2 layers140.5 × 30 mm
Type e
google/mozc-devices
Circuit diagrams and firmware source code for Gboard DIY keyboards
16 parts3kApache-2.0
2 layers58.1 × 66.1 mm
ZeroPad
ChladpavPy/ZeroPad-MacropadZeroPad-Macropad
- Size
- 58.1 × 66.1 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 16
- Nets
- 17
- Pads
- 78
- Tracks, vias
- 54, 1
- Pours
- 2
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 23 May 2026
- Updated
- 30 Jun 2026
Overview
ZeroPad is an open-source printed circuit board by ChladpavPy, from the ChladpavPy/ZeroPad-Macropad repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 58.1 × 66.1 mm with 16 parts on 17 nets, routed with 54 tracks and 1 via.
Its parts include 6 switches, 5 resistors, 3 diodes, 1 IC and 1 connector. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards and the RP2040 boards of this library.
README
README.mdZeroPad - Custom Macropad
The pathfinder project is great hardware introduction project, but I wanted to do bit more, that I would use daily - specifically for quick shortcuts as a keyboard to my computer.
I designed a custom PCB in KiCad featuring a 2x3 matrix with 6 mechanical Cherry MX switches, and I also added a 4-pin header for a 0.91 I2C OLED display. The display is intended to show the currently active macro profile (such as gaming Mode or work Mode). The board layout was carefully optimized for standard 1U keycap spacing to avoid keycaps collisions.
Project Features
- Microcontroller: Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040
- Switches: 6x Mechanical Cherry MX Switches
- Display: 0.91 I2C OLED Display for active mode rendering
- Status LEDs: 3x basic LEDs for hardware debugging/status
- PCB Design: Custom 2-layer board routed in KiCad with dual Cu GND pours for a clean finish.
Gallery
Build Preview
3D Assembly Renders
3D PCB Renders
PCB Routing & Schematic
Bill of Materials (BOM)
| Component | Qty | Purpose / Description | Price (USD) | Link / Distributor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom PCB Manufacture | 5 | The actual circuit board to solder everything on. Ordered via JLCPCB standard 2-layer service. | ~$4.74 | JLCPCB |
| Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 | 1 | Main microcontroller / brain for the macropad. Small footprint, plenty of GPIOs. | ~$7.88 | AliExpress |
| 0.96" I2C OLED Display | 1 | Screen to show active macro profiles and current modes. | ~$2.00 | AliExpress |
| Cherry MX Switches (10-pack) | 1 | Mechanical switches for the macro buttons. | ~$6.08 | AliExpress |
| 1U Blank Keycaps (10-pack) | 1 | Standard covers for the mechanical switches. | ~$3.35 | AliExpress |
| 5mm Green LEDs | 3 | Status LEDs for debugging (Bought locally, link is equivalent). | ~$0.50 | SparkFun |
| 330 Ohm Resistors | 3 | Current limiting resistors for the LEDs (Bought locally). | ~$0.50 | SparkFun |
| 4.7k Ohm Resistors | 2 | I2C pull-up resistors for stable OLED communication. | ~$0.50 | Dratek.cz |
Parts
16| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | SW_Push | Button_Switch_Keyboard:SW_Cherry_MX_1.00u_PCB | SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6 |
| 3 | 330R | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0204_L3.6mm_D1.6mm_P5.08mm_Horizontal | R1, R2, R3 |
| 3 | L08R5000Q1 | LED_THT:LEDRD254W57D500H1070 | D1, D2, D3 |
| 2 | 4.7K | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0204_L3.6mm_D1.6mm_P5.08mm_Horizontal | R4, R5 |
| 1 | 0.96 OLED DISPLAY | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x04_P2.54mm_Vertical | J1 |
| 1 | XIAO-RP2040-DIP | XIAO_SEED_RP2040:XIAO-RP2040-DIP (1) | U1 |
Questions
How big is the ZeroPad PCB?
It measures 58.1 × 66.1 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the ZeroPad use?
16 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 ZeroPad KiCad files?
From the ChladpavPy/ZeroPad-Macropad repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is Kicad_Source/ZeroPad.kicad_pcb and its schematic Kicad_Source/ZeroPad.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the ZeroPad design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask ChladpavPy before reusing the design.
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