A Gamepad with Cherry MX Switches
In this tutorial, we'll build a custom PCB for Cherry MX switches and the Adafruit Feather 32u4 Bluefruit LE to make a custom gamepad. We'll design and 3D print an enclosure and custom keycaps. This project is great for casual gaming, or creating custom controllers for various applications.
Cherry MX Switches
The Cherry MX switches are found in most gaming keyboards and offer a really satisfying click. Instead of remaking a full sized keyboard or standard keypad, I thought it’d be really cool to make a gamepad. There are lots of options for mechanical keyboards, but I don’t think I’ve seen a gamepad with Cherry MX switches. It’s not exactly the most practical use of cherry MX switches, but I think it makes a fun project :-)
Mechanical Keyboards
This project was inspired by Pseudorandom 04: Mechanical Keyboards. Check out Collin's video for a deep dive into the many nuances of mechanical keyboards and a little bit of history.
Prerequisite Guides
We recommend walking through the following tutorial to get familiar with the components used in this project.
Parts
You'll need the following parts to complete this project.
Tools & Supplies
The following tools and supplies will assist you in completing this project.
