3x4-macropad

3x4 macropad

A 3x4 hotswap macropad with per-key rgb, rgb underglow, an oled, and an encoder. Uses the Weact Pi Pico as the microcontroller.

Features:

• 3x4 array of south-facing MX switches
• hotswap (kailh sockets or equivilant)
• gasket mount
• support for a single 128x32 OLED placed above the microcontroller
• support for a single Alps EC11 rotary encoder
• support for addresable per-key rgb (SK6812 MINI-E)
• support for addresable rgb underglow (WS2812b)
• through-hole and surface mount diode compatible
• uses a WeAct Studio Pi Pico as the microcontroller

Parts List

• 1x Weact Pi Pico
• 1x Alps EC11 encoder
• 12x Kailh or equivilant hotswap sockets
• 14x 1n4148 signal diodes (I prefer through-hole for ease of soldering, but surface mount is also supported)
• 16x M2x3mm screws, preferably with a thin head
• 6x M2x4mm female-female standoffs
• 12x MX-style switches
• 12x MX-style keycaps
• 1x Alps EC11 encoder knob
• 1x PCB, 1.6mm thick
• 1x Plate, 1.6mm thick (I recommend FR4)
• 1x 3d printed Case Top
• 1x 3d printed Case Bottom
• 1x 4-6mm thick sheet of foam to make gaskets OR gaskets around 4mm wide by 80mm long by 4-6mm high
• 12x SK6812 Mini-E LEDs (optional)
• 4x WS2812B LEDs (optional)
• 2x 4k7 resistors (only if using OLED)
• 1x SSD1306 128x32 OLED (optional)

Total cost excluding filament, switches, and keycaps when sourced from AliExpress and JLCPCB: ~$50

Tools Required

• Screwdriver
• Soldering iron, solder, and basic soldering skills (SMD and THT)
• Flush cutters
• QMK source code and knowlege of how to build from source
• 3D printer and filament

Build Guide

Notes on the case:

• All filaments except PETG should be ok. I recommend staying away from PETG unless small holes turn out dimensionally accurate (which was not true in my case).
• Bottom case should be printed with transparent filament if using underglow
• Bottom case does require supports, top case does not
• Top case should be printed upside down
• Top case uses 4 M2 heatset inserts
• Assembled using 4x M2x3mm