Extra small extra macro keys v1.0

May 09 2018 • 2 min read

3d-printing

This post was published in 2018 and is kept here for reference. It may contain information that's outdated or inaccurate.

After my previous macro key project back in January that used full-size arcade buttons, I was itching to make a more compact set of macro keys.

I bought a sample set of different Cherry MX keys – these are the mechanical part of the keys, complete with key caps, but without a full keyboard. The keys are fully functional, so you can solder some wires to them and use them in place of a regular momentary switch in any project.

Since the last macro keys project I’ve bought a couple of Arduino Pro Micro’s which handle HID a lot better, and are quite cheap. You can get them as single boards, or in packs of multiple boards from around £7 per board on eBay (you can find the specific boards I ordered here: Arduino compatible Leonardo Pro Micro 5V)

The print didn’t turn out great, with some delamination and other problems causing roughness, so I figured I would try finishing the print with some filler and paint. This worked to a point and sanded down really smoothly, until I accidentally got the whole thing wet and the filler disintegrated (!)

The design was also not perfect, with the angle of the keys being a bit too steep. So back to the drawing board!