What is it?

This is a simple 4x4 mechanical switch matrix PCB for a simple macro pad. It has pull-ups for the columns but you can ignore it if your MCU has internal pull-ups. The board has 16 x 1N4148W diodes (one per key, SOD-123) pre soldered

The full tutorial can be found on dailyduino.com

The files for 3D printing can be found on thingiverse

Schematic

PCB Dimensions

Why did I make it?

I needed a small USB macropad for my desk and thought building one from scratch would be a good way to learn PCB design. The spark came from watching Moby Pixel's video "Take Your DIY Projects to the Next Level with a Custom PCB | MIDI Macropad".Seeing Nick walk through the full journey from prototype to a shippable PCB made the whole thing feel approachable for the first time. I followed a similar path. I ended up with a few extra boards after manufacturing, so I figured I'd put them up here in case someone else finds them useful. This isn't a polished commercial product. it's a practical learning project shared with the community.

What makes it special?

Not much, really. It's a simple, well-understood circuit. But the small things that make it pleasant to work with: Diodes pre-soldered. Hand-soldering 16 SOD-123 diodes is the most tedious part of any hand-wired macropad. They come done here. Works with any MX-compatible switch. Gateron, Kailh, Outemu, Cherry. If it's MX footprint, it fits. Works with any MCU. Just a header and wires. 3.3V and 5V compatible. No ghosting. Per-key diodes mean simultaneous keypresses are read correctly.

Processing Time : Please allow 2-3 business days for processing before shipment.

Shipping Methods : Orders are shipped via Zásilkovna (Packeta) for CZ and GLS for rest of EU destinations. Tracking information is provided for all orders.