DIY Macro Pad Keyboard Build from Scratch with Custom PCB and Mechanical Switches

[@pindist15]

As an electrical engineer who is afraid of electronics projects, this is gold. Not scary at all. This is the only proper and through build video on macro pads I have found so far. JazakAllah

[@jamesrunion2438]

I can tell that you took the time to put this together, seeing how extremely detailed you are with your guide. I also have noticed that this is your first and only video that you’ve posted, I just would like to note that you did a great job. And I will be subscribing as I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you! Appreciated

[@hollishall3134]

Agreed! Well done

[@10szym44]

Editing is pretty good for a starting channel! I’d like to see more.

[@NonJohns]

wow it's the first video???

[@salimbenbouz]

Yes, more coming soon.

[@lantern8613]

I was genuinely surprised to see this was your first video, the quality had me guessing that you'd been on KZbin for years with hundreds of videos. Definitely looking forward to seeing more!

[@fahvm4362]

People love this kind of project. Looks simple, clean, nice , and not too expensive.

[@salimbenbouz]

Yep. It seems like a good place to start learning

[@cadeellsworth2139]

This is one of the most well-shot, well-structured videos I have ever seen on KZbin. Well done! Can't wait to see what you make in the future!

[@salimbenbouz]

Wow, thanks! I just uploaded a new project last week. Check it out!

[@a-tawil]

Video editing and shooting is top notch, from the final clip to the 3D printing timelapse. Keep going, you've got a new subscriber here :)

[@luv2stack]

1:27 yes, top notch

[@thespencerowen]

The amount of effort you spent in designing this, documenting, and even creating this youtube video is astounding.

[@youtubelibrary_10]

Salim, I came back to write a shorter comment. I discovered your channel at 4:30am today after my meditation. I have no idea how, but I was inspired to enter for the words "keyboard macro PCB" into the KZbin search bar and your video was appx the 17th video in the search results. Since you had taken the effort to put chapters for a long video I clicked on it and it was the BEST CLICK I made. Your video is proof of how BRILLIANT people like you can use KZbin not only to showcase their GENIUS, but to spark joy and inspire others. This video is also PROOF that all the KZbin statistics, rating and ranking has zero meaning. EXCELLENCE is in the content of the video not the "statistics". I found your video because of my interest and not because of an algorithm. ❤

[@jukebox303]

Top tier content! You already feel like a well established channel with just one video, I'm impressed!

[@ChunkySteveo]

The most professional part of this had to be those transfers on the key caps.... they look immense!!! Most DIY macro pads are often let down by their keycaps. Off to watch how to do that from your link. Thanks!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@CottonTailJoe]

Man this has taken almost 7 months to find an in depth easy to follow video on this subject. You have given me terminology that is hard to find and words I can now use to describe what I am looking for thank you so much!

[@salimbenbouz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zimbu_]

This is my favourite out of all the videos that KZbin has recommended to me this year. I feel you took a challenging project, and turned it into something that even someone who isn't confident in all of these skills like electronics, programming, soldering and 3D printing can do with these instructions. I'm honestly thinking about visiting my local library here in Finland and asking if the 3D printers they have for public use could print out the case, and then ordering the parts to make this myself if the answer is yes. The video is amazingly well made to be the first video of a channel btw. Audio and editing was absolutely "professional KZbin content creator" level, basically the only way I could tell I wasn't watching a recent video from a big creator like DIY Perks is that there wasn't as much bright soft light as you'd get with an expensive studio lighting setup.

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you for the kind words! I absolutely encourage you to go for it. If you don't have access to a 3D printer at the library you can order the enclosure from a fab house at an affordable price. If you encounter any issues during the build I'd be happy to assist. Let me know

[@MillerKevinG]

Absolutely incredible video. Best ed printing shot/edit I've ever seen! This has 100% inspired me to make a macropad (maybe even a whole keyboard for myself.

[@bennettbrady9785]

This is such an amazing design. personally, i think it looks almost machine made and i would absolutely buy this. it has a great simplicity that isnt seen in many other macro pads. if you manufactured these im sure you would be the top seller.

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you! Maybe in the next revision I can do a small run.

