Hexpad macropad

Antoncarlens-code·Hexpad-macropad·pcb/hexpad.kicad_pcb

About the Hexpad macropad PCB

Hexpad macropad is an open source RP2040/RP2350 PCB design by Antoncarlens-code, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 76 × 74 mm, with 8 components from 3 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the XIAO-RP2040, from the RP2040/RP2350 family. By type, the board carries 6 switches and 1 IC.

It belongs with the keyboards designs in this gallery.

From the project

A 6-key (3×2) macropad with a rotary encoder: 3D-printed case, custom 2-layer PCB, and KMK firmware, driven by a Seeed XIAO RP2040. Keys wire direct to GPIO (no matrix, no diodes), and the encoder handles volume/scroll.

I wanted a compact editing/clipboard pad with a volume knob that didn't look like every other square macropad — so Hexpad uses a hexagonal silhouette around a centered 3×2 key cluster with the encoder up top.

Hexpad macropad, from the project README — From the project README

Main components on the Hexpad macropad

XIAO-RP2040

Hexpad macropad bill of materials (BOM)

8 components, 3 distinct parts — part numbers from the project's BOM.

Qty	Part	Footprint	Refs
1	XIAO-RP2040		U1
1	EC11	RotaryEncoder_Alps_EC11E-Switch_Vertical_H20mm	ENC1
6	SW_MX	SW_Cherry_MX_1.00u_PCB	SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6

Hexpad macropad design files

The KiCad project lives in the Antoncarlens-code/Hexpad-macropad repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Hexpad macropad: common questions

What microcontroller does the Hexpad macropad use?

The Hexpad macropad is built around the XIAO-RP2040, from the RP2040/RP2350 family.

How big is the Hexpad macropad PCB?

The Hexpad macropad measures 76 × 74 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Hexpad macropad?

8 components, from 3 distinct parts, with part numbers taken from the project's own BOM. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the Hexpad macropad design files?

From the Antoncarlens-code/Hexpad-macropad repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout, the schematic and the BOM; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Hexpad macropad design in my own project?

The repository has no license, so all rights stay with Antoncarlens-code. Use it as a reference, and ask the author before reusing the design.

Can I test firmware for the Hexpad macropad without the hardware?

Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug RP2040/RP2350 firmware against it before you order a PCB.