Skip to the content
PCBKitNew board
2 layers235.4 × 182 mmMicropad4x4, the printed circuit board in 3D

Micropad4x4

Nibell/Keyboards

To get started, clone the repository to your local machine:

Size
235.4 × 182 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
50
Nets
59
Pads
246
Tracks, vias
79, 0
Pours
3
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 7 (file 20221018)
Created
24 Nov 2023
Updated
30 Nov 2024

Overview

Micropad4x4 is an open-source printed circuit board by Nibell, from the Nibell/Keyboards repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 235.4 × 182 mm with 50 parts on 59 nets, routed with 79 tracks and 0 vias.

Its parts include 16 diodes, 16 switches and 1 IC. It belongs with the RP2040 boards of this library.

README

micropad4x4/README.md

Micropad 4x4 Keyboard

Micropad 4x4

Features

  • Compact Design: A 4x4 grid for 16 keys, perfect for shortcuts, macros, or gaming inputs.
  • Customizable Firmware: Fully programmable using popular firmware like QMK or VIA.
  • Ease of Assembly: Designed with hobbyists in mind; the build process is straightforward.
  • Versatile Use Cases: Ideal for productivity software, video editing, music production, or gaming.
  • Open Source Hardware: Modify the design to suit your specific needs.

Repository Structure

  • ~: Contains the PCB design files for the Micropad 4x4.
  • Production: Gerber and production files.
  • Images: Renderings and photos of the completed macropad.

Getting Started

1. Clone the Repository

To get started, clone the repository to your local machine:

bash
git clone https://github.com/Nibell/Keyboards.git
cd Keyboards/micropad4x4

2. Gather Components

You’ll need:

  • PCB: Fabricate the PCB using the provided Gerber files.
  • Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi Pico.
  • Switches: 16 mechanical switches of your choice.
  • Keycaps: A 4x4 set.

3. Flash Firmware

  • Install QMK Firmware.

  • Build and flash the firmware for your microcontroller:

    bash
    qmk compile -kb nibell/micropad4x4 -km default
    qmk flash -kb nibell/micropad4x4 -km default

Parts

50
QtyValueFootprintReferences
16DiodeComponents:Diode_DO-35D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9, D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16
16KeyswitchMX:MX_PCB_1.00uS1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16
1Raspberry_Pi_PicoMCU:Raspberry_Pi_PicoU1

The 33 most common of 50 parts.

Questions

How big is the Micropad4x4 PCB?

It measures 235.4 × 182 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the Micropad4x4 use?

50 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 Micropad4x4 KiCad files?

From the Nibell/Keyboards repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is micropad4x4/micropad4x4.kicad_pcb and its schematic micropad4x4/micropad4x4.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the Micropad4x4 design in my own project?

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

Similar boards

  • 2 layers187.2 × 26.6 mmBlade12, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Blade12

    opulo-inc/lumenpnp

    The LumenPnP is an open source pick and place machine.

    50 parts3.7k
  • 2 layers45.7 × 25.9 mmAccessory, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Accessory

    usbarmory/usbarmory

    USB armory - The open source compact secure computer

    50 parts1.5k
  • 2 layers21 × 31.5 mmK1-aioc, the printed circuit board in 3D

    K1-aioc

    skuep/AIOC

    Ham Radio All-in-one-Cable

    50 parts1.4kMIT
  • 2 layers42 × 32.5 mmLipoboard, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Lipoboard

    hackclub/OnBoard

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

    50 parts915
  • 2 layers101 × 31.5 mmManagement, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Management

    dennisss/dacha

    Monorepo for awesome tools/projects/libraries

    50 parts397Apache-2.0
  • 2 layers123.9 × 94.4 mmRoba R, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Roba R

    kumamuk-git/roBa

    50 parts363GPL-3.0
  • 2 layers50 × 25 mmMbus master, the printed circuit board in 3D

    Mbus master

    roarfred/AmsToMqttBridge

    Minimalistic system to read AMS/HAN data from electrical meter

    50 parts223