maelsun / Pico Macro Keyboard AI Placement [Example]

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Pico Macro Keyboard PCB Design

maelsun

maelsun

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.
2 days

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2:41

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Analyzing the schematic.

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I've made a plan and started work on it.
Plan
#Goal
  • Fresh-place the entire existing Pico Macro Keyboard PCB onto a 100 mm × 100 mm rounded-rectangle 4-layer board. Use the top side exclusively for a clean and organized user interface, including switches, LEDs, rotary encoders, and mounting holes, and dedicate the bottom side to the Raspberry Pi Pico/MCU module with its supporting electronics.
#Implementation plan
  1. Configure PCB Settings
    1. Set the board size to a 100 mm × 100 mm rounded-rectangle.
    2. Apply a Standard 4-Layer stackup.
  2. Top Side Component Placement
    1. Fresh-place all user interface components on the top layer.
      1. Place mechanical switches in a grid layout.
      2. Place corresponding per-key RGB LEDs adjacent to switches.
      3. Place rotary encoders in an ergonomic location.
      4. Place mounting holes at suitable corner positions.
  3. Bottom Side Component Placement
    1. Fresh-place all supporting electronics on the bottom layer.
      1. Place the Raspberry Pi Pico/MCU module.
      2. Place essential supporting components (power management, reset circuitry, USB, decoupling, etc.).
  4. Optimize Functional Groupings
    1. Group components based on their function and connectivity.
      1. Arrange top-side components to maximize user accessibility and aesthetics.
      2. Group MCU and power related components on the bottom side with short and efficient connections.
    2. Maintain clear routing channels between top and bottom sections.
  5. Run DRC and Review
    1. Execute the Design Rule Check (DRC) on the layout.
    2. Analyze the report for remaining placement issues:
      1. Overlaps between components.
      2. Off-board components.
      3. Layer-assignment or connectivity problems.
#Success criteria
  • The PCB is defined as a 100 mm × 100 mm rounded-rectangle with a 4-layer stackup.
  • All user interface components are properly placed on the top layer and supporting electronics on the bottom.
  • The board layout maintains clear routing channels between the top and bottom sections.
  • The DRC report indicates no critical overlaps, off-board parts, or layer-assignment issues.
Prioritize USB edge
Limit bottom parts
Check LED pairing
Mounting hole clearance
2 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

    Welcome 👋

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