12/3/2025 - Designed most of thecircuit

I picked the components I want to use in the project and started designing the circuit.
I have finished designing the switch-matrix and the LED-matrix. I added an OLED-display and connected all three to my microcontroller.
I used a few YouTube tutorials and a lot of googling to learn how to use/design each of these parts.
Designing the circuit went well so far but setting up all the libraries in Kicad took some time.
The last part which is missing are rotary encoders.

Microcontroller + OLED

Switch-matrix

LED-matrix

12/4/2025 - Tried to add rotary encoders

I tried to add 2 rotary encoders. I'm still struggling with it because I'm not entirely sure how they work so I have two separate versions of how I'm connecting them: One is just connecting them to the switch matrix and one is connecting them to the controller directly.

12/6/2025 2 AM - Finalized rotary encoders, started designing PCB

I found out how to correctly wire rotary encoders which took me a while.
Then I started designing the PCB. I placed the switches and the LEDs so far though I may move them around later. I'm still missing some components like the diodes and need to do the wiring.

Current state of the circuit

PCB so far

12/6/2025 9 PM - Component selection, work on pcb

Spent a lot of time searching for components and applying the correct footprints in kicad.
I also continued working on the pcb though I only made minor changes from the last version.

12/8/2025 - Wired the keyboard matrix

I after selecting the parts previously I wired the keyboard matrix.
Then I started wiring the LEDs. I still have to connect those to the resistor and the Arduino.

The PCB so far


A 3d render of front and back of the PCB

12/9/2025 - Continued PCB and fixed errors

I continued working on the PCB.
I moved the LEDs because they were touching the silkscreen of the switches (took way too long to correct that mistake) and wired them to the 5V Pin.
I fixed some more errors with unconnected items.
Now the only two things missing are the resistor for the LEDs and the OLED

12/11/2025 - Finished the PCB

I finished designing the PCB:
I picked a resistor and OLED component and added them in.
I fixed some errors and finally connected everything to GND.
I also added some custom silkscreen eastereggs :)

12/15/2025 - Switched all components to one side

I found out that it is only possible to assemble one side of the PCB so I switched some components around so that everything is on the top side of the PCB. I also exported the PCB to JLCPCB to get an idea of the final price. Next I'll design the case.

12/28/2025 - Started designing the Case

I sketched a design on paper and started modelling it.
The case will consist of two parts: One will hold the PCB and the other one is the actual case.
The baseplate that will hold the PCB. It is missing the screw holes that will connect it to the case.

The concept

12/31/2025 - Started designing the outer shell

I started to design the outer shell according to my drawing. It features those really round corners and a kind of chunky design. I still need to add the screw holes so that it screws into the base plate and still have to design a cover for the PCB which I'll likely integrate into the outer shell.

1/1/2026 - Continued designing the outer shell

I continued designing the outer shell by adding screw holes so that the base plate can be connected to it and i started designing the top cover which covers the pcb. It will be part of the shell.

Top view

Bottom view

2/11/2026 - Designed Keycaps & continued the outer shell

I designed some proper keycaps which are inspired by the Bauhaus design style. I also added a knob which is not finished yet. I continued designing the outer shell by actually closing the gap on the right side and adding holes for the rotary encoders. The only thing missing in the shell are a hole for the USB C port of the MCU and one for the OLED. Furthermore I did a lot of small improvements.

I desided to use a Bauhaus and Nothing inspired color pallet which is mostly white/grayish with red accents.

2/15/2026 - Designed Knob

I designed a big knob, which will be in the left center of the macropad. I added a texture to it, to make it less slippery. I may adjust the diameter and height of the knob in the future since I'm not fully happy yet.

3/4/2026 - Finished the CAD files

I finished designing the case of the makropad. I added the hole for the screen (it will probably need an extension for its pins, otherwise it will sit too deep in the case) and a hole for the USB C port of the MCU.

3/5/2026 - Wrote basic software

I wrote a basic software for the makropad with QMK. It ensures the keyboard has basic functionality: For now it will act like a numpad. The rotary encoder will controll volume and be able to scroll and the OLED shows the current layer and when some special keys like capslock are pressed.

(a part of the keymap code)