Build your own custom mechanical keyboard that runs CircuitPython on the RaspberryPi Pico RP2040!

With lots of pins, the RaspberryPi RP2040 Pico makes for a great brain of a mechanical keyboard/macro pad -- no scan matrix required. Up to 26 keys can be used with direct GPIO pins. You'll learn how to make your own PCB design in Fritzing to send off for fabrication. A 3D printed or laser cut case finishes it off in style.

Once you've built your own custom keyboard from scratch, run over to Reddit r/mechanicalkeyboards and show it off!

Parts

PCB

You can order these using the Gerber files found later in the guide from a board house such as JLCPCB, or by visiting this OSH Park link. You only need one PCB per keyboard, but most board houses make them in multiples of three or five for a minimum order.

Angled shot of 10 6mm tactile switch buttons.
Super-tall clicky momentary switches are standard input "buttons" on electronic projects. These work best in a PCB but
$2.50
In Stock
Top down view of four piles of Kailh key switches in Red, Black, Brown, and Black variations.
For crafting your very own custom keyboard, these Kailh mechanical key switches are deeee-luxe!Come in a pack of 10 switches, plenty to make a...
Out of Stock

Cherry MX Compatible Keyswitches

The classic mechanical keyswitch. They come in three styles -- linear, tactile, and clicky, and in different strengths.

You can get them many places, including here from Digi-Key, or here.

Array of many different colored keycaps
Dress up your mechanical keys in your favorite colors, with a wide selection of stylish DSA key caps. Here is a 10 pack different colored keycaps for your next mechanical keyboard or...
Out of Stock

MX Keycaps

Pick your style! Blank XDA or DSA profile keycaps look clean and stylish on this build, as it is an ortholinear (non-staggered) layout. Make sure all the keys are 1u (square) size.

I got some here and here. There's a whole world of keycaps out there, just make sure they fit the Cherry MX stems. These 1u Extras in pink and purple look pretty great...

Top view of Brass M2.5 Standoffs for Pi HATs
Finally we get our very own super sweet sixteen... 16 millimeters that is! Our Black Plated M/F Brass 16mm Standoffs are engineered specifically...
$1.25
In Stock
Opened box showing many nylon screws
Totaling 420 pieces, this M3 Screw Set is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel...
$16.95
In Stock
Black Nylon Screw and Stand-off Set with M2.5 Threads, kit box
Totaling 380 pieces, this M2.5 Screw Set is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker...
$16.95
In Stock

M2.5 x 16mm screws x4

Get at a hardware store or from McMaster-Carr here.

Pack of 4 Little Rubber Bumper Feet
Keep your electronics from going barefoot, give them little rubber feet! These small sticky bumpers are our favorite accessory for any electronic kit or device. They are sticky, but...
$0.95
In Stock
USB cable - USB A to Micro-B - 3 foot long
This here is your standard A to micro-B USB cable, for USB 1.1 or 2.0. Perfect for connecting a PC to your Metro, Feather, Raspberry Pi or other dev-board or...
$2.95
In Stock

This guide was first published on Mar 03, 2021. It was last updated on Mar 03, 2021.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Feb 26, 2021.

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