Adafruit
Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Starter Kit
Best customizable control surface for hobbyists and productivity-focused makers.
Upgrade your workflow with the Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Starter Kit, featuring a customizable 12-key layout powered by the dual-core Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. This complete kit includes the necessary components to build your control surface: the MacroPad board, 12 Kailh Linear Red mechanical switches, clear keycaps, and a full enclosure kit. The board supports programming via CircuitPython or Arduino, offering flexibility for custom macros. It integrates a crisp 128x64 OLED display, a rotary encoder with a push-button, and individual RGB LEDs for each key, making it a powerful, personalized desk accessory.
$49.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
607
/ 1543
#607 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
Microcontroller
20400130
/ Raspberry Pi RP (Dual core Cortex M+ at ~MHz)
Who it's for
- Developers building complex macro sequences and responsive interfaces
- Makers seeking a highly personalized and tactile control surface
- Coding novices wanting an accessible entry into microcontroller programming
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for inexpensive, pre-built macro solutions
- Users wanting an immediate, plug-and-play experience without coding
- Power users requiring extensive dedicated keys for complex workflows
Performance breakdown
Customization Potential
CircuitPython support makes remapping keys and macros incredibly intuitive for users.
Build Accessibility
Hot-swappable sockets mean you can assemble the entire unit without soldering.
Hardware Versatility
The OLED display and rotary encoder add professional-grade control to any workflow.
Expansion Capability
STEMMA QT port allows for seamless integration of additional I2C sensors.
Processing Power
The RP2040 chip handles complex macro scripts with impressive, lag-free speed.
Visual Feedback
Individual NeoPixel LEDs provide vibrant, programmable status indicators for every key.
Key Specs
Microcontroller
Raspberry Pi RP2040 (Dual core Cortex M0+ at ~130MHz)
Flash Memory
8 MB
Key Switches
12 x Cherry MX-compatible sockets
Display
128x64 SH1106 Monochrome OLED
Expansion
STEMMA QT Connector (I2C)
Connection
USB C Connector
Backlighting
One NeoPixel RGB LED per switch
Model Number
5128
Features
- Powered by RP2040 microcontroller
- Includes 12 mechanical switches and keycaps
- Features a rotary encoder with push-button
- Integrated 128x64 OLED display
- Individual NeoPixel RGB LED for each key
- No soldering required for switch installation
- STEMMA QT port for I2C expansion
- Complete enclosure kit included
What customers say
The Adafruit MacroPad RP2040 Starter Kit earns high praise for its exceptional build quality and versatility. Customers value the robust construction and the powerful RP2040 microcontroller, which supports complex custom applications. A major strength is the ease of programming, especially using CircuitPython, which simplifies customizing keymaps and integrating features like the rotary encoder and OLED screen. Users find the hot-swappable mechanical keys significantly enhance personalization. While the price is noted, the consensus is that this highly customizable and reliable macropad offers outstanding functional value, greatly improving workflow efficiency for makers seeking a premium, well-supported solution.
Know before you buy
No, the MacroPad RP2040 uses hot-swap mechanical switch sockets, meaning you can simply press the switches into place without needing a soldering iron.
Yes, the board features Cherry MX-compatible sockets, allowing you to swap the included Kailh Linear Red switches for most standard mechanical switches if you prefer a different tactile feel.
The MacroPad is compatible with both CircuitPython and the Arduino IDE, giving you the flexibility to choose the environment you are most comfortable with for coding your custom key functions.
The STEMMA QT port allows you to easily connect I2C-based sensors, displays, or other expansion modules to your MacroPad without complex wiring, expanding the board's functionality beyond just a macro controller.
Yes, each of the 12 keys has an integrated NeoPixel RGB LED that can be individually addressed and programmed to display any color or pattern you choose.
Absolutely. The 128x64 OLED display is fully programmable, allowing you to show status updates, current layer information, or custom graphics to match your workflow.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.