2 layers
Encoder
byrantech/laptop
anyon_e, a highly integrated, high end, open source laptop. Attempt the impossible.
7 parts4.3kMIT
2 layers38.3 × 40.4 mm
Micropad
tomasr8/ida13-key macropad
- Size
- 38.3 × 40.4 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 7
- Nets
- 19
- Pads
- 39
- Tracks, vias
- 30, 0
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 6 (file 20211014)
- Created
- 2 Jun 2024
- Updated
- 27 Nov 2025
Overview
Micropad is an open-source printed circuit board by tomasr8, from the tomasr8/ida repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 38.3 × 40.4 mm with 7 parts on 19 nets, routed with 30 tracks and 0 vias.
Its parts include 4 switches, 1 IC and 1 diode. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards and the AVR (ATmega, ATtiny) boards of this library.
README
README.mdIda - 3-key macropad
Table of Contents
Bill of Materials
- 2x 12x1 pin header
- 1x Diode (1N4148 DO-35)
- 1x Push button for resetting the board (4x4x1.5mm)
- 1x Pro Micro or something with compatible pinout
- 3x Keyboard switch
- 1x 2u stabilizer
- 4x 8mm rubber feet
- 3x M2.5 screws
- Steady hands
Getting the parts made
PCB
The gerbers are included in the repo in the kicad directory. You can simply upload the gerbers to a service like JLCPCB.
Not that the entire Kicad project is included so you can also regenerate the gerbers with different settings if needed or adjust the PCB.
Case
The case was CNC'd out of aluminium (again by JLCPCB). The case is made up of two (top, bottom) parts.
The two parts are held together using 3 M2.5 screws. There is also a drawing showing the exact placement of the threads.
It might be possible to 3D print the case, but the screw threads might make it difficult.
Build guide
Step 1: Solder the reset switch and the diode:
Step 2: Solder the pin headers:
Step 3: Place the stabilizers:
Step 4: Place switches in the enclosure:
Step 5: Place the PCB inside the enclosure and solder the switches:
Step 6: Place and solder the Pro Micro:
Step 7: Screw the bottom part of the case:
Done!
Programming
I use QMK for programming the macropad. You can use my fork of QMK to change the keymap: https://github.com/tomasr8/qmk_firmware/tree/ida/keyboards/ida
Schematics
Parts
7| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | SW_Push | My footprints:SW_Cherry_MX_Plate | SW1, SW2 |
| 1 | 1N4148 | Diode_THT:D_DO-35_SOD27_P7.62mm_Horizontal | D1 |
| 1 | ProMicro | My footprints:ProMicro Micropad | U1 |
| 1 | SW_Push | My footprints:SW_Cherry_MX_Plate_2.00u | SW3 |
| 1 | SW_Push | Button_Switch_SMD:SW_SPST_SKQG_WithoutStem | SW4 |
The 6 most common of 7 parts.
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Questions
How big is the Micropad PCB?
It measures 38.3 × 40.4 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Micropad use?
7 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 Micropad KiCad files?
From the tomasr8/ida repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is kicad/micropad.kicad_pcb and its schematic kicad/micropad.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Micropad design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask tomasr8 before reusing the design.