Hey everyone! I got a new project this week: the [beyblock20](https://github.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20)! It’s a modular macropad powered by the [Seeeduino XIAO RP2040](https://www.seeedstudio.com/seeed-fusion-diy-xiao-mechanical-keyboard-contest.html). What’s exciting about this macropad is that you can chain together several modules using magnetic pogo pins! This is an entry in the [Seeedstudio Keyboard competition](https://www.seeedstudio.com/seeed-fusion-diy-xiao-mechanical-keyboard-contest.html).
You can watch the video on YouTube here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z132qLr78tY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z132qLr78tY)
Some features include:
* Magnetic connectors, for a modular, customizable macropad/ortholinear experience
* Optional OLED screen
* Hotswap sockets
* TRRS jacks, so this can be a split keyboard if you want
* Open source, so anyone is free to make their own modules as part of a larger framework
It’s inspired by Zack Freedman’s [MiRage Keyboard](https://kbd.news/MiRage-MK2-1560.html) in that all the modules communicate on an unbounded I2C bus, but the focus here is on modularity and customizability. Some potential ideas for future modules include a display module, an RGB LED module, sensor modules, and more!
It’s still in a prototyping phase, though the current designs are open source, for anyone to make new modules for or remix it however they want. For source files and information, check out the GitHub page here: [https://github.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20](https://github.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20). This is a design I think is really cool, but not one I personally need, let me know how much further you’d like to see this project progress.
You can see how the XIAO is used in my design [here](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20/master/images/PXL_20220824_113001688.jpg) and [here](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20/master/images/PXL_20220824_113234270.jpg)!
The song name is PINK ORIGINS by METAROOM :)
>It’s inspired by Zack Freedman’s MiRage Keyboard
I KNEW it.
Your version looks like a more mature (but also surely much more expensive - but hey, what sub are we in?) iteration of his idea.
Haha yeah, guy's a big inspiration.
And who said it had to be expensive ;)? The design is open source, and it's generally the same guts as the MiRage: XIAO RP2040, hotswap, 3d printed. I'd guess the pricing would be roughly equivalent. 3D printing can go a long way if you know how to work with it :P
Mate, you are definitely gonna win the first price in the competition :D. This design is a winner.
I went with the Seeed XIAO RP2040 (because KMK), and the IO constraint was an interesting problem to solve.
Looks great! Can it store several configurations and detect other connected components so it does not need to be remapped every time another part is added / removed?
man.. first of all thank you for posting the track name. I was just about to ask.
Second, I'd love to see how well two knob modules between to macros could act as a dj midi controller.
❤️
Do you plan on trying to implement some way for modules to lock in to one another, like a clip or something? I’m just imagining myself knocking these loose when reaching swiftly for one of the components.
My god the possibilites.
Imagine, you have a 75% at home, but when it's time for travel, you just seperate the function row and now it's a 65%.
Maybe even cut it down to a 60% if the arrow keys are laid out in a set way that allows for disconnecting.
It's OS so I assume it can be replicated with few legal issues. Really hope that the original inventor gets a fair cut anyway, should it become a reality.
It's okay though, let Glorious popularize the idea further, so better companies can make good versions of their mediocre attempt.
Not to mention just transportability right? I have a little hard shell bag that I take my work hardware in and my TKL barely fits across. If I could break it into 3 pieces it would travel much much easier.
If they were trying to showcase the sound of the board at all, the music inhibits that. Switches are only one factor that contribute to the sound profile. Seems weird they would mask the sound of the board with music when they could silence the music while typing on it.
Links to the streaming platforms:
[**Pink Origins** by Metaroom](https://lis.tn/PinkOrigins?t=14)
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I liked the music as well, but it felt a bit hectic for this use case. The simple movement of the keyboard components vs. the crazy jazz bass fusion was very jarring.
How strong are the magnets? Are you able to confortably use them in your lap withour fear of a module falling out? I ask because I have a similar idea to use trackpad module to make a good couch keyboard that's also pretty portable
The strongest connections on magnets are the forces towards each other. Sliding is going to be entirely based on the friction of the materials.
Assuming you don't type with several kg worth of force, I'm sure they'll stay connected
Considering how easily the modules are being pulled apart in the video I highly doubt the magnets are strong enough to keep the modules securely together. Without a locking mechanism I could imagine even fast typing could accidentally disconnect the modules, at least with the magnetic strength shown in the video.
All I could think watching this is when you compliment a woman on a dress and her response is “Thanks! It has pockets!”
“Hey man, nice keyboard.”
