Rks hackpad

rk-kaps·rks-hackpad·PCB/rks hackpad.kicad_pcb

About the Rks hackpad PCB

Rks hackpad is an open source RP2040/RP2350 PCB design by rk-kaps, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 3.6 × 3.3 mm, with 38 components from 5 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the XIAO-RP2040-DIP, from the RP2040/RP2350 family. By type, the board carries 12 switches, 12 LEDs, 12 diodes and 1 IC.

It belongs with the keyboards and displays & leds designs in this gallery.

From the project

new and simpler hackpad

This Hackpad began as a simple volume controller. It evolved into a fully-featured macropad focused on:

- Speeding up workflows - Reducing repetitive actions - Providing intuitive visual feedback - Maximizing functionality within hardware constraints

- Dual-core RP2040 at up to 133MHz via the compact Seeed XIAO form factor - Per-key RGB lighting using SK6812 MINI-E reverse-mount LEDs for clean underglow - 0.91" OLED display for real-time visual feedback and animations - Keyboard matrix protected by 1N4148 diodes for reliable n-key rollover - Brass heatset inserts for durable, reusable screw…

Rks hackpad, from the project README — From the project README

Main components on the Rks hackpad

XIAO-RP2040-DIP

Rks hackpad bill of materials (BOM)

38 components, 5 distinct parts — part numbers from the project's BOM.

Qty	Part	Footprint	Refs
1	XIAO-RP2040-DIP	XIAO-RP2040-DIP	U2
1	OLED	Adafruit_SSD1306	OL1
12	SW_Push	SW_Cherry_MX_1.00u_PCB	SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8 +4
12	SK6812MINI-E	LED_6028R	LED1, LED2, LED3, LED4, LED5, LED6, LED7, LED8 +4
12	1N4148	D_DO-35_SOD27_P7.62mm_Horizontal	D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8 +4

Rks hackpad design files

The KiCad project lives in the rk-kaps/rks-hackpad repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Rks hackpad: common questions

What microcontroller does the Rks hackpad use?

The Rks hackpad is built around the XIAO-RP2040-DIP, from the RP2040/RP2350 family.

How big is the Rks hackpad PCB?

The Rks hackpad measures 3.6 × 3.3 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Rks hackpad?

38 components, from 5 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 Rks hackpad design files?

From the rk-kaps/rks-hackpad 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 Rks hackpad design in my own project?

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

Can I test firmware for the Rks hackpad 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.