# Big Key Switches Macro Pad
## Overview
https://youtu.be/y5g3rD29SMQ
Build a Giant MacroPad with Big Key Switches, CircuitPython and the KB2040!
Regular key switches are fairly small in size but these novelty ones are about 64 times as big!
This is powered by the KB2040 Kee Boar Driver running CircuitPython. It’s an Ardunio Pro micro-shaped board that’s perfect for keyboard projects.
It features the RP2040 with 8MB of flash, 20 GPIO and STEMMA QT. It’s also got an on-board NeoPixel and a USB-C type connector.
You can set this up with your favorite macros and make yourself a jumbo keypad that's super chunky and really fun to use.
## 3D Printed Chain-able case
We designed and 3D printed a case that allows you to daisy chain them together.
The KB2040 snap fits into the bottom cover and is held in place with little tabs.
Cables are routed through the holes on the side of the case so they can be connected together.
The bottom snap fits into the case with a cutout to access the board’s USB-C port.
## Parts
The KB2040 is powered by a USB-C cable. It press fits into the bottom cover and is held in place with little tabs.
We used a 10mm LED to illuminate the Big Switch.
The Big Switch press fits into the printed case.
A lid attaches into the 3D printed case.
### Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver
[Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302)
A wild Kee Boar appears! It’s a shiny **KB2040**! An Arduino Pro Micro-shaped board for Keebs with RP2040. (#keeblife 4 evah) A lot of folks like using Adafruit parts for their Keeb builds – but with the ItsyBitsy not being pin-compatible with the Pro Micro pinout, it...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5302/guides)
### Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Clicky Pale Blue - 1 Piece
[Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Clicky Pale Blue - 1 Piece](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5307)
The **Kailh Big Switch Series** comes to Adafruit! These switches are **4 times** bigger on each side than a normal MX switch. That comes up to **64 times** bigger in volume. Yet, these switches are fully functional. Use as a fidget...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5307)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5307/guides)
### Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Tactile Burnt Orange - 1 Piece
[Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Tactile Burnt Orange - 1 Piece](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5306)
**Kailh Big Switch Series** comes to Adafruit! These switches are **4 times** bigger on each side than a normal MX switch. That comes up to **64 times** bigger in volume. Yet, these switches are fully functional. Use as a fidget toy,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5306)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5306/guides)
### Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Linear Dark Yellow - 1 Piece
[Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Linear Dark Yellow - 1 Piece](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5305)
The **Kailh Big Switch Series** comes to Adafruit! These switches are **4 times** bigger on each side than a normal MX switch. That comes up to **64 times** bigger in volume. Yet, these switches are fully functional. Use as a fidget toy,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5305)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5305/guides)
### Diffused 10mm LED Pack - 5 LEDs each in 5 Colors - 25 Pack
[Diffused 10mm LED Pack - 5 LEDs each in 5 Colors - 25 Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4204)
Need some chunky indicators? We are big fans of these diffused LEDs. They are fairly bright, so they can be seen in daytime, and from any angle. They go easily into a breadboard and will add that extra zing to your project.
Now you can get a pack of 25 with 5 different...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4204)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4204/guides)
### USB Type C Cable with Data/Charge Switch
[USB Type C Cable with Data/Charge Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4696)
Perhaps your smart phone, tablet, or even your Raspberry Pi 4, charges off of USB, but can you really trust that charging station at the airport? Now you can control when to allow data in or out of your device with this specially-designed USB cable._Voila!_ Your cable's data...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4696)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4696/guides)
### Arcade Button Quick-Connect Wire Pairs - 0.11" (10 pack)
[Arcade Button Quick-Connect Wire Pairs - 0.11" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1152)
Quick connector wire sets will make wiring up our arcade-style or metal buttons quicky-quick. Each wire comes as a 'pair' with two 0.11" quick-connects pre-crimped onto 20cm long wires. The wires are then terminated together in a JST 2.5mm/0.1" spaced 2-pin connector (we...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1152)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1152/guides)
### 2.5mm Pitch Connector Kit - JST XH Compatible - 560 Piece Kit
[2.5mm Pitch Connector Kit - JST XH Compatible - 560 Piece Kit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4423)
Totaling 560 pieces, this **2.5mm Connector Kit with JST-XH Compatible Connectors** is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough sockets and headers to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end!
