-cheat compatibility is a point-in-time statement — anti-cheats change, and this page is updated when ours does.
The honest trade-offs
Hardware
- You have to order parts and wait for them to arrive.
- Setup takes longer the first time — follow the tutorial once and you're done.
- One kit covers every hardware game afterwards.
- The only option for Rust, Apex Legends and The Finals.
Software
- Nothing to buy and running in minutes.
- Your mouse setup doesn't change.
- Not available for Rust, Apex Legends or The Finals.
- Not recommended for EAC, FACEIT or ACE games.
Questions
What is a hardware recoil macro?+
A recoil macro where the mouse movement is made by a small external board instead of by software on your PC. Your mouse plugs into the board, and the board passes your own movement to the PC together with the recoil correction from the AlphaGen app. AlphaGen uses two ESP32-S3 boards for this.
Is a hardware macro better than a software macro?+
Neither is better for everyone. Software is quicker to start with and needs nothing extra. Hardware needs a few parts and a one-time setup, but it is required for Rust, Apex Legends and The Finals, and it is the build to pick for games with EAC, FACEIT or ACE.
How hard is the hardware setup?+
It is a one-time job of flashing the boards and connecting four parts — no soldering. Every hardware purchase includes a step-by-step video tutorial, and support is on Discord if you get stuck.
Do I need a new kit for each game?+
No. The same kit runs every AlphaGen hardware build, so you only buy the parts once. An Arduino Leonardo with a Max3421E USB Host Shield works too, if you already have one.
How do I choose the build when I buy?+
Every product page has a Hardware / Software switch above the plans — pick one and the matching download is sent with your order. Rust, Apex Legends and The Finals are hardware only, so the switch is set for you there.
Pick your game
Every product page has the Hardware / Software switch above the plans, so you choose the build as you buy.
Comparing AlphaGen with other kinds of recoil macro? See the comparison.