MacroPad

All code and files for setting up a Raspberry Pi Pico powered MacroPad.

For more instructions/information check out the blog posts about this keyboard:

• A Python powered MacroPad/StreamDeck
• Tiny MIDI controller with Raspberry Pi Pico
• Better Raspberry Pi Pico MIDI controller
• Better code for the MacroPad

Building the MacroPad

Here is an overview of all items you'll need to build a MacroPad just like the one above. More detailed instructions can be found the blog here

• 1x a MacroPad case (3D printed from STL files)
• 1x a Raspberry Pi Pico
• 9x Mechanical keyboard switches (Gateron, Cherry MX, Kailh… should all fit)
• a set of keycaps (e.g. for numpad keys)
• 9x 1.8 mm 2V LEDs (current 15-20 mA) (optional)
• 9x 82 Ohm resistors (optional)
• 1x a switch opener (optional)
• 4x M3 bolts (14-16mm long)
• some heat-shrink tubing
• wire, single core and flexible
• soldering equipment
• a third hand tool
• a hot-glue gun
• a USB-micro cable

You'll have to wire everything as shown in the schematic below:

Getting the cables the right lenght to fit in the case while still being long enough to hot-glue the pico in place at the end can be tricky. Test fit frequently !

Preparing the Raspberry Pi Pico

You'll need to install CircuitPython and the ADAFruit HID library.

Installing the code

Simply copy the code from the ./code folder to the root folder of the Pi Pico. In case you wish to change the button map, have a look at code.py.