VL03 | DIY Stream Deck | Handwired Numpad

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VL03: Stream Deck + Numpad Macropad (handwired, ZMK)

A compact 10-key macropad with a clicky rotary encoder. One layer turns it into a stream deck: launch apps, mute your mic, control media, fire off shortcuts. Flip to the second layer and it's a full numpad for spreadsheets and data entry. 

The encoder handles volume and mute with a satisfying click.

It's a dead-simple handwired matrix, so it's a great first soldering project. No PCB to order, no SMD work. Wire, switches, diodes, a dev board, done.

Build video on YouTube.

Board-agnