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low-profile hexagon keyboards.

0xC.pad - 12 key macropad

contents:

  1. features
  2. availability
  3. assembly
  4. configuration
  5. flashing
  6. appendix - schematic & drawings

buy now or get a kit

features

  • 12x Kailh Choc switches
  • per-key RGB backlighting
  • integrated ATMega32U2 MCU
  • pre-soldered LEDs, MCU and diodes
  • onboard, through-hole USB-C connector with ESD protection
  • electrically shielded case machined from aluminum
  • supports QMK firmware and Vial GUI configuration

availability

Fully assembled units can be bought directly from me:

DIY kits with SMT components pre-soldered on the PCB are available from a number of different vendors internationally (both EU and US). As the production and distribution partner, FKcaps keeps track of the up-to-date vendor list.

assembly

what you will need

  • the 0xC.pad kit:
    • 1x 0xC.pad PCB (pre-soldered)
    • 1x top plate
    • 1x bottom plate
    • 1x allen key
    • 4x rubber feet
    • 4x M2x8 flathead screw
    • 4x M2x1 spacer
    • 12x M2 washer
  • 12x Kailh Choc keyswitches
  • 1x USB-C cable
  • soldering iron and solder
  • some tape or adhesive putty
  • optional: a small file

instructions

Start by taking the top plate and identifying its top and bottom side. The bottom has recessed cutouts for the switch snaps.

Insert the switches into the top plate. Make sure to insert them in the right orientation: when the plate’s short side with two holes is turned towards the top, the switch stems should have an upright “T” shape as in this picture:

Once all switches are inserted, add the four M2x8 screws in the four mounting holes.

Now carefully flip the top plate over and lay it down on a flat surface without the screws falling out. Use some tape or adhesive putty to secure the heads of the screws as you flip it.

On the other side of the top plate, add one washer on each of the screw threads.

Next, remove the PCB from the gray antistatic bag. The PCB may have some burrs in four places, where it was attached to a bigger panel during manufacturing. If you want to file these down, it’s best to do that now to avoid scratching the metal parts later. If you decide to file the PCB, do so outside and wear a mask as the fiberglass dust is harmful when breathed.

Now carefully place the PCB on top of the top plate, guiding the screws through the corresponding mounting holes. Make sure to align the board correctly, the USB port should be on the side facing you. Be careful when pushing the PCB down against the top plate and make sure that all switch pins end up in one of the solder pads. If you push down the PCB too quickly, you might bend misaligned switch pins.

Once the PCB is firmly in place, start soldering the switch pins. It’s best to start with switches close to the mounting screws and check that the plate and PCB are flush with the washer by applying light pressure while soldering the first switches. Once all the corners have been soldered, it’s not necessary to pay particular attention to the spacing anymore.

Now add a washer, a nylon spacer, and then another washer on each of the four mounting screws.

Take the bottom plate and find it’s bottom side - it has a four pockets for rubber feet and text on it. Find the rubber feet and attach one in each of the pockets.

With the bottom facing you, roughly align the plate with the mounting screws and then flip everything over again. Use the bottom plate to prevent any of the washers or spacers to fall off the screws.

You can now screw the four mounting screws into the corresponding holes using the included allen key. Tighten them until they feel snug, but not overly tight.

Finally, take the keycaps and press one into each of the switches.

That’s it!

configuration

The 0xC.pad supports QMK firmware out of the box. The online configurator can be used to quickly create custom keymaps. Please refer to the Configurator Help for more information on how to use the online configurator.

Alternatively, Vial can be used to quickly reconfigure the 0xC.pad without flashing new firmware each time. To enable Vial support, download and flash the ‘vial-enabled’ firmware found in the appendix. Once this firmware is installed, the Vial GUI can be used to update the configuration.

advanced configuration - building with the CLI

If you want to customize your macropad further, you can build your own firmware by cloning the official qmk_firmware repository. With all dependencies set up correctly, you can build the default keymap using:

$ qmk build -kb s_ol/0xc_pad -km default

and flash using:

$ qmk flash -kb s_ol/0xc_pad -km default

flashing

Once you have created your keymap, compile it and download the firmware (.hex) file. To flash the firmware onto your macropad, follow these steps:

  1. Unplug the 0xC.pad
  2. Hold the top-left key while plugging it in
  3. Release the top-left key
  4. the LEDs should remain off
  5. Download and run QMK Toolbox
  6. Select your firmware file (.hex file from QMK Configurator)
  7. Select atmega32u2 for the “MCU” field
  8. Click “Flash”!

appendix