[@unlink1649]

this is extremely well made. I have all the skills and tools to make this project and totally will. Thank you for showing me what's possible. You're an inspiration

[@HmmmmmLemmeThinkNo]

With the quality of this video, I thought you were a long-time youtuber! You've done an amazing job with this. And i'm saying this as someone with very little understanding of code, soldering, product design, CAD, keyboards, PCBs, or anything like that. I understood almost all of this video. I'm so impressed. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you! I’m so pleased to hear that! I only have 2 projects uploaded for now. Recently started and I like it so far. Stay tuned for more

[@mikulcek]

Your skills are amazing! Most people need years and years to reach this level of quality. Thank you for sharing.

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you! appreciated

[@7katter]

Discovering this channel is a dream come true for me! So inspiring!

[@Amiro05]

wonderful video! I'm watching this while CURRENTLY handwiring my board, beautiful explanation, great work! edit: I already know how to handwire, and while doing it i enjoy watching youtube, its very interesting how this video got recommended to me!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you! Appreciated! Very interesting indeed 👀 .. Good luck with your board!

[@DonCarlione973]

Lol I like how you edited that explosion into the part where you plug it in👍🏻 My dad would do the same thing to me when I was a kid. He would poke or pinch me in the side while he was like "zzz zzz zzz"!! I'd jump out of my skin! Yea, he loved that one. Lol, It's a classic.

[@salimbenbouz]

😂 glad you enjoyed it

[@geektoolkit]

Epic video, instant subscribe. I love that you really did 'from scratch', with everything from pcb layout to the sublimination. That was awesome and the result is SO clean. Well done and well edited/filmed!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thanks for the sub!

[@lallaouianas4565]

Great content and the production is on point, can't wait for the next one.

[@jamesmcasey]

This video was a pleasure to watch. The macro keyboard looks amazing!

[@CullenJWebb]

The sound the parts made coming off of the print-bed were pure ASMR.

[@DanielKovacs]

This is so inspiring and amazing…. Also such a satisfaction to watch your high quality video and the build process… Thank you so much ❤

[@idiedlastmonth]

One of the most well-made tutorials I have ever seen. The amount of work that went into making it is unimaginable. Thank you sooooo much!

[@JK0854]

I just want to say thank you, your video helped me a lot. The video has very good quality and its kept simple but also very detailed. Hope more videos are upcoming. Love You

[@akaTelo]

Such a high quality video, hard to imagine it's your first! The MIDI feature is such a fun twist, and the dye sublimation is something totally new to me, would love to learn more about that. Great job, subscribed and looking forward to your next projects.

[@ellesper]

Also you should try turning on fuzzy skin in your slicer when you 3d print the encoder knobs, I bet that would give a great result

[@Nikola_Bojinovic]

I'm electronic hobbyist and I love to make and discover. I've been doing this for couple years and it would never occur to me to make this AMASING PROJECT. Aside that, You made an awesome video, You combine guide for making this project and simultaneously You filmed vlog how it was to make that. It was such an awesome video and I would love to see more videos and guides from You.

[@SS-tr5uw]

I have no understanding of coding or anything discussed in this video. But I found the content to be so fascinating. Thumbs up.

[@Marcus-w7n]

Well done Salim. Even though I prefer write-up (ie:instructables) over video, this one is not stealing our time. Project, pace, comprehension, shots: just lovely. Also, you don't try to be one of these KZbin-clown DIYers filling artificially their video with awkward comedy. Just a maker and that's great! Kudos!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I have the write-ups formats in a couple of platforms if you prefer. Checkout the links in the description.

[@Marcus-w7n]

@@salimbenbouz how did I miss it?! many thanks, it rocks!

[@dzintisruzaikis8192]

Amazing video!!! Very well thought out, and as complex a PCB designing, soldering etc. can be, if someone (like me) watches this, they would be encouraged to try such a project.

[@coreyrobinson9010]

Great shots of the soldering ops. As an IPC Trainer I enjoyed your demonstration of skills and proper technique for this level of electronic assembly.

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

Phenomenal video. You don't get lost in the weeds with excessive step-by-step detail, you gave what's (to me) a relatable and inspiring overview. I've done lots of Arduino and Python projects but never really understood CircuitPython's capabilities until just now - being able to modify behaviour by recognising the device as a USB drive and editing some text files? Very exciting! DIY dye sublimation? Likewise! That magnetic(?) PCB holder with the four movable legs? I want one! Looking forward to whatever you do next.

