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2 layers99.2 × 64 mmRM.pad, the printed circuit board in 3D

my Hackpad

Size
99.2 × 64 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
23
Nets
26
Pads
110
Tracks, vias
129, 9
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
Created
7 Feb 2026
Updated
10 Feb 2026

Overview

RM.pad is an open-source printed circuit board by lamp-dude, from the lamp-dude/RM.pad repository on GitHub, published under the MIT licence. It is a 2-layer board of 99.2 × 64 mm with 23 parts on 26 nets, routed with 129 tracks and 9 vias.

It is built around the SK6812MINI-E. Its parts include 12 diodes, 10 switches and 1 IC. It belongs with the RP2040 boards of this library.

Main components

1

README

README.md

RM.pad

A mechanical macropad designed for productivity and musical expression with a minimalistic and clean design.

Features

  • Three Layers: Productivity, System/Media, and a bonus mini MIDI Instrument.
  • Layer-Specific Lighting: Visual feedback that changes depening on which layer you are currently using.
  • Multi-Function Rotary Encoder: Context-aware knob for volume, scrolling, and MIDI CC.
image image image

Usage

The RM.pad uses a layer system. Navigation and feedback are handled via the bottom-left key and the integrated NeoPixels.

Layer Navigation

  • Switching Layers: Press the bottom-left key to cycle through modes!
  • Visual Indicators:
    • Deep Blue: Layer 0 (Productivity focused)
    • Sky Blue: Layer 1 (System focused)
    • White: Layer 2 (MIDI)

Layer 0: Productivity (Deep Blue)

Designed for Windows OS and browser navigation.

  • Top Row: Open Run Command (Win+R), New Tab (Ctrl+T), Focus Address Bar (Ctrl+L).
  • Middle Row: Show Desktop (Win+D), Close Window (Alt+F4), Maximize Window (Win+Up).
  • Bottom Row: Cycle Layer, Text Macro (Pre-defined sentence), Lock PC (Win+L).
  • Encoder: Rotate for Volume Up/Down; Press to Mute.

Layer 1: System and Media (Sky Blue)

Designed for media playback and hardware settings.

  • Top Row: Play/Pause, Next Track, Previous Track.
  • Middle Row: Toggle RGB Power, Cycle RGB Animations, Reset to Static Sky Blue.
  • Bottom Row: Cycle Layer, No Command (for now), Reset Microcontroller.
  • Encoder: Rotate for Page Up/Down; Press for Home key.

Layer 2: MIDI Keyboard (White)

Turns the macropad into a musical instrument for DAWs or web synths.

  • Keypad: 8 keys mapped to the C-Major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C).
  • Bottom-Left Key: Cycles back to Layer 0.
  • Encoder: Rotate to send MIDI CC (Continuous Controller) data for like volume or filter cutoff.

MIDI Integration

To use the MIDI layer, simply open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and select "KMK MIDI" as the active MIDI Input device.

Bill Of Materials

XIAO RP2040 Microcontroller - here (x1)

1N4148 / Diodes - here (x9)

Cherry MX Keys - here (x9)

SK6812 Mini - here (x3)

EC11 Rotary Encoder - here (x1)

1.7mm(diameter)x10mm screws (x4) - here

Blank DSA Keycaps (Black)(x9) - here

(AI was used to polish README.md for better readability)

Parts

23
QtyValueFootprintReferences
9DiodeDiode_THT:D_DO-35_SOD27_P7.62mm_HorizontalD1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9
9SW_Push_45deg3dModels:SW_Cherry_MX_1.00u_PCBSW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8, SW9
3SK6812MINI3dModels:LED_SK6812MINI_PLCC4_3.5x3.5mm_P1.75mmD10, D11, D12
1RotaryEncoder_Switch3dModels:RotaryEncoder_Alps_EC12E-Switch_Vertical_H20mm_CircularMountingHolesSW11
1XIAO-RP2040-DIP3dModels:XIAO-RP2040-DIPU1

Questions

How big is the RM.pad PCB?

It measures 99.2 × 64 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the RM.pad use?

23 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 RM.pad KiCad files?

From the lamp-dude/RM.pad repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is PCB/RMpad/RMpad.kicad_pcb and its schematic PCB/RMpad/RMpad.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the RM.pad design in my own project?

Its repository publishes it under the MIT licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).

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