ric98 / Pico Macro Keyboard AI Placement [Example]

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Pico Macro Keyboard PCB Design

ric98

ric98

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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0:55

Planning for PCB edits.

Thinking deeply about your request.

Creating an implementation plan.

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Plan
#Goal
  • Fresh-place the entire Pico Macro Keyboard PCB on a 100 mm x 100 mm rounded-rectangle 4-layer board ensuring a clean top side with user-facing mechanical switches in a regular grid, associated RGB LEDs, ergonomically placed rotary encoders, and strategically placed mounting holes. The bottom side must host the Raspberry Pi Pico/MCU module and all supporting electronics grouped by function (MCU, flash, oscillator, regulator, reset/boot, USB/support passives, and decoupling) with proximity emphasis for power and signal integrity, while preserving top-side aesthetics.
#Implementation plan
  1. Board Configuration
    1. Configure a 100 mm x 100 mm rounded-rectangle board with a standard 4-layer stackup.
    2. Set the design intent to use both layers intentionally, ensuring defined routing channels.
  2. Top-side Placement (User Interface)
    1. Fresh-place the mechanical switches in a regular, aligned macro-keypad grid.
    2. Place per-key RGB LEDs near their respective switches without crowding the design.
    3. Position rotary encoders and additional user controls ergonomically close to the key grid.
    4. Add mounting holes near the board corners ensuring they are clear of controls.
  3. Bottom-side Placement (MCU and Supporting Electronics)
    1. Place the Raspberry Pi Pico module along with the MCU, flash, and associated support electronics on the bottom side.
    2. Group related components by function:
      1. Cluster the MCU, flash, and reset/boot circuits together.
      2. Position the crystal/oscillator and load/decoupling capacitors closely to their respective pins.
      3. Cluster the regulator and other power components to minimize routing distances from top-side switches, LEDs, and encoders.
      4. Place USB-support passives and additional decoupling capacitors in proximity to the driven IC power pins.
    3. Where possible, move support passives to the bottom side to preserve a clean top appearance.
  4. **Overlap and Routing Review
    1. Review the entire board layout to resolve any overlaps and ensure all parts remain within the board outline.
    2. Ensure all routing channels are preserved and both layers are used effectively.
    3. Run DRC/review to identify and report any remaining overlaps, off-board placements, or layer-assignment issues.
#Success criteria
  • The board is configured as a 100 mm x 100 mm rounded-rectangle with a 4-layer stackup.
  • Top-side houses a clean, user-friendly layout: switch grid, RGB LEDs without crowding, clearly placed rotary encoders, and unobstructed mounting holes.
  • The bottom side contains the Raspberry Pi Pico/MCU module and grouped supporting electronics with proper clustering and defined routing.
  • All placement overlaps, off-board placements, and routing issues are minimized or resolved, as confirmed by a successful DRC review.
Constrain power edge
Limit bottom parts
Center key grid
Run placement review
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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