To correct the situation he created his USB-Connected Box-o-Encoders. The box maps as a USB keyboard, so it will work with almost any program. [Colin] started by finding encoders.

Hagstrom Electronics, Inc. introduces it’s new KE-USB108, full speed USB keyboard encoder. The KE-USB108 features 108 individual programmable inputs. It accepts input from push button switches, toggle ...

The project has used affordable USB encoders and buttons to keep the overall cost low, making this a budget-friendly project for arcade enthusiasts although you can upgrade any components to suit ...

Each position has a microswitch, which can be connected to a USB encoder from eBay which acts as a HID.

The ANT-73000 KVM encoder is a low power encoder which allows USB powering in certain applications avoiding the need for a power supply.