[@jdoe8162]

This channel is the definition of UNDERRATED

[@ats2mike]

The underlying technical information is great, and your video capture/production quality is amazing. Excellent work.

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@bubaks2]

Time to test it out.. kaboom! 😂😂 The level of quality in the video is top notch. Seriously

[@Zomwil]

First person I see using KMK firmware and that makes me happy, I think it is highly underrated.

[@jpunkins]

This is far more information than I was looking for when I searched but it turned out to be something I'm super interested in trying, thank you! It looks great and I'm interested to check out your other videos. Smashing that subscribe button!

[@jackmason996]

Great video! Not only did your 3D printed parts turn out looking great, but the PCB was awesome too. Such a tidy and professional looking macro pad

[@masukomi]

Thank you for making this. It really helped give me a good idea of what was involved and if making a custom keyboard from scratch was something I felt was achievable or not. It also gave me a good sense of what I'd have to spend time learning.

[@salimbenbouz]

Glad to hear it was useful!

[@lilhotdog7011]

I’m impressed by everything in this video. Can’t believe it’s your first!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thanks! 🙏 There is a new one if you want to check it out

[@SmartieTV]

Awesome video! Here before the 1K subscribers. 🎉

[@sarahlallaoui8427]

This video perfectly captures the work and knowledge that went into making this macro keypad. Incredible! Can’t wait to see what you make next.

[@AhmedShata]

Such an amazing work, Salim! and it turned out so beautiful, I hope your brother loved it.

[@salimbenbouz]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@RinksRides]

excellent clear and without weird tangents or dad jokes.

[@efohelp1130]

100%

[@AlphaMachina]

This very quickly is becoming my favorite channel.

[@CanadianMang]

Man you take a personal project all the way! I am quite envious of how ambitious you are and how professional this project turned out. Good job!

[@MatthewEncina]

Fun project. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@salimbenbouz]

Hey Matthew! thanks for checking it out! Big fan of your videos!

[@MatthewEncina]

@@salimbenbouz 🙏🏽

[@jialx]

Pretty inspiring first video. Can't wait to see what you do next.

[@ClydapusGotwald]

I want to make one now. This video is so detailed.

[@The-sound-of-silence]

I'm glad I came across your channel, I just started making Arduino projects, and I believe I could learn a lot from you, you're so talented Masha Allah.

[@dusanzdravkovic8010]

Hi Salim, this is one of the best macro pads I've seen!

[@eliasgermer8762]

Great job man, keep 'em coming :)

[@nado121]

Dude! Excellent job! How is this your first video? The content is very inspiring, the edit looks like you've been doing this for years, I'm looking forward to see what else you'll show us!

[@IcanCwhatUsay]

4:40 Man I wish you would! This is a great tutorial!

[@thespacebar8643]

Superb. There’s a lot of things you did and showed that I don’t understand, however I really enjoyed watching this.

[@drdennsemann]

Wow, so many different skills and craft. I didn't understand the technical topics but from a design viewpoint you did an amazing job!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you!

[@lionblaze3522]

i think that was the quickest i subscribed to a channel

[@mattjurga466]

Super clear explanations and beautiful shots throughout! Love the secret function at the end!!

[@jonathanjacobus7057]

This is such a great video. I was considering buying one of these but was a bit disappointed by the cost and the quality I'm seeing from ones I could find on amazon. I'm not sure I'll be building one but I really enjoyed the video all the same! I hope you make more videos like this.

[@washabii_pvhd]

this is dope 🔥🔥love the look of the final product, such a great job. Thank you for making such a good video and you deserve a subscribe.

[@salimbenbouz]

Thanks! More to come

[@JonneytheKidd]

this is so incredible that you can do all this. Well done

[@richarddavies2902]

Thank you so much, been looking to do something like this for a while. PCB and surface mount components just got delivered, case printing now, all I am waiting on is the MCU :) This video is so professional, absolutely amazing job :)

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you!

[@MrABHISHEKHP]

Whats the size of the PCB you ordered. I am confused as to where to check the size of PCB from gbr files

[@ToyotaCharlie]

Wow dude. I can't tell if I am more jealous or impressed! Brilliant job and fantastic video!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thanks!

[@AndyKow]

Wow, excellent video. Thanks for taking the time to record and share your knowledge and workflow.

[@salimbenbouz]

Thanks for watching!

