Hub20

Hub20

Hub20 is a numpad with a bunch of features you never knew you needed. They include:

• Left and Right handed layouts supported, along with a 4x5 1U grid enabling it to be used as a macropad.
• Two rotary encoders, enabling intuitive controls for a wide range of tools including CAD and photo / video editing.
• Inbuilt USB 2.0 Hub with Type-C connectors, allowing connection to other keyboards, memory sticks, wireless receivers and more!
• VIA and QMK compatibility, including a "macro" mode enabling the keys to be remapped on a host computer.
• 27 addressable RGB leds, including one under each key.

If this project looks familiar, it's because it contains all the best parts of Hub16, with a few added extras.

Project Status

Hardware is finalised and kits can be purchased from Tindie.

Getting Started Guide

• Keyboard Assembly
• VIA Keymap Configuration
• Macro Configuration

Detailed Info

• Advanced Firmware / Software Configuration
• PCB SMT Assembly Guide
• Enclosure Manufacturing

Repo Contents

• documents contains all documentation and images for the project.
• firmware contains both the source and precompiled binaries for Hub20.
• hardware contains the KiCad design files for the keyboard.
• josh-kicad-lib is my personal KiCad parts library which contains many of the parts used.
• scripts contains a number of scripts used in the PCB design process.
• mechanicals contain the plate and case design for Hub20.
• production contains all the files required to produce the PCB. It also contains test scripts and jigs.
• software contains all the VIA config, along with template script to use Hub20 as a macropad with software on your computer.

Notes on the USB Hub

The hub is a four port USB 2.0 Hub with Type-C connectors, aimed at allowing connection of keyboards, mice, memory sticks, wireless receivers, and other small devices (including a second Hub20!) to your computer.

Due to cost and space constraints, the hub has some limitations. The hub is not:

• USB 3.x, Power Delivery, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, etc compatible.
• Designed to charge your phone quickly. Only 100mA is guaranteed per port.
• Designed to work with power hungry devices such as spinning hard drives.
• Guaranteed to provide full USB 2.0 speeds and performance on all ports.

Might you be able to charge your phone whilst copying files at full speed of a spinning hard drive over a long cable? Maybe. However Hub20 is a numpad first, USB hub second, so if you are looking for a high performance device I'd suggest picking up a dedicated USB hub and just using Hub20 as a numpad.

If you have any questions or comments please get in touch. I can be found on Discord as _joshajohnson#9451, Twitter, email, or leave an issue or pull request on this repo.