raghavtech / Pico Macro Keyboard AI Placement [Example] 3M7Z

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Pico Macro Keyboard Design

raghavtech

raghavtech

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.
4 days

flux

0:49

Planning for PCB setup.

Thinking deeply.

Creating execution plan.

Crafting PCB guidelines.

I've made a plan, and started work on it.
Plan
#Goal
  • Fresh-place and configure a Pico Macro Keyboard PCB on a 100 mm × 100 mm rounded-rectangle 4-layer board. The top side will be dedicated to clean user-facing interfaces, including a regular macro-keypad grid of mechanical key switches, visually-associated per-key RGB LEDs, and ergonomic rotary encoders. The bottom side will host the Raspberry Pi Pico/MCU module with supporting electronics, grouped by function for efficient power distribution, clocking, and connectivity. Mounting holes will be placed near the board corners clear of controls.
#Implementation plan
  1. Configure Board Outline and Stackup
    1. Set the PCB size to 100 mm × 100 mm with a rounded-rectangle outline.
    2. Configure the board for a standard 4-layer stackup.
  2. Place Top-Side User-Facing Components
    1. Position mechanical key switches in a regular macro-keypad grid ensuring consistent spacing and orientation.
    2. Place per-key RGB LEDs closely associated with respective switches without crowding the layout.
    3. Fresh-place rotary encoders and additional user controls ergonomically adjacent to the key grid.
    4. Insert mounting holes near the board corners ensuring they are free of controls.
  3. Place Bottom-Side Electronics
    1. Place the Raspberry Pi Pico/MCU module centrally positioned relative to the top grid for minimized routing distance.
    2. Group and place supporting components including flash memory, crystal/oscillator with associated capacitors, regulator/power sections, reset/boot circuitry, USB interface passives, and decoupling capacitors close to their respective IC power pins.
    3. Arrange power components together to simplify routing and improve power integrity.
  4. Optimize Placement for Routing
    1. Preserve routing channels between the top key/LED/encoder grid and the bottom support block areas.
    2. Ensure that critical decoupling and oscillator components are as close to their IC connections as possible.
    3. Utilize both board sides intentionally to maintain clear channels and avoid overlaps.
  5. DRC and Routing Review
    1. Run a thorough Design Rule Check (DRC) to identify overlaps, off-board placements, or mis-assigned layers.
    2. Review all placement details and optimize for any remaining issues.
    3. Report any unresolved issues for subsequent refinement.
#Success criteria
  • The PCB layout adheres to the 100 mm × 100 mm rounded-rectangle board size with a 4-layer configuration.
  • Top-side components (keypad, LEDs, and encoders) are placed with consistent spacing and clear association.
  • Bottom-side components (Pico module and supporting electronics) are grouped by function and positioned to minimize routing distances.
  • All critical components (decoupling, crystal caps, power sections) are placed in optimal proximity to their associated ICs or signals.
  • The post-placement DRC reports no overlaps, off-board issues, or layer-assignment errors.
Prioritize switch alignment
Bottom-side passives
Run placement review
Expose Pico USB
4 days
​
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    Pico Macro Keyboard AI Placement [Example] 3M7Z

    Pico Macro Keyboard AI Placement [Example] 3M7Z 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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