These connectors are really common...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4423)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4423/guides)
# Big Key Switches Macro Pad
## Circuit Diagram
The diagram below provides a visual reference for wiring of the components. This diagram was created using the software package [Fritzing](http://fritzing.org/download/).
Use Adafruit's Fritzing parts library to create circuit diagrams for your projects. Download the library or just grab individual parts. Get the library and parts from [GitHub - Adafruit Fritzing Parts](https://github.com/adafruit/Fritzing-Library/tree/master/parts).
## Wired Connections
The KB2040 is powered by a USB cable.
## Big Switches
Each Big Switch is connected to the KB2040. The keys are illuminated by a 10mm LED.
- **Switch 1** to **Pin 2** on **KB2040**
- **LED 1** to **Pin 3** on **KB2040**
- **Switch 2** to **Pin 4** on **KB2040**
- **LED 2** to **Pin 5** on **KB2040**
- **Switch 3** to **Pin 6** on **KB2040**
- **LED 3** to **Pin 7** on **KB2040**
- All Grounds are shared between the three Pins on the KB2040
# Big Key Switches Macro Pad
## CircuitPython
[CircuitPython](https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython) is a derivative of [MicroPython](https://micropython.org) designed to simplify experimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It makes it easier than ever to get prototyping by requiring no upfront desktop software downloads. Simply copy and edit files on the **CIRCUITPY** drive to iterate.
## CircuitPython Quickstart
Follow this step-by-step to quickly get CircuitPython running on your board.
[Download the latest version of CircuitPython for this board via circuitpython.org](https://circuitpython.org/board/adafruit_kb2040/)
**Click the link above to download the latest CircuitPython UF2 file.**
Save it wherever is convenient for you.
To enter the bootloader, hold down the **BOOT/**** BOOTSEL button**(highlighted in red above), and while continuing to hold it (don't let go!), press and release the**reset button**(highlighted in red or blue above). **Continue to hold the BOOT/BOOTSEL button until the RPI-RP2 drive appears!**
If the drive does not appear, release all the buttons, and then repeat the process above.
You can also start with your board unplugged from USB, press and hold the BOOTSEL button (highlighted in red above), continue to hold it while plugging it into USB, and wait for the drive to appear before releasing the button.
A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! **Make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.**
You will see a new disk drive appear called **RPI-RP2**.
Drag the **adafruit\_circuitpython\_etc.uf2** file to **RPI-RP2.**
The **RPI-RP2** drive will disappear and a new disk drive called **CIRCUITPY** will appear.
That's it, you're done! :)
## Safe Mode
You want to edit your **code.py** or modify the files on your **CIRCUITPY** drive, but find that you can't. Perhaps your board has gotten into a state where **CIRCUITPY** is read-only. You may have turned off the **CIRCUITPY** drive altogether. Whatever the reason, safe mode can help.
Safe mode in CircuitPython does not run any user code on startup, and disables auto-reload. This means a few things. First, safe mode _bypasses any code in_ **boot.py** (where you can set **CIRCUITPY** read-only or turn it off completely). Second, _it does not run the code in_ **code.py**. And finally, _it does not automatically soft-reload when data is written to the_ **CIRCUITPY** _drive_.
Therefore, whatever you may have done to put your board in a non-interactive state, safe mode gives you the opportunity to correct it without losing all of the data on the **CIRCUITPY** drive.
