johnsierra / Pico Macro Keyboard AI Placement [Example]

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Pico Macro Keyboard Design

johnsierra

johnsierra

Fresh-place the entire Pico Macro Keyboard PCB from scratch on a 100 mm × 100 mm rounded-rectangle 4-layer board. Top side priority:
Keep the top side clean and user-facing. Place the mechanical key switches in a regular macro-keypad grid with consistent row/column spacing and aligned orientation. Keep the RGB LEDs visually associated with their corresponding switches and avoid crowding the key grid. Place rotary encoders and any user-facing controls on the top side in ergonomic positions near the key grid. Place mounting holes near the board corners and keep them clear of switches and encoders. Bottom side priority:
Place the Raspberry Pi Pico / MCU module and the majority of supporting electronics on the bottom side. Group the MCU, flash, crystal/oscillator, regulator/power parts, reset/boot circuitry, USB/support passives, and decoupling capacitors by function. Keep decoupling capacitors close to their associated IC power pins, crystal/load caps close to the MCU oscillator pins, and power components clustered together. Minimize estimated routing distance between the bottom-side MCU and the top-side switches, LEDs, and encoders. Prefer moving support passives on the bottom side rather than contaminating the top-side visual layout. Placement quality goals:
Resolve overlaps, keep all components inside the board outline, preserve routing channels between the key grid and MCU area, and maintain clean edge/corner clearance. Use both layers intentionally: top for human-interface components, bottom for dense electronics. After placement, run DRC/review and report any remaining overlap, off-board, or layer-assignment issues.
5 days

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Planning PCB Setup.

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Creating an execution plan.

I've made a plan, and started work on it.
Plan
#Goal
  • Freshly design the Pico Macro Keyboard PCB on a 100 mm × 100 mm rounded-rectangle 4-layer board. Use a top side dedicated for clean user-facing controls (key switch grid, per-key RGB LEDs, rotary encoders, corner mounting holes) and a bottom side for the Raspberry Pi Pico/MCU module along with its supporting electronics (flash, oscillator/crystal, regulator/power, reset/boot, USB support passives, and decoupling).
#Implementation plan
  1. Board Setup and Stackup
    1. Configure the PCB outline to a 100 mm × 100 mm rounded-rectangle.
    2. Set up a 4-layer stackup with clear separation between top and bottom functionalities.
  2. Component Placement
    1. Place all top-side components:
      1. Fresh-place the key switch grid.
      2. Place per-key RGB LEDs and rotary encoders/user controls.
      3. Add corner mounting holes with required clearance.
    2. Place all bottom-side components:
      1. Fresh-place the Raspberry Pi Pico/MCU module.
      2. Group and place support electronics by function:
        1. Group for MCU and flash components.
        2. Group oscillator/crystal and load capacitors nearby.
        3. Group regulator/power, reset/boot circuitry.
        4. Group USB support passives and decoupling capacitors.
  3. Routing and Proximity-Conscious Adjustments
    1. Ensure that proximity-sensitive parts are placed closely together to minimize routing distance to the top-side controls.
    2. Reserve clear routing channels for reliable trace routes.
    3. Verify that no components overlap or extend off-board.
  4. DRC and Final Review
    1. Run a design rule check (DRC) to identify any remaining conflicts such as overlaps or off-board placements.
    2. Address and report any remaining issues related to overlapping parts, off-board placements, or layer violations.
#Success criteria
  • The PCB outline is correctly set as a 100 mm × 100 mm rounded-rectangle with a proper 4-layer stackup.
  • Top-side components (key grid, RGB LEDs, rotary encoders, mounting holes) are placed cleanly for user interaction.
  • Bottom-side components (Raspberry Pi Pico/MCU and grouped support electronics) are logically and functionally grouped.
  • Routing channels are preserved and proximity-sensitive parts have minimal routing distances.
  • DRC review confirms that there are no overlaps, off-board issues, or layer inconsistencies remaining.
Set label orientation
Prioritize symmetry
Protect top layout
Check top clearances
5 days
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    Pico Macro Keyboard AI Placement [Example]

    Pico Macro Keyboard AI Placement [Example] thumbnail
    The Pico Macro Keyboard is a compact and powerful macro pad built using the latest Raspberry Pi Pico 2. Inspired by the Figma Creator Micro, this keyboard is designed for customizable control and enhanced productivity. It features mechanical switches with per-key RGB lighting, along with two rotary encoders for added functionality. With a modular 4-layer PCB and fully customizable keymaps, it seamlessly integrates with any software, making it perfect for designers, gamers, and power users alike.

    Properties

    creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Pricing & Availability

    Distributor

    Qty 1

    Arrow

    $3.36–$3.36

    Digi-Key

    $9.30–$10.93

    LCSC

    $8.11–$8.30

    Mouser

    $9.85

    TME

    $0.99

    Verical

    $6.35–$8.42

    Controls

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