The Farewell is the cheapest 3x3 macropad I could make, with joystick and rotary encoder support.
The cost per unit is around $13 with switches, encoders, diodes and keycaps, for 10 units.
Disclaimer : This is not a final design. Problems identified following the first batch are listed in the "To do" section.
The PCB provides breakout front and back plate. It supports :
- 9 switches (MX or Alps) in a 3x3 matrix
- up to two rotary encoders at the top corner positions
- one dual-axis joystick at the top center position
- pro-micro footprint for the controller
- choice of black or printed front and backplate
- specific frontplate for joystick use
Here are the problems to be fixed for the second iteration :
- Make more space between switch footprints to allow joystick to tilt and keycaps to be mounted (implies non-standard switch spacing)
- cut PCB corners to make space for standoffs
- invert pro-micro footprint to have the usb port higher, preventing backplate from blocking cable
- clean off silk printing from useless markings
- print the FW on the front-plate in a more visible way (maybe)
- enlarge a little bit the frontplate joystick cutout
- move SDA pinhole to prevent confusion in rotary encoder positioning
- mark back and front of the PCB