M1

PCB Prep & Soldering

Electronics & IoTIntermediateHalf Day build

Custom 9-Key USB-C Macro Pad

A programmable mechanical macro pad with hot-swap sockets, RGB underglow, and rotary encoder volume knob.

dsejavitz

· updated about 1 month ago

Build progress · 0/3 steps0%

Custom 9-Key USB-C Macro Pad

0 of 3 steps completed

Step 01.01: Soldering 1N4148 Diodes
Bend diode legs and solder each across matrix points.
Pro tip
Align black cathode band with silkscreen.
Safety Warning
Keep tip below 350°C to avoid lifting copper pads.
Step 01.02: Mounting Microcontroller
Position Raspberry Pi Pico face down onto pin headers and solder.
Pro tip
Use blue tape to hold board flush while flipping.

Step 02.01: Flashing Firmware via VIAL
Hold BOOTSEL button while plugging in USB-C. Drag .uf2 file onto drive.
Pro tip
VIAL lets you remap shortcuts on the fly in Chrome.

Custom 9-Key USB-C Macro Pad

Author: dsejavitz
Category: Electronics & IoT
Difficulty: Intermediate
Estimated Time: Half Day build
Target Budget: $42

Bill of Materials & Tools

Materials

Bill of materials
Have	Item Name	Qty	Unit	Vendor
	Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040)	1	pcs	Amazon
	Gateron Milky Yellow Switches (10 pack)	1	pack	Amazon

Tools

Tool checklist
Have	Item Name	Qty	Unit	Vendor
	Digital Soldering Station with T12 Tip	1	pcs	Amazon

Milestones & Build Steps

Milestone 01 · PCB Prep & Soldering

Solder the microcontroller, diodes, and Kailh hot-swap sockets.

Step 01.01·Soldering 1N4148 Diodes

Bend diode legs and solder each across matrix points.

Step 01.02·Mounting Microcontroller

Position Raspberry Pi Pico face down onto pin headers and solder.

Milestone 02 · Enclosure & Firmware

Flash QMK/VIAL firmware and assemble the sandwich acrylic case.

Step 02.01·Flashing Firmware via VIAL

Hold BOOTSEL button while plugging in USB-C. Drag .uf2 file onto drive.