Skip to the content
PCBKitNew board
2 layers71.4 × 97.6 mmHackPad, the printed circuit board in 3D
Size
71.4 × 97.6 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
19
Nets
23
Pads
91
Tracks, vias
95, 9
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
Created
13 Dec 2025
Updated
25 Jul 2026

Overview

HackPad is an open-source printed circuit board by MeBadDev, from the MeBadDev/HackPad repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 71.4 × 97.6 mm with 19 parts on 23 nets, routed with 95 tracks and 9 vias.

Its parts include 9 diodes, 9 switches and 1 IC. It belongs with the RP2040 boards of this library.

README

README.md

A 3x3 macropad!

This is my submission to HackClub HackPad v4! It's also my first ever hardware project.

Inspiration

I originally wanted to build a 80% keyboard, but don't know anything about electronics. I found some tutorials and dumbed it down into something I can manage, fits in HackPad's requirement, and still helps me learn to build a keyboard (I've learnt how matrixes work, for example)!

Things I've learnt

I've learnt quite a bit about electronics and (probably, when i got my hands on the hardware) soldering. I've also learnt about the general process of designing a PCB, and how to use KiCad. It's been a fun experience so far!

By the way

The HackPad guide is really good, and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get into hardware! I've also fixed some typos and mistakes in the guide, so check that out if you're interested!

Screenshots!

Overall Design PCB Layout Schematics Layout Case Design

Bill of Materials

  • XIAO RP2040 DIP
  • 9x Cherry MX Style Switches
  • 9x 1N4148 Diodes
  • Wires
  • Soldering Kit
  • 3D Printer (for the case)

That's all for now!

I'll update this README when I make more progress on the project, and perhaps write a blog post about it too! See you!

Parts

19
QtyValueFootprintReferences
9D_SmallDiode_THT:D_DO-35_SOD27_P7.62mm_HorizontalD1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9
9SW_Push_45degButton_Switch_Keyboard:SW_Cherry_MX_1.00u_PCBSW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8, SW9
1XIAO-RP2040-DIPOPL:XIAO-RP2040-DIPU1

Questions

How big is the HackPad PCB?

It measures 71.4 × 97.6 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the HackPad use?

19 parts. 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 HackPad KiCad files?

From the MeBadDev/HackPad repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is PCB/hackpad.kicad_pcb and its schematic PCB/hackpad.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the HackPad design in my own project?

Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask MeBadDev before reusing the design.

Similar boards

  • 2 layers43.9 × 27.7 mmTcd1304-4v, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Tcd1304-4v

    OpnTec/open-spectrometer-hardware

    Open source VIS spectrometer

    19 parts1.5k
  • 2 layers50 × 60 mmDebate Device, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Debate Device

    hackclub/OnBoard

    💡 Join 1,000 teenagers and make your first PCB with a $100 grant!

    19 parts915
  • 2 layers102.9 × 96.7 mmISA adapter, the printed circuit board in 3D

    ISA adapter

    polpo/picogus

    Emulation of ISA sound cards and CD-ROM on Raspberry Pi Pico (GUS, SB/Adlib, MPU-401, Tandy, CMS, Panasonic CD-ROM) with USB mouse/joystick support

    19 parts805
  • 2 layers60 × 39 mmPs2usb, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Ps2usb

    rasteri/HIDman

    Adapting USB devices to work on old computers

    19 parts432
  • 2 layers70.1 × 43.2 mmIaq device, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Iaq device

    nkitanov/iaq_board

    IAQ Board is a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) device for measuring internal air quality

    19 parts396
  • 2 layers80 × 80 mmGB BRK CPU G1, the printed circuit board in 3D

    GB BRK CPU G1

    Gekkio/gb-hardware

    Game Boy -related custom hardware by gekkio

    19 parts379CC-BY-4.0
  • 2 layers25.4 × 25.4 mmIna169, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Ina169

    Ardumower/ardumower

    Develop an open source robotic lawn mower (HW+SW reference platform)

    19 parts282
  • 2 layers58.4 × 28.6 mmNew rele, the printed circuit board in 3D

    New rele

    zmaker/arduino_cookbook

    gli sketch del nuovo progetto Arduino Cookbook e dei video di YouTube

    19 parts269