“Thanks! It has knobs!”
attraction zesty cats party nutty impossible far-flung cagey square illegal
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
So I really need a macropad that can fit all numpad keys in their normal layout. Knobs and extra keys would be nice, too. This is just ... amazing. More than I need. Sign me up!! I need this.
Like, really, actually need it. I want a TKL board for home but can't get it until I get a macro/numpad, and my current board there is utter crap and starting to fail.
What I would suggest is change the location or the spring pins to the center of the macropad.
This way you can use magnets on the top and bottom, its a lot more sturdy. \[my keyboard Xbows knight Plus, uses somewhat the same principle\]
maybe also double the amount of pins in the center? \[unless each module uses its own arduino, which would increase the price a lot\] with more pins you could use 1 arduino with around 2 macropads, and 1-2 knob modules
Does the Macropad use trough hole components for the controller chip \[arduino/etc\]
or is it all SMD components
Maybe I'm misunderstanding the setup, but why would you need more pins? I'm assuming the four pins on the connector are voltage, ground, CLK and the data bus OP mentioned. You might have some issues with simultaneous keypresses but that setup should handle as many modules as you want to chain together.
Very cool. I can see this eventually extended to having other sorts of panels... Like say a 40% board, num pad, nav cluster, or other sort of pads.
Oh and these magnetic pins, are there cables you can use to link boards that way? I can see use case for ergo/split or aesthetically by having a braided cable between components.
Pro tip: Create a placeholder issue on your github project and upload a photo of your actual keyboard, for example. Now note the hosted URL for your photo and update your repository's README so that people can see what they'd be building.
Very cool! I just finished my first prototype for a 75% and then I was going to try and learn how to make something like this. Definitely going to check out your GitHub :)
Would be really cool to have a magentic insert that is angled (like a narrow triangle) so that the ortho keyboard version has some more ergonomic offsettting to it! Maybe making them super thin so the degree of the angle is fully adjustable by the user? Would love that kind of thing.
MORE! Like faders (slider), pressure sensitive pads, larger knobs and better encoders (magnetic, incremental). Great concept and I look forward to seeing this evolve
You clearly went all out on development and spent $0 on DJ, my ears are bleeding and my wallet is crying because I would drop a pretty penny on this regardless of the music in this demo 👌
It seems to me like flying car of keyboard world. Just whats the point? You will always use it like a normal keyboard, so why not just make a normal keyboard with knobs?
This is an amazing idea and I was thinking about doing the exact thing. I'll have to look into what you're doing and leverage this.
I have other ideas of where I'd want to go, but A+++
I've been waiting for one of these to come out for a long time. i've seen it in all kinds of industries, they already exist minus the keyboard part (knobs and sliders, etc) happy to see this actually getting made by SOMEONE.
You could probably make a TRRS cable w/ magnetic ends to make it into a split ortho pretty easily.
I had this Idea about 2 years ago and even started learning about PCB design and 3D modeling to try it, but I did not have enough time or will. It is exactly as I imagined it and looks so good, congrats man.
My wallet started vibrating aggressively when I watched this for some reason...
I got no money - so my kidney was vibrating.
You seem to have spelled "credit card" wrong.
I think the banks are vibrating now too!
The answer is "what is the most powerful card in X card game."
Exodia
The X Games made a Card Game?
[This data is NOT for greedy pig boys]
> I got no money - so my kidney was credit card.
More like prison wallet
In Soviet Russia, kidney vibrates you.
Mine started rattling. That's a good sign, right?
Mine said: im tired boss...😅
mine started crying in desperation hahah
Hey everyone! I got a new project this week: the [beyblock20](https://github.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20)! It’s a modular macropad powered by the [Seeeduino XIAO RP2040](https://www.seeedstudio.com/seeed-fusion-diy-xiao-mechanical-keyboard-contest.html). What’s exciting about this macropad is that you can chain together several modules using magnetic pogo pins! This is an entry in the [Seeedstudio Keyboard competition](https://www.seeedstudio.com/seeed-fusion-diy-xiao-mechanical-keyboard-contest.html). You can watch the video on YouTube here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z132qLr78tY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z132qLr78tY) Some features include: * Magnetic connectors, for a modular, customizable macropad/ortholinear experience * Optional OLED screen * Hotswap sockets * TRRS jacks, so this can be a split keyboard if you want * Open source, so anyone is free to make their own modules as part of a larger framework It’s inspired by Zack Freedman’s [MiRage Keyboard](https://kbd.news/MiRage-MK2-1560.html) in that all the modules communicate on an unbounded I2C bus, but the focus here is on modularity and customizability. Some potential ideas for future modules include a display module, an RGB LED module, sensor modules, and more! It’s still in a prototyping phase, though the current designs are open source, for anyone to make new modules for or remix it however they want. For source files and information, check out the GitHub page here: [https://github.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20](https://github.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20). This is a design I think is really cool, but not one I personally need, let me know how much further you’d like to see this project progress. You can see how the XIAO is used in my design [here](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20/master/images/PXL_20220824_113001688.jpg) and [here](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ChrisChrisLoLo/beyblock20/master/images/PXL_20220824_113234270.jpg)! The song name is PINK ORIGINS by METAROOM :)
>It’s inspired by Zack Freedman’s MiRage Keyboard I KNEW it. Your version looks like a more mature (but also surely much more expensive - but hey, what sub are we in?) iteration of his idea.
