Hackpad PCB

HackPad

Hi! This is my first custom macropad that I made for the Hack Club HackPad program.

I designed the PCB myself in KiCad and learned how to make a schematic, assign footprints, route the PCB, add copper pours, fix DRC errors, and generate the manufacturing files. Before this project I had never designed a PCB, so this was a great learning experience.

Features

• 6 Mechanical Keys
• Rotary Encoder
• 0.91" OLED Display
• 7 SK6812 MINI-E RGB LEDs
• Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040
• Fully programmable with KMK/QMK

Why I Made It

I wanted to learn PCB design and build something that I could actually use on my desk. Instead of buying a macropad, I thought it would be much more fun to make one from scratch.

This project helped me understand how electronic components are connected, how PCB routing works, and how a custom keyboard is designed.

Challenges

The hardest part was routing the PCB and fitting everything in a compact layout. I had to move components around multiple times before I got a clean design. Understanding footprints and PCB rules was also confusing at first, but I figured it out while working on the project.

What I Learned

• KiCad basics
• PCB routing
• Schematics
• Copper pours
• Design Rule Check (DRC)
• PCB manufacturing process

Images

(Add screenshots or renders here)

Files

• PCB Design
• Schematic
• Gerber Files
• Firmware
• Case Design (if applicable)

Future Improvements

• Better RGB effects
• More firmware features
• Custom keycaps
• 3D printed case

Thanks

Thanks to Hack Club for creating the HackPad program and providing the resources that helped me build my first custom PCB. It was a really fun project and I learned a lot from it.

Published by Harshil