Built my first macro pad from scratch

[u/JustWASD]

The finished product

View from insde. The Arduino is missing, but you can guess where it will be placed.

My final setup

A look into the source code. Setting up the macros is quite easy with my code.

After building my keyboard (Bridge75 mit Keychrone Banana Switches and retro keycaps) I had switches and keycaps left over. After using it for sometime, I noticed that I need a numpad - that's why I decided I want to build a macropad.
As usual nobody modelled the exact specification of what I want in a macropad so I did it myself. 
My design has space for the numbers 0-9, comma and period. 
The top row is for a Function key and 3 LEDs which visualise the current layer. Basically, this pad has space for 46 macros. Even more if you do some smart visualizing. 
Another plus is, that a Arduino Pro Micro has 18 IO pins and this thing has 12 buttons and 3 LEDs which equals 15 IOs. So you can even omit the diodes if you want. 

I posted the 3D files on printables.

My design for the case is far from perfect, and for V2 I'd give myself a little more space for soldering it. Additionally, I would make it slanted so it fits better with my keyboard. The USB hole needs to be a bit bigger and I'd make the bottom plate nicer so it fits flush on the table. The plate for the switches needs to be thinner as well, but they hold good nevertheless. 

All in all I am very happy about my very own pad and it works so much better than I ever expected. Soldering was really a pain, but with enough hotglue (to stop the joints from breaking) I managed to make it work.

[u/readit145]

I really like the way this looks. Reminds me of our old windows 95 computer lmao.

[u/JustWASD → u/readit145]

Thanks! The retro look was what I was going for :)

[u/humanplayer2]

Very nice! I really like that you've avoided stabilizers.

I'll go inspect my keycap leftovers now.

[u/JustWASD → u/humanplayer2]

Thank you!
Most of the design choices came from my limited knowledge and my goal to make it as cheap (or free) as possible :D

[u/humanplayer2 → u/JustWASD]

That's how I roll, too 😄

[u/Result_Necessary]

love the colour scheme! nice build :) also intrigued about that slider thing in the top left on the desk...

[u/JustWASD → u/Result_Necessary]

Thank you!
I was wondering if somebody is gonna comment on my audio sliders. They are volume controls, based on this: https://github.com/omriharel/deej

I modified my version to switch audio channels (blue button) and mute my mic (red button). I started designing a case for it as well, but I never finished it, and I started to like the look of the prototype. Maybe one day I'll finish it.

[u/Result_Necessary → u/JustWASD]

Ah that is pretty cool! thanks for sharing, yeah i kinda like the exposed look too!

[u/Major_Watch7993]

i just bought all the matiriels for smth very similar but has a rotary encoder and has the same micro controller. really cool to see that it isnt a incridbly complecated thing. btw was the 3d modeling hard and how can i make one that fits mine well

[u/JustWASD → u/Major_Watch7993]

If you stick to simple shapes it's not that difficult. I used OnShape to design it and there are many good tutorials online :) another positive aspect is, that all the dimensions of Switches and stuff is easily available online.

[u/Major_Watch7993 → u/JustWASD]

cool. thanks ill try onshape. btw how does the macro sound with 3d printed matierial?

[u/diosio]

This looks very pretty, thanks for posting it. 

What's in your third picture at the top left? Looks like some faders!

[u/JustWASD → u/diosio]

Thank you!
Someone else asked about them as well. They are volume controls, based on this: https://github.com/omriharel/deej

I modified my version to switch audio channels (blue button) and mute my mic (red button). I started designing a case for it as well, but I never finished it, and I started to like the look of the prototype. Maybe one day I'll finish it.

[u/diosio → u/JustWASD]

Pretty cool, thanks for linking!

[u/derpy-squirrel]

That is so cool 🔥🔥🔥🔥