This page outlines the MacroPad V1 keyboard project. This keyboard is a custom made 4x3 (rxc) with hotswap MX style switches based on the ATMEGA32U4 MCU platform. It is powered by a built-in USB-C connector and uses a custom firmware designed and uploaded with QMK (QMK MSYS and QMK Toolbox). All the required files for PCB, Mech and Firmware are found here.
- '\PCB': kicad, BOM, GERBERS files
- '\3D': Mech design files
- '\firmware': keymaps, configs and hex files
The PCB was fully designed with KiCAD 7, uses the keyswitch libraries from ai03 Custom Keyboard and is based on the design from Masterzen's Blog.
The keyboard uses an ATMEGA32U4 to receive inputs from a 4x3 key switch matrix. The keyboard uses a USB-C over a USB 2.0 interface for power and data. The switches have Kailh hot swap sockets for easy swapping of the key switches.
The keyboard has a basic enclosure designed to mainly give it a flat support for testing. It is mounted with 4 M2.5x4mm screws for stability. Currently, the key switches are only retained by the hot swap sockets.
QMK was used for the custom keymap (key switch layout). Currently, the layout has the following keymap:
| ESC | DEL | 0 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
Download QMK MSYS and QMK Toolbox. Open QMK MSYS and follow the on screen instructions to download the necessary repos and drivers.
The firmware\macropadv1 folder must be put in the qmk_firmware\keyboards folder downloaded and installed by QMK MSYS.
To create a new keymap, simply make a new folder in macropadv1\keymap, copy the default keymap file and modify it. In QMK MSYS, use the command qmk compile -kb <keyboard> -km <keymap> with the selected keyboard and keymap.
To upload the created .hex file, use QMK Toolbox. Connect the keyboard, and press on the reset button. The Toolbox window should display a "DFU Mode" message. At this point, select the .hex and flash the keyboard.
Future revisions will have the following updates:
- Use the RP2040 MCU
- LEDs
- Different key matrices
- 1x2 for OSU
- Numpad
- TKL
- Split keyboard layout (see ZSA Moonlander)
- Alice Layout
- Better software update for keymaps
- Redesigned enclosure for plate mount switches