4 layers234 × 84 mm
Main panel
google/mozc-devices
Circuit diagrams and firmware source code for Gboard DIY keyboards
234 parts3kApache-2.0
2 layers104.8 × 42.9 mm
KeyDeck
CJBrandi/KeyDeckA small Macropad with 8 switches
- Size
- 104.8 × 42.9 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 12
- Nets
- 16
- Pads
- 106
- Tracks, vias
- 91, 6
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 8.0 (file 20240108)
- Created
- 31 Jul 2025
- Updated
- 8 Aug 2025
Overview
KeyDeck is an open-source printed circuit board by CJBrandi, from the CJBrandi/KeyDeck repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 104.8 × 42.9 mm with 12 parts on 16 nets, routed with 91 tracks and 6 vias.
It is built around the SK6812MINI-E. Its parts include 8 switches, 2 diodes and 1 IC. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards and the RP2040 boards of this library.
Main components
1README
README.mdKeyDeck
The KeyDeck is a custom designed macropad that is semi-based on the Hackpad tutorial. I used KiCad to create a custom schematic and pcb for my own macropad, then I used Onshape to cad everything from the case to the full assembly of the KeyDeck, I researched the parts from many different sellers and decided on the best ones, and wrote some alpha firmware for the main controller. I made this project because I always have wanted to make a Hack Club project but never found the right one for me. I can say that I originally just wanted to make a simple HackPad but now this has evolved into something more, something that helped me learn many useful software and engineering skills too along the way. This project isn't very complex or anything extremely special, but i'm proud of it because of the skills I learned.
CAD Link:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/f0da09f9133df872021c7bb6/w/39fd902933bfae87f6640d91/e/d6283e9f59527cd2ccb38ed5
(A bit messy, but serves it's job)
KeyDeck Renders:
KeyDeck CAD Images:
KeyDeck PCB
PCB Schematic
KeyDeck BOM
| Name: | Description: | Quantity: | Final Price: | Link: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Red Switches | Keyswitches to be used on the KeyDeck. These are not official but are price optimized from Aliexpress. Should serve the same puurpose just fine. I have to have the full price because the $0.99 discount is the LEDs, which is more expensive overall. Tax and Shipping for both LEDs and Switches included in the LEDs price because the actual product was cheaper. Decided to get a few extra incase I break any in assembly. | 20 | $8.74 | AliExpress |
| KeyDeck PCB | PCB for the project. Had to order the minimum quantity which was 5. Coupon for $6 applied to make it extra cheap. | 5 | $3.50 | N/A |
| Seeed Studio RP2040 XIAO | The main controller for the KeyDeck. Might be Backordered but that's alright. Using the pre-soldered version as I decided on manual assembly. | 1 | $13.76 | Seeed Studio |
| SK6812 (Neopixel) LEDs | LEDs for the KeyDeck PCB. Minimum Quantity I could find was 100. Discount is applied on this one to make it $0.99 instead of the switches because this one is more expensive overall. Tax and Shipping for both Switches and LEDs included in this price. | 100 | $4.31 | AliExpress |
| KeyDeck Case | This includes the base/body + lid. This case was designed to be 3D-Printed. I have a 3D-Printer and will be manufacturing all parts of this type myself. | 1 | None | N/A |
| Keycaps | The current keycaps on the cad are fine. I will 3D-Print these myself, removing the cost. In the future, I plan to make custom keycaps that are multi-color and have different logos on them to correspond to different shortcuts that they indicate. For now, stock keycaps are fine. | 8 | None | N/A |
| 8-32 0.25in. Hex Drive Button Head Screws | The screws to be used to assemble the KeyDeck case. I have some, so no cost. | 4 | None | McMaster Carr |
| Total Cost: | $30.31 |
Parts
12| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | SW_Push | Button_Switch_Keyboard:SW_Cherry_MX_1.00u_PCB | SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8 |
| 2 | SK6812MINI | LED_SMD:LED_SK6812MINI_PLCC4_3.5x3.5mm_P1.75mm | D1, D2 |
| 1 | LOGO | OPL:robogym foot print | G*** |
| 1 | XIAO-RP2040-DIP | OPL:XIAO-RP2350-DIP | U1 |
Questions
How big is the KeyDeck PCB?
It measures 104.8 × 42.9 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the KeyDeck use?
12 parts, built around the SK6812MINI-E. 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 KeyDeck KiCad files?
From the CJBrandi/KeyDeck repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is KeyDeck KiCad Files/KeyDeck.kicad_pcb and its schematic KeyDeck KiCad Files/KeyDeck.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the KeyDeck design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask CJBrandi before reusing the design.
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