MyPad is a tiny, pocket-sized macro pad I designed to clear up my desk and speed up my workflow. It has 9 mechanical keys, a vertical screen, and a dial knob, all packed into a super clean layout inspired by the classic look of the original 2001 Apple iPod. Instead of having a massive grid of keys, MyPad relies on clever software. By using multiple code layers and custom shortcuts, this little 3x3 pad can handle everything from jumping through complex lines of code in VS Code to tweaking 3D models in Fusion 360, all without my hand ever leaving the controller.

MyPad is a tiny, physical shortcut box for your desk that saves you from stretching your fingers across awkward keyboard shortcuts. It condenses repetitive tasks—like copy-pasting, opening a terminal, or switching layers—into single tactile clicks. Plus, the built-in screen keeps track of your settings while the dial knob gives you smooth, hands-on control over your music volume or timeline scrolling.

Please print all the 3D parts.

Step 1: Solder the Base Electronics
Solder all base components directly onto your PCB. This includes the Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040, the SSD1306 OLED Screen, the IN4148 Diodes, and the EC11 Rotary Encoder. Ensure they sit flat against the PCB surface before soldering.

Step 2: Prepare the Top Plate
Take your top case part (which acts as your top switch plate). Push all of your mechanical switches into the 14.0mm x 14.0mm square cutouts from the top side until they click tightly into place.

Step 3: Combine and Solder the Switches
Align the metal pins of the switches (now held in the top plate) with the empty switch holes on your PCB. Press the top plate assembly firmly down onto the PCB until the bottom of the switches rest flush against the PCB. Flip the assembly over and solder the switch pins from the back of the PCB.

Step 4: Mount into the Bottom Case
Place your fully soldered core assembly into the bottom case. Make sure the Seeed Studio XIAO's USB-C port aligns perfectly with the cutout pocket in the case wall, then secure the top and bottom halves together using your housing screws.

Step 5: Final Touches
Push your keycaps onto the switch stems. Your MyPad is complete!

1. Copy Folder to QMK Clone this repository, then copy or move the MyPad Firmware folder into your local QMK directory: qmk_firmware/keyboards/

2. Compile the Code Open your terminal inside your qmk_firmware folder and run this command: qmk compile -kb "MyPad Firmware" -km default

   (Make sure to keep the quotation marks around the folder name in your terminal so it reads the space correctly!) This creates a file named mypad_firmware_default.uf2.

3. Flash the RP2040

4. Unplug the USB-C cable from your MyPad.

5. Hold down the physical BOOTSEL button on the tiny XIAO board while plugging the cable back into your computer.

6. A folder named RPI-RP2 will pop up on your computer like a regular USB flash drive.

7. Drag and drop the .uf2 file right into that folder.

The drive will automatically close itself, and your MyPad is ready to go!

I decided to make this because I want a custom keyboard that works like a Stream Deck.

I used Fusion 360 to make the case, VS Code and Terminal for the coding part, KiCad for the PCB board and last but not least, the parts from the BOM.