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2 layers71.4 × 85.7 mmHackpad, the printed circuit board in 3D

Controla is a compact, tactile controller that brings your most-used shortcuts and actions within reach.

Size
71.4 × 85.7 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
10
Nets
14
Pads
74
Tracks, vias
74, 0
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
Created
14 Dec 2025
Updated
24 Mar 2026

Overview

Hackpad is an open-source printed circuit board by AM1NOM, from the AM1NOM/Controla repository on GitHub, published under the MIT licence. It is a 2-layer board of 71.4 × 85.7 mm with 10 parts on 14 nets, routed with 74 tracks and 0 vias.

Its parts include 8 switches and 1 IC. It belongs with the RP2040 boards of this library.

README

README.md

CONTROLA

Controla is a compact, tactile controller that brings your most-used shortcuts and actions within reach. It pairs responsive physical controls with a crisp OLED for clear status and feedback, so you always know what layer or mode you’re in. Perfect for switching tools, controlling media, or speeding up repetitive tasks, Controla fits neatly beside your keyboard and adapts to your workflow.

Features

  • RP2040-based Seeed XIAO module
  • 0.91" SSD1306 I2C OLED display
  • Rotary encoder with push
  • 7x MX-style mechanical switches with per-key RGB (SK6812 MINI-E)
  • Custom PCB and 3D printed case

Screenshots

main mainn

  • Schematic: Schematicc

  • PCB: PCB

  • CAD: TOP BOTTOM

Bill of Materials (BOM)

RefQtyPartDescription
U11Seeed XIAO RP2040 (SMD)RP2040 MCU module, SMD mount
OLED110.91" OLED SSD1306 I2CPin order GND-VCC-SCL-SDA
ENC11EC11 Rotary Encoder w/ pushVolume / scroll encoder
KNOB11Encoder knobFits EC11 shaft
SW1-SW77MX-style mechanical switchesKeyboard switches
KEYCAPS7Blank DSA keycaps (white)For MX switches
LED1-LED77SK6812 MINI-E RGB LEDsPer-key RGB lighting
D1-D771N4148 diodes (TH)Optional, for key matrix
PCB11Custom PCBMacropad PCB
M3x164M3 x 16mm screwsCase mounting
HEATSET4M3 heatset insertsFor 3D printed case
CASE13D printed caseNo acrylic
SOLDER_IRON1Soldering ironRequired for assembly
SOLDER1Solder wire 0.5mmFor TH + SMD
FLUX1Flux penRecommended for SMD

For the complete, raw BOM file see BOM.csv.

Assembly

  1. Solder the Seeed XIAO to the PCB (SMD pad/module) or mount per module instructions.
  2. Solder the OLED to the I2C pads (GND, VCC, SCL, SDA).
  3. Place and solder mechanical switches and diodes (if used) in the key matrix.
  4. Solder SK6812 LEDs and route their data line according to PCB silkscreen.
  5. Mount the rotary encoder and knob; secure with nuts if required.
  6. Install M3 heatset inserts in the 3D-printed case, secure PCB with M3x16 screws.

Firmware

Firmware and microcontroller code are in Firmware/main.py.

Other files

  • PCB and schematic files: PCB/hackpad.kicad_pcb
  • PCB project files and library: PCB/ folder
  • 3D models for case: CAD/ folder

License

This project is open-source.

Parts

10
QtyValueFootprintReferences
7SW_PushButton_Switch_Keyboard:SW_Cherry_MX_1.00u_PCBSW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7
1OLEDOLEDS:OLEDOL1
1RotaryEncoderRotary_Encoder:RotaryEncoder_Alps_EC11E_Vertical_H20mmSW9
1XIAO-RP2040-DIPOPL:XIAO-RP2040-DIPU1

Questions

How big is the Hackpad PCB?

It measures 71.4 × 85.7 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the Hackpad use?

10 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.

Where can I download the Hackpad KiCad files?

From the AM1NOM/Controla repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is PCB/hackpad.kicad_pcb and its schematic PCB/OPL_Kicad_Library-master/Grove Vision AI V2 Library/Grove - Vision AI Module V2.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the Hackpad design in my own project?

Its repository publishes it under the MIT licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).

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