Farewell

The Farewell is the cheapest 3x3 macropad I could make, with joystick and rotary encoder support.

The cost per unit is around $13 with switches, encoders, diodes and keycaps, for 10 units.

Disclaimer : This is not a final design. Problems identified following the first batch are listed in the “To do” section.

Features

The PCB provides breakout front and back plate.
It supports :

• 9 switches (MX or Alps) in a 3x3 matrix
• up to two rotary encoders at the top corner positions
• one dual-axis joystick at the top center position
• pro-micro footprint for the controller
• choice of black or printed front and backplate
• specific frontplate for joystick use

To do

Here are the problems to be fixed for the second iteration :

• Make more space between switch footprints to allow joystick to tilt and keycaps to be mounted (implies non-standard switch spacing)
• cut PCB corners to make space for standoffs
• invert pro-micro footprint to have the usb port higher, preventing backplate from blocking cable
• clean off silk printing from useless markings
• print the FW on the front-plate in a more visible way (maybe)
• enlarge a little bit the frontplate joystick cutout
• move SDA pinhole to prevent confusion in rotary encoder positioning
• mark back and front of the PCB

Build instructions are available here