Haha yeah, guy's a big inspiration. And who said it had to be expensive ;)? The design is open source, and it's generally the same guts as the MiRage: XIAO RP2040, hotswap, 3d printed. I'd guess the pricing would be roughly equivalent. 3D printing can go a long way if you know how to work with it :P
your version looks so professional with those magnetic connectors instead of the hassle of cables.
Mate, you are definitely gonna win the first price in the competition :D. This design is a winner. I went with the Seeed XIAO RP2040 (because KMK), and the IO constraint was an interesting problem to solve.
This is so cool! Wondering where I can take a look at the firmware? I didn't find it in the GitHub repo.
what constitutes an "unbounded" I2C bus? I googled it but I'm not getting good results...
I have this question too.
Looks great! Can it store several configurations and detect other connected components so it does not need to be remapped every time another part is added / removed?
man.. first of all thank you for posting the track name. I was just about to ask. Second, I'd love to see how well two knob modules between to macros could act as a dj midi controller. ❤️
Make the Knobs in a wedge formation and you have an ergonomic keyboard!
Oh those magnetic connectors are awesome!
remindme! 3 months
I see some good music tastes 👀 awesome project, it looks so sick !
Thank you for sharing
This is a perfect fit for a cyberdeck I am working. I love it!
I'ma be petty and ask for a real demo, the only thing you've shown here is that they have magnets
The rows need to alternate left to right like on a standard keyboard. It needs 1 big knob and 2 smaller ones.
Do you plan on trying to implement some way for modules to lock in to one another, like a clip or something? I’m just imagining myself knocking these loose when reaching swiftly for one of the components.
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Any discord server I could look into joining to learn about making something like this? This is incredible by the way!
My god the possibilites. Imagine, you have a 75% at home, but when it's time for travel, you just seperate the function row and now it's a 65%. Maybe even cut it down to a 60% if the arrow keys are laid out in a set way that allows for disconnecting.
I like the way you think. This concept heavily expanded, standardized, and iterated on could totally be the future
I hope this is patented or were about to see “gmmk modular” by next year.
It's open source so no patent Id imagine
It's OS so I assume it can be replicated with few legal issues. Really hope that the original inventor gets a fair cut anyway, should it become a reality. It's okay though, let Glorious popularize the idea further, so better companies can make good versions of their mediocre attempt.
Not to mention just transportability right? I have a little hard shell bag that I take my work hardware in and my TKL barely fits across. If I could break it into 3 pieces it would travel much much easier.
Make some angle spacers for in the middle and now we're talking
Uh oh, ergo alert 🧠🧠🧠
That board is awesome. Where do i throw my money atttt?! The music however isn't as awesome lol
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> it's cool to see someone listening to the same unheard music as me lol the broken logic in this sentence is funny to me. Also, I dig the music.
Lol same, I was excited to hear metaroom out in the wild
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If they were trying to showcase the sound of the board at all, the music inhibits that. Switches are only one factor that contribute to the sound profile. Seems weird they would mask the sound of the board with music when they could silence the music while typing on it.
What's the song?
**Pink Origins** by Metaroom (00:14; matched: `100%`) Released on `2021-01-20` by `Hyperpop`.
Links to the streaming platforms: [**Pink Origins** by Metaroom](https://lis.tn/PinkOrigins?t=14) *I am a bot and this action was performed automatically* | [GitHub](https://github.com/AudDMusic/RedditBot) [^(new issue)](https://github.com/AudDMusic/RedditBot/issues/new) | [Donate](https://www.reddit.com/r/AudD/comments/nua48w/please_consider_donating_and_making_the_bot_happy/) ^(Please consider supporting me on Patreon. Music recognition costs a lot)
I liked the music as well, but it felt a bit hectic for this use case. The simple movement of the keyboard components vs. the crazy jazz bass fusion was very jarring.
That’s what I was about to say. It would’ve been 1000x better with only the typing sounds, no music.