### Entering Safe Mode
To enter safe mode when using CircuitPython, plug in your board or hit reset (highlighted in red above). Immediately after the board starts up or resets, it waits 1000ms. On some boards, the onboard status LED (highlighted in green above) will blink yellow during that time. If you press reset during that 1000ms, the board will start up in safe mode. It can be difficult to react to the yellow LED, so you may want to think of it simply as a slow double click of the reset button. (Remember, a fast double click of reset enters the bootloader.)
### In Safe Mode
If you successfully enter safe mode on CircuitPython, the LED will intermittently blink yellow three times.
If you connect to the serial console, you'll find the following message.
```terminal
Auto-reload is off.
Running in safe mode! Not running saved code.
CircuitPython is in safe mode because you pressed the reset button during boot. Press again to exit safe mode.
Press any key to enter the REPL. Use CTRL-D to reload.
```
You can now edit the contents of the **CIRCUITPY** drive. Remember, _your code will not run until you press the reset button, or unplug and plug in your board, to get out of safe mode._
## Flash Resetting UF2
If your board ever gets into a really _weird_ state and CIRCUITPY doesn't show up as a disk drive after installing CircuitPython, try loading this 'nuke' UF2 to RPI-RP2. which will do a 'deep clean' on your Flash Memory. **You will lose all the files on the board** , but at least you'll be able to revive it! After loading this UF2, follow the steps above to re-install CircuitPython.
[Download flash erasing "nuke" UF2](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/101/659/original/flash_nuke.uf2?1618945856)
# Big Key Switches Macro Pad
## Code
Once you've finished setting up your KBRP2040 with CircuitPython, you can access the code and necessary libraries by downloading the Project Bundle.
To do this, click on the ** Download Project Bundle** button in the window below. It will download as a zipped folder.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Big_Switch_KB2040/code.py
## Upload the Code and Libraries to the KBRP2040
After downloading the Project Bundle, plug your KBRP2040 into the computer USB port. You should see a new flash drive appear in the computer's File Explorer or Finder (depending on your operating system) called **CIRCUITPY**. Unzip the folder and copy the following items to the KBRP2040's **CIRCUITPY** drive.
- **lib** folder
- **code.py**
Your KBRP2040 **CIRCUITPY** drive should look like this after copying the **lib** folder and **code.py** file.
# Big Key Switches Macro Pad
## 3D Printing
## Parts List
STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Parts are designed to 3D print without any support material. Original design source may be downloaded using the links below.
[Download CAD Source](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/129/987/original/cad.zip?1715616264)
[Download STLs](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/129/986/original/STLs.zip?1715616245)
## Slicing Parts
Slice with setting for PLA material.
The parts were sliced using CURA using the slice settings below.
- PLA filament 220c extruder
- 0.2 layer height
- 10% gyroid infill
- 60mm/s print speed
- 60c heated bed
# Big Key Switches Macro Pad
## Assemble
## Solder wires
Measure and cut wires to fit the keyboard length.
Use a flush cutter to trim excess solder away from the sides and bottom of the board.
Press fit the KB2040 with the USB-C port facing outward.
## Route wires
Pass wires through the opening on the side of the case.
Align the lid to the USB-C port opening on the case. Press fit the lid into the case to attach.
## Mount Big Switch
Align the back of the Big Switch (LED side), to the USB-C port opening on the case. Carefully coil wires to side of the case. Press fit the Big Switch onto the case.
## Attaching multiple case
Align the "T" connectors to attach them together. Pass wires from the main case to the next.
## Connect Big Switch
Fit a quick connect wire on each of the pins on the Big Switch
## Optional LED
A 10mm LED can be placed inside to illuminate the key when pressed.
