FixPad - Akshit

FixPad is a 3-key macropad designed to boost productivity and help you stay focused—whether you're studying, coding, or working. It features shortcut keys, website toggling, and even anti-sleep functionality to keep your computer awake when you are!

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Inspiration

I often found myself repeating the same actions—editing my millions of typing mistakes, opening tools/applications/websites, or keeping my laptop from sleeping during long research sessions (espeically to keep my code running throughout the night!). Instead of reaching for a full keyboard shortcut every time, I wanted a compact, dedicated helper. That’s where the idea of FixPad came from—a small macropad to automate simple but essential productivity tasks.

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Features

• 3 mechanical keys, each mapped to a useful productivity function:
  • Autocorrect shortcut (after highlighting the text I want to edit, I press the button and it autocorrects the grammar and spelling for me)
  • Website toggle (open/close a designated URL by binding this key to any other key combination)
  • Anti-sleep mode (subtle mouse movements to keep the screen awake)
• Uses KMK firmware (Python-based, flexible)
• USB-powered, plug-and-play with any computer

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Hardware Specs

• Microcontroller: Seeed XIAO RP2040
• Switches: 3× Cherry MX
• Keycaps: 3× DSA profile
• Case: Custom-designed, 2-part print (snap-fit, no screws!)

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CAD Design

• Designed in TinkerCAD
• Compact and portable (under 200×200 mm total size)
• Snap-fit case (no screws required)
• Clean separation between base and top housing in one .stl file

Final Case File: FixPad.stl

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PCB & Schematic

• Designed using KiCad
• Simple and optimized routing for beginners
• Easily modifiable for more buttons or RGB in future versions

Final Schematic: FixPad_Schematic.kicad_sch

Final PCB Layout: FixPad_PCB.kicad_pcb

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Firmware

• Written in Python using the KMK firmware framework
• Easy to read, edit, and extend
• Autocorrect and tab toggle features use clever key sequences and clipboard shortcuts

Firmware File: main.py

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Bill of Materials (BOM)

Item	Quantity
Cherry MX Switches	3
DSA Keycaps	3
EC11 Rotary Encoder	1
XIAO RP2040	1
3D-Printed Case	1 (2 parts)

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Challenges

This was my first serious electronics + CAD project. I learned about:

• Schematic and PCB design using KiCad
• Mechanical CAD with TinkerCAD (with help from friends!)
• Writing event-based keyboard firmware in Python

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What's Next?

Future improvements I’d like to add:

• OLED screen support
• Per-key RGB lighting
• Multiple layers for macro switching

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Made for HackPad 2025 | Built with curiosity, trial, and lots of CTRL+C.