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2 layers61.9 × 88.1 mmMacropadpcb, the printed circuit board in 3D

A custom-designed, fully programmable mechanical macropad built to streamline desktop workflows and demonstrate full-cycle hardware development and embedded firmware integration.

Size
61.9 × 88.1 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
24
Nets
31
Pads
98
Tracks, vias
58, 0
Pours
1
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
Created
20 Sep 2026
Updated
20 Sep 2026

Overview

Macropadpcb is an open-source printed circuit board by michaelstanescu, from the michaelstanescu/3x3_macropad repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 61.9 × 88.1 mm with 24 parts on 31 nets, routed with 58 tracks and 0 vias.

Its parts include 10 switches, 9 diodes and 1 IC. It belongs with the AVR (ATmega, ATtiny) boards of this library.

README

README.md

3x3 Macropad (with Rotary Encoder)

A custom-designed, fully programmable mechanical macropad built to streamline desktop workflows and demonstrate full-cycle hardware development and embedded firmware integration.

System Features

  • PCB Layout: A compact 3x3 grid (9 keys) designed for macros, shortcuts, or a dedicated numpad.
  • Rotary Encoder: A clickable dial mapped for master volume control and audio muting.
  • Microcontroller: Arduino Pro Micro (ATmega32U4).
  • Firmware: QMK Firmware integration, allowing complete customization of every key switch and encoder action.
  • Other Components: Custom 3D-printed keycaps and rotary encoder knob.

Hardware Design (KiCad)

The hardware architecture and PCB layout were developed using KiCad 10.0:

  • Schematics: A 3x3 switch matrix configured with diodes to prevent key ghosting, alongside integrated pin mappings for the rotary encoder and microcontroller.
  • PCB Layout: A compact board layout with optimized trace routing.

QMK Firmware

The /firmware directory contains the configuration files (keymap.c, keyboard.json, and rules.mk) required to compile and flash the system for custom keybindings.

Repository Structure

  • / (Root): The primary KiCad design files (macropadpcb.kicad_pro, macropadpcb.kicad_sch, macropadpcb.kicad_pcb).
  • /firmware: The QMK configuration source files.
  • /docs: System architecture documentation, including a PDF of the PCB layout, schematics, 3D renders, and physical images of the final build.

Parts

24
QtyValueFootprintReferences
9~ScottoKeebs_Components:Diode_DO-35D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9
9~ScottoKeebs_MX:MX_PCB_1.00uS1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9
4MountingHole_2.2mm_M2MountingHole:MountingHole_2.2mm_M22.2mm, 2.2mm, 2.2mm, 2.2mm
1Arduino_Pro_MicroScottoKeebs_MCU:Arduino_Pro_MicroU1
1RotaryEncoder_SwitchRotary_Encoder:RotaryEncoder_Alps_EC11E-Switch_Vertical_H20mmSW1

Questions

How big is the Macropadpcb PCB?

It measures 61.9 × 88.1 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the Macropadpcb use?

24 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 Macropadpcb KiCad files?

From the michaelstanescu/3x3_macropad repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is macropadpcb.kicad_pcb and its schematic macropadpcb.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the Macropadpcb design in my own project?

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

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