A macro pad with 16 keys, two rotary encoders, a four port USB hub, and plenty of LEDs!

This project started as I wanted to utilise rotary encoders to change the grid and trace size in KiCad, and then thought wouldn't it be nice to run a cable between the macro pad and keyboard, so a hub was added!

It is designed to work with software on the host computer to enable powerful, context aware macros to be run, ensuring you never have to press a strange sequence of keys ever again.

All design files required to manufacture the board and enclosure are located in this repo, along with assembled and tested boards being available from Tindie.

• 16 Cherry MX compatible switches, along with two switches in the encoders.
• Two rotary encoders, bringing an intuitive interface for continuous controls such as zoom, grid size, and volume.
• Four port USB 2.0 hub with Type-C connectors, allowing connection to other keyboards, memory sticks, wireless receivers and more!
• Designed to interface with host computer to provide a level of interaction / macro control not available on standard keyboards, with examples provided for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• 11 individually addressable RGB LEDs.
• Full VIA / QMK programmability and customisation.

The hub is a four port USB 2.0 Hub with Type-C connectors, aimed at allowing connection of keyboards, mice, memory sticks, wireless receivers, and other small devices (including a second macro pad!) to your computer.

Due to cost and space constraints, the hub has some limitations. The hub is not:

• USB 3.x, Power Delivery, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, etc compatible.
• Designed to charge your phone quickly. Only 100mA is guaranteed per port.
• Designed to work with power hungry devices such as spinning hard drives.
• Guaranteed to provide full USB 2.0 speeds and performance on all ports.
• Suitable for use with long cables. Issues have been seen on cables longer than 2m.

• Keyboard Assembly
• Firmware and Software Configuration

• PCB SMT Assembly Guide
• Firmware Flashing Instructions
• Enclosure Manufacturing

• Boards purchased between June 12 and June 22 2020 will not go into the bootloader upon resting from software. Workaround: reset board with physical reset button on bottom of PCB. Fix: reflash the bootloader following these instructions.

• Firmware builds prior to 27th June do not continually send characters when the encoders are depressed. Update to the latest firmware to resolve.

• Firmware builds prior to 9th June have issues with the bottom right key p not functioning correctly. Update to the latest firmware to resolve.

• Some rotary encoders output flipped signals (clockwise instead of counterclockwise), if after assembly your encoders appear to be sending the wrong signals, comment in line 84 in config.h, or alter the setting in your software.

• Long USB cables (> 2m) may not work with the keyboard. If the keyboard is not detected, or power cycles (can often be seen by LEDs flashing on and off), please try a shorter cable.

If you have any questions or comments please get in touch. I can be found on Discord as _joshajohnson#9451, Twitter, and r/mk.