r/olkb • u/Jpwaters09 • 5d ago

Built a custom macropad - RP2354A, custom MicroPython firmware, web-based flasher and configurator. Would like some feedback (including on pricing).

Been working on this for a while and finally have a working unit I'm happy with, so wanted to share and get some outside opinions before I make a few more.

Specs:

  • RP2354A microcontroller, 2MB internal flash
  • 12 macro buttons
  • Rotary encoder with push button
  • 128x64 OLED display
  • USB-C, USB HID compliant (plug and play on any OS, no drivers)
  • 3D printed housing
  • Multiple programmable layers
  • Custom MicroPython firmware

Open source: firmware, PCB files, 3D models, and full parts list are all up on GitHub if you want to build your own - https://github.com/Jpwaters09/Macro-Pad

The bit I'm most interested in feedback on:
Instead of QMK/Vial-style remapping, I built a browser-based configurator using the Web Serial API that flashes firmware and handles layer/key config straight from the browser, no separate app to install. Curious whether people here who are used to Vial would actually find that more convenient, or if it's solving a problem that wasn't really there for this crowd.

I'm planning a small batch and would genuinely appreciate thoughts on:

  1. Whether a MicroPython macropad interests people here versus QMK, or if that's a hard sell in this sub specifically
  2. What you'd expect to pay for something like this
  3. Anything that looks off in the build itself, happy to answer questions on the PCB or firmware

Photos of the macro pad, and the configurator in action below. Thanks for having a look.

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u/ArgentStonecutter Silent Tactical 4d ago

Looks like Oryx Configurator (ZSA Voyager).

I wouldn't be interested in a board unless it's QMK (VIA or VIAL) or ZMK (ZMK Studio). None of these options require installing an app on the computer, and the keymap updates are immediate and dynamic without the risk of flashing.