## Featured Products
### Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver
[Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302)
A wild Kee Boar appears! It’s a shiny **KB2040**! An Arduino Pro Micro-shaped board for Keebs with RP2040. (#keeblife 4 evah) A lot of folks like using Adafruit parts for their Keeb builds – but with the ItsyBitsy not being pin-compatible with the Pro Micro pinout, it...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5302/guides)
### Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Clicky Pale Blue - 1 Piece
[Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Clicky Pale Blue - 1 Piece](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5307)
The **Kailh Big Switch Series** comes to Adafruit! These switches are **4 times** bigger on each side than a normal MX switch. That comes up to **64 times** bigger in volume. Yet, these switches are fully functional. Use as a fidget...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5307)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5307/guides)
### Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Tactile Burnt Orange - 1 Piece
[Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Tactile Burnt Orange - 1 Piece](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5306)
**Kailh Big Switch Series** comes to Adafruit! These switches are **4 times** bigger on each side than a normal MX switch. That comes up to **64 times** bigger in volume. Yet, these switches are fully functional. Use as a fidget toy,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5306)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5306/guides)
### Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Linear Dark Yellow - 1 Piece
[Kailh Big Mechanical Key Switch - Linear Dark Yellow - 1 Piece](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5305)
The **Kailh Big Switch Series** comes to Adafruit! These switches are **4 times** bigger on each side than a normal MX switch. That comes up to **64 times** bigger in volume. Yet, these switches are fully functional. Use as a fidget toy,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5305)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5305/guides)
### Diffused 10mm LED Pack - 5 LEDs each in 5 Colors - 25 Pack
[Diffused 10mm LED Pack - 5 LEDs each in 5 Colors - 25 Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4204)
Need some chunky indicators? We are big fans of these diffused LEDs. They are fairly bright, so they can be seen in daytime, and from any angle. They go easily into a breadboard and will add that extra zing to your project.
Now you can get a pack of 25 with 5 different...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4204)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4204/guides)
### USB Type C Cable with Data/Charge Switch
[USB Type C Cable with Data/Charge Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4696)
Perhaps your smart phone, tablet, or even your Raspberry Pi 4, charges off of USB, but can you really trust that charging station at the airport? Now you can control when to allow data in or out of your device with this specially-designed USB cable._Voila!_ Your cable's data...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4696)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4696/guides)
### Through-Hole Resistors - 220 ohm 5% 1/4W - Pack of 25
[Through-Hole Resistors - 220 ohm 5% 1/4W - Pack of 25](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2780)
ΩMG! You're not going to be able to resist these handy resistor packs! Well, axially, they do all of the resisting for you!
This is a **25 Pack of 220Ω Resistors.** More specifically, they are **carbon film** , through-hole...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2780)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2780/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit KB2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-kb2040.md)
- [How to Choose a Microcontroller](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-choose-a-microcontroller.md)
- [May Pad Macropad with the KB2040, KMK, and CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/maypad-macropad-with-the-kb2040-kmk-and-circuitpython.md)
- [Cyber Cat MIDI Keyboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/midi-cyber-cat-keyboard.md)
- [Commodore Keyboard to USB HID with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/commodore-keyboard-to-usb-hid-with-circuitpython.md)
- [Fisher-Price USB Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/fisher-price-usb-controller.md)
- [See N Say Brain Transplant](https://learn.adafruit.com/see-n-say-brain-transplant.md)
- [USB MIDI Keyset Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/midi-keyset.md)
- [Breakbeat Breadboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/breakbeat-breadboard.md)
- [Super Nintendo USB Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/super-nintendo-usb-controller.md)
- [DOOM Keeb](https://learn.adafruit.com/doom-keeb.md)
- [Arcade Fightstick](https://learn.adafruit.com/arcade-fightstick.md)
- [Navi10 MacroPad with KB2040 and KMK CircuitPython keyboard firmware](https://learn.adafruit.com/navi10-macropad-with-kb2040-and-kmk-circuitpython-keyboard-firmware.md)
- [16-Step Drum Sequencer](https://learn.adafruit.com/16-step-drum-sequencer.md)
- [Motorized Camera Slider 2-Axis](https://learn.adafruit.com/motorized-camera-slider-2-axis.md)