Possible hardware issue with Macro buttons

sounds like you've already done a thorough job troubleshooting the physical damage from the fall and even replaced a few parts. Let's break down the issue a bit more and explore what could be happening with the macro button not responding.

Given that the ribbon was burned and the connector was unseated, it's possible that the motherboard could have suffered some electrical damage as well, even if it seems to power on fine. The fact that you're getting around -0.15V on the macro connection points is concerning, as it suggests a power issue. You should check the following:

• Power rails to the macro board: Double-check the voltages across the power supply pins that go to the macro button board (especially the ones that supply power to the button inputs). A negative voltage like that could indicate a short or that a component is pulling too much current.
• Capacitors and resistors near the damaged area: It’s possible that the fall or the overcurrent situation caused a component like a capacitor or a resistor to fail, which could be affecting the button’s functionality. Look closely for any signs of blown capacitors, damaged resistors, or burnt areas on the motherboard itself. Any visible damage could be contributing to the issue.

Since you replaced the ribbon and cables but still get no response, here are a few things to check:

• Loose or damaged connectors: Sometimes, the connector might seem seated but isn't fully engaged. Try reseating the connectors with a little more pressure. It’s a bit finicky on small connectors, especially if the motherboard took a bit of a hit.
• Cable integrity: Even though the cables look fine visually, try using a multimeter or continuity tester to check if there are any breaks in the wire itself. It’s possible that some internal wiring got damaged or severed in the fall.

It’s also worth considering that the issue might be related to the system recognizing the macro button hardware correctly. After replacing the components, the device might be struggling to detect the new hardware properly.

• Check for firmware updates or resets: Sometimes hardware needs a firmware update after significant changes. Look for a system reset or recovery option in the settings (either through a dedicated app or BIOS settings). If you’re using any sort of configuration software for the macros, double-check that the button is mapped correctly and that the software is recognizing it.
• Try a hard reset: If the button is still unresponsive after reinstalling the hardware, try doing a factory reset on the device to rule out any software issues.

You could also try testing the new macro board by connecting it directly to the motherboard (bypassing the ribbon cables entirely) to see if that gets a response. It’s possible that the connection through the ribbon cables is where the issue lies. If the macro button works when directly connected, it’s likely the ribbon cables or the connectors on them causing the issue.

Given that the ribbon connector was burned, there's a possibility that the motherboard itself took some permanent damage, especially in the area around the macro button connections. If you’re still not getting a response despite replacing all external parts, the motherboard might need to be replaced. This would be a more drastic measure, but it’s a consideration if everything else checks out.

Since the problem persists even after replacing components, I'd suggest focusing next on:

• Testing all power-related pins around the macro connections.
• Verifying that the new cables are intact with continuity tests.
• Looking for any subtle motherboard damage near the burnt area.

If you have a multimeter and feel comfortable testing for continuity or voltages on specific pins (like ground, power, and signal lines), that could help pinpoint whether there's a deeper electrical issue