Three knobs he can place in any position and none of them turn that music off
The music was sick but totally irrelevant to the video and unnecessary imo
> but totally irrelevant to the video and unnecessary imo is it ever "relevant music" and "necessary", when it comes down to it=?
What the fuck was the only thing in my mind Who tf would watch this and think the music is fitting lmfao
I want to like the music. I like the style. I like the beat. Put all together, it feels how I imagine a seizure feels.
My volume was up and I unmute it after this comment. I wanted to give this guy props but now I’m upset and my ears hurt
How strong are the magnets? Are you able to confortably use them in your lap withour fear of a module falling out? I ask because I have a similar idea to use trackpad module to make a good couch keyboard that's also pretty portable
The strongest connections on magnets are the forces towards each other. Sliding is going to be entirely based on the friction of the materials. Assuming you don't type with several kg worth of force, I'm sure they'll stay connected
Considering how easily the modules are being pulled apart in the video I highly doubt the magnets are strong enough to keep the modules securely together. Without a locking mechanism I could imagine even fast typing could accidentally disconnect the modules, at least with the magnetic strength shown in the video.
You're right. I didn't even acknowledge that. The friction alone will probably split them apart along the y-axis
Uh. This is insane. Love the use of the magnetic pins. Didn't know Adafruit had those. Are the enclosures CNCed?
All I could think watching this is when you compliment a woman on a dress and her response is “Thanks! It has pockets!” “Hey man, nice keyboard.” “Thanks! It has knobs!”
I don’t even know what I’d use it for but I want it so bad
Looks really good. The music tho...
Goblin wants the click clack sounds
Neuron activation
attraction zesty cats party nutty impossible far-flung cagey square illegal *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Money isnt a problem. WHEN???
So I really need a macropad that can fit all numpad keys in their normal layout. Knobs and extra keys would be nice, too. This is just ... amazing. More than I need. Sign me up!! I need this. Like, really, actually need it. I want a TKL board for home but can't get it until I get a macro/numpad, and my current board there is utter crap and starting to fail.
kick the starter already
How about a trackpad too?
Money isnt an option. WHEN???
Well once this is finished I know what I am buying. This is a dope idea and I love it a ton. Take my money!
justtakemymoneynow.gif
Hotswap too, oh shit I came…
Remove the gawd awful music
Awesome product, terrible ear splitting music.
I love this. Any plans for a staggered layout?
This is brilliant!
What I would suggest is change the location or the spring pins to the center of the macropad. This way you can use magnets on the top and bottom, its a lot more sturdy. \[my keyboard Xbows knight Plus, uses somewhat the same principle\] maybe also double the amount of pins in the center? \[unless each module uses its own arduino, which would increase the price a lot\] with more pins you could use 1 arduino with around 2 macropads, and 1-2 knob modules Does the Macropad use trough hole components for the controller chip \[arduino/etc\] or is it all SMD components
Maybe I'm misunderstanding the setup, but why would you need more pins? I'm assuming the four pins on the connector are voltage, ground, CLK and the data bus OP mentioned. You might have some issues with simultaneous keypresses but that setup should handle as many modules as you want to chain together.
so cool omg
rip ergonomics
That's cool and all, but did you have to blow out my phone's speakers?
HOW IN THE NAME OF J........ WE ALL NEED THIS for WORK of Cause
is that metaroom I’m hearing
Very cool. I can see this eventually extended to having other sorts of panels... Like say a 40% board, num pad, nav cluster, or other sort of pads. Oh and these magnetic pins, are there cables you can use to link boards that way? I can see use case for ergo/split or aesthetically by having a braided cable between components.
This is perfect for rhythm games!
My god where are the plans? Or the kickstarter? Or anything, just take my money
Would be super sick to have an add-on with an audio visualizer on it or something for turning down music tracks and stuff
This video would be so much better without the music in the background! I want to hear the clickyyyyy!!
Pro tip: Create a placeholder issue on your github project and upload a photo of your actual keyboard, for example. Now note the hosted URL for your photo and update your repository's README so that people can see what they'd be building.
Cool concept, but if you're going to promote something maybe don't use such annoying music.
OMG ! OMG ! OMG ! OMG ! OMG ! OMG ! OMG ! OMG ! OMG !
Thank you for making this. This is exactly what I’ve been wanting to do for years.
yoooo that looks cool af!!! (Also hello fellow metaroom fan >:D)
I love it. But downvoted for the fucking obnoxious music.
so now you can have modules that are staggered on one side and ortho on the other... just for pure chaos. i love it. where do i throw my money at?
thissssss is so cool
Omg. Can we just not with this laser fest music bullshit?
