Macro Pad Ultimate

devlog #3:
Managed to complete half of the case so far.
Since learning the basics of Fusion from making the guide’s basic hackpad, it has been largely a breeze (touch wood).
I’ve also imported the PCB, and got models of the stabilisers, switches, microcontroller and the rotary switch.
I can defo see this coming together pretty well, and am excited to finish the case!

Not sure if it can be seen but I’ve decided to leave the diodes and the silkscreen visible by simply covering it with acrylic. I think it looks pretty cool.

Well overdue devlog #2.

I’ve done a whole bunch of work on the actual project, including making a really simplistic key diagram on Word, to learning how to use a matrix to map switches on KiCad.

I then started working on the PCB, spending what seemed like hours trying to adjust the traces after I kept changing the positions of the switches and the stabilisers (Taken from the Keeb project, since that library had the footprint for KiCad).

I added a couple of small silkscreen icons demonstrating the core functions of my product, and I couldn’t help putting some stars :)

I think it’s turned out pretty sweet so far, and my PCB is now done (for now).

Ps. I genuinely think I’ve spent over 2 hours trying to make the traces look neat, and trying to use Figma for the silkscreen over, to give up and just import the vector files directly.

My end goal is to create a macro pad that not only has useful keybinds (though that will also be incorporated), but will also be useful for daily tasks.

Controversially, I use the num pad. It’d be handy to have an easy-access pad (with a volume slider as well) I can whip out quickly.

In this devlog, there’s not that much development in terms of the final product, but rather I’ve been learning KiCad and Fusion by creating the basic product on the DIY page.

Fusion was especially confusing for me, having only really used SketchUp. Admittedly, I did end up using the Fusion AI assistant (Idk it’s actual name) for understanding how to use it. I did not use it to generate any materials or design the actual product!

Cheers to a fruitful and worthwhile project