P20 5x4 Macropad Info and Assembly Guide


Now available in Lazada


P20 is a custom 5x4 grid mechanical keyboard macro pad wherein two of its switches uses two (2) rotary encoder's push buttons. The PCB is designed to accommodate: a) grid layout consisting of 18 mechanical keyboard switches and 2 rotary encoders; b) standard numeric pad but replace two switches with rotary encoders.

  • Compatible with Alps and MX switches.   
  • Uses Pro Micro micro controller
  • Powered by QMK
  • (2-piece) casing

The PCB


Front  (v1)

Back  (v1)

MX compatible top plate (v1)

Update 20200530: P20 Top Plate v2



P20 Assembly Checklist

Required components:
  • P20 PCB
  • P20 top plate (not required if using PCB mount MX switches)
  • 20 pieces 1N4148 THT diode
  • 1 piece Pro Micro micro-controller with PCB pin headers
  • P20 bottom cover
  • P20 top cover (optional) - download and print a copy from this link
  • 7-8 pieces M2x6mm screws
  • 4 pieces M2x8mm screws (optional)
  • 18 pieces MX compatible mechanical keyboard switches
  • 2 pieces EC11 or similar rotary encoders
  • 2 pieces rotary encoder knobs
  • MX PCB mount stabilizers are required for those that will use layout "b"
Required tools are:
  • soldering iron and lead
  • wire cutter
  • cross point screw driver
  • small pliers 
  • common sense

Assembly guide

Solder diodes through the front of the P20 PCB. Take note of the polarity of the diodes. Cut excess diode wires.

For Top Plate Version 2, solder rotary encoders before switches


 Update 20210124: For PCB version 3 and above, please follow this post to enable 4th encoder under top left most key (or COL 0 / ROW 0).


Clip keyboard switches on the P20 top plate. Mount the top plate (with switches) to the P20 PCB then solder the keyboard switches.

Update 20200714: To prevent the switch pins from touching the top of the microcontroller, it is advised to shield the two components. I typically do this by placing 2-layers of electric tape between the pcb and controller (sandwiched). Cutting excess pins may be necessary.

taken from P40 assembly guide



Update 20200816: Test your promicro/micro-controller before soldering. It is not easy to replace faulty or dead controller. 
Mount Pro Micro micro-controller in the header pins. Front of Pro Micro facing back of P20 PCB. Cut excess pin headers.



Important note: Use pliers to hold the tip of the excess wires while cutting. These wires are sharp and tends to snap out in any direction when snipped. Always use common sense and caution when handling such tools and components.


Programming guide

See github page for default configuration (including sample hex file) and QMK documentation for firmware flashing and other settings.

Update 20200920: Please check your PCB version before flashing. Use p20/ver2 if you have version 2 PCBs.

Sample build



Update 20200510: Three of my keyboards, including this, were already merged with qmk's github repository. YAY! To celebrate, I am releasing P20 gerber files! Please follow this link. I apologize for the bit.ly link, I just wish to track number of downloads/clicks. This will direct you to a zip file from my google drive. Please use this link if you wish to share. Thanks!

Update 20200607: Actual photos of a build with v2 top plate installed:




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