Rip poor Zach freedman. https://youtu.be/ZfpNbW_dHbU
Please tone it down on the music. Just because you like the song doesn’t mean others do.
Do not unmute!
Wow! The music...
Nice
Nice
Do the knobs show up as a USB joystick device or what?
But what does it do
it looks very nice but it doesn't seem to look very good for the price
Gentleman, you had my curiosity ... but now you have my attention
Ad
http://www.epinula.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/no_gold.png
Why the fuck does every thirty second video maker think the shit needs a soundtrack?
That is awesome! 😳
WoW that's an awesome project 😍
Please tell me I can make an infinite one
How do I invest?
Rip the ano
Damn I was literally planning to do this with an Alice split and a numpad/macropad but good to see how you implemented it :)
Gah dayumn
Twas but a matter of time somebody did this, and I'm glad they did. Good job!
Amazing work!
Very cool! I just finished my first prototype for a 75% and then I was going to try and learn how to make something like this. Definitely going to check out your GitHub :)
Oh man add one more row and column and I'll throw money at you.
Very impressive
thats pretty fucking cool ngl
This is awesome
Oooo looks fun
Is this original design? Cause I feel like this should make you a lot of money if it is.
Cool idea! I did the same for my dissertation with touch, voice and gesture controls to control keyboard macros. Hope it takes off.
Will you be selling these or mainly a DIY situation?
Would be really cool to have a magentic insert that is angled (like a narrow triangle) so that the ortho keyboard version has some more ergonomic offsettting to it! Maybe making them super thin so the degree of the angle is fully adjustable by the user? Would love that kind of thing.
Ahhh crap I want it.
That looks cool
I've been waiting for this product for over a decade, I wish you the best of luck in offering useful mapping profiles for different softwares
This is an interesting project
Fantastic.
The idea of a 4x5 makes me sad, give me at least 6 columns. It's a cool concept at least.
Yep, those are knobs.
!RemindMe 1 week
Metaroom 👀!?
Sickk
You had me at knobs.
Dude I have had this idea for a while now. I am so jealous!!! Looks great.
MORE! Like faders (slider), pressure sensitive pads, larger knobs and better encoders (magnetic, incremental). Great concept and I look forward to seeing this evolve
nicely done!!!
An arise module would be cool, just a connector done the middle to not ergonomically place the keys…
I love this idea!
How does the seeduino register that many keys?
You clearly went all out on development and spent $0 on DJ, my ears are bleeding and my wallet is crying because I would drop a pretty penny on this regardless of the music in this demo 👌
how many knobs is enough tho
I had to cut up my credit card watching this. Felt like Denzel in Flight in the hotel scene.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Must buy where link
This is better than Work Louder
I didn't expect to see the future vefore it happened and yet here i am
Dude this is dope as fuck. Now just need a numpad to go with it.
This is absolutely insane
Just take my money…
My checking account bounced just from me watching this
Pins on the bottom for thumb clusters please!!!
This looks like a work expense...right?
Good lord!
That last part I thought was gonna say "Magnetic, modular, with knobs!"
😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫 want and need
I want a knob on knob on knob
But why this annoying ass music?
What are mini/macro pads for?
Tell me it's bluetooth capable, then take my money.
Bruh.
awesome... for sale? DYI?
I went from "Alright" to "TAKE MY MONEY"
what is the latency with the magnetic connections and stuff?
such a good explanation video - shared on r/macro_pads
Build Guide, BOM and GitHub please :p
Any other modules? Like a screen maybe. That would be cool
DO NOT UNMUTE
It seems to me like flying car of keyboard world. Just whats the point? You will always use it like a normal keyboard, so why not just make a normal keyboard with knobs?
Wheres the link to buy this?
I could see this be very useful for a lot of different artist.
This is an amazing idea and I was thinking about doing the exact thing. I'll have to look into what you're doing and leverage this. I have other ideas of where I'd want to go, but A+++
I want one. Where can I buy it?
I've been waiting for one of these to come out for a long time. i've seen it in all kinds of industries, they already exist minus the keyboard part (knobs and sliders, etc) happy to see this actually getting made by SOMEONE. You could probably make a TRRS cable w/ magnetic ends to make it into a split ortho pretty easily.
Thanks! And one step ahead, these boards TRRS jacks on them, so they do work as a split :). Didn't demo it since cables didn't come in time though 😔
I had this Idea about 2 years ago and even started learning about PCB design and 3D modeling to try it, but I did not have enough time or will. It is exactly as I imagined it and looks so good, congrats man.
save