[@aus10d]

wow, this is simply amazing that you can do this yourself. absolutely awesome. thank you for taking the time to share how you did this

[@reezlaw]

Perfect, the device is amazing and also the video production with the excellent b-roll and everything, you should do more!

[@bisoh84]

While your video is a bit slow, I still found it very captivating. I would love to be able to do something like this one day. I learnt a few new things. And thanks for all the links provided. Keep it up

[@salimbenbouz]

Thanks, which part you found slow?

[@bisoh84]

hey @@salimbenbouz , I meant the general speed of the video. I prefer people who speak fast - but that is just a personal preference. :) I think the flow of ideas and explanation was spot on tho

[@salimbenbouz]

Alright, Thanks for the feedback!

[@Sandra-zr8vw]

This is great! :) Definitely subscribing and quite amazed that this is your first video!

[@thrillcell]

Awesome build! Really makes me excited to get into custom pcb's

[@dryvoutcm]

This is a very impressive channel. Ive watched all 3 videos you have posted thus far and you definitely earned a sub from me. Keep up the great work.

[@Kvatch1]

Excellent video! I have ideas for similar devices but have been having trouble finding concise relevant resources and this is exactly what I needed. Thank you. Subbed and I hope to see more in the future.

[@BillLambert]

You nailed it! Instant sub, this is top-tier content and production quality.

[@JamesPearson]

Everything about your video and project is of such high quality - totally inspiring (albeit unachievable for me!) I really enjoyed it and looking forward to more videos from you. Thanks!

[@doncristobal33]

This is so incredible, so much talent in one man

[@reidprichard]

Amazing production quality, amazing build, and the DIY keycap legends were icing on the cake!

[@rm709]

Amazing work, and unbelievable that it’s your first video! Subbed and looking for more :)

[@EchtKerim]

One word - AMAZING !

[@nicolastrelles5584]

Just found the channel, nice edits, clean build. Keep it going man!

[@RedSntDK]

Perfect beginner project honestly and so well documented that it's hard to not get the itch to do it yourself. The cost of macro pads are (imo) pretty outrageous, so it's well worth the investment.

[@georgekerwood9100]

Nice project and a really clean style on the edit, nice work :) Subscribed.

[@salimbenbouz]

Thanks 🙏 Appreciate it

[@lolio4327]

What a great project! What an amazing video! Congrat man

[@tophattommy2]

Great video. I hope that you did a separate video on the programming/installation as that is the part that all the videos skip. Thank you for putting this together! I'm glad to know that I can use Python on a macro pad.... Now just to find out how.

[@spicychickennuggett1763]

this whole project and vid is a masterpiece. Good Job my friend

[@gilbster]

That's so cool!! can't wait to see what else you create

[@soc_design8564]

crazy you only have 2k subs.... your content is premium!! .. oh well , guess you just started ... would be nice to see more ... really high quality, Thanks!!

[@salimbenbouz]

Thank you! Yes just started. More coming soon!

[@PeaKaeCee]

Looking forward to more videos from ya mate, this one was great. I'm looking to get more into electronics and custom PCB boards, etc and looking forward to more videos from you about all this. Keep it up mate! 🤘🏻

[@MarkoVukovic0]

Wow, dude. This is amazing, thank you for sharing!

[@salimbenbouz]

Glad you enjoyed it! I new version of this project is in the works :)

[@SpatialGuy77]

G’day Salim, you have a new subscriber, bells and all! lol That was fantastic, thanks mate. It will be very very helpful for me. I look forward to seeing more from you. Michael 🇦🇺

[@Thefedmog_Challenge]

Great project and even greater work Salim.

[@tomholmes809]

Brilliant video! More of this sort of thing please :)

[@salimbenbouz]

It’s coming soon :)

[@stoorps]

Excellent video, and an even better project! You've earned my subscription mate :)

[@naimakamil1111]

Bonne continuité salim❤👍

[@ReelSpider]

It must be nice to be working on your first PCB with THAT scope.... We used to use a giant magnifying glass clamped to the table.

[@arnabhazra2287]

Very detailed video. I am subscribing 😄, and looking forward to your future endeavours. ❤ from India 🇮🇳

[@raj.qwerty]

Wow, you are so talented. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@resrussia]

I really like the look of the macro pad you designed.

[@salimbenbouz]

thank you!

[@sandm4n]

Lovely video. Was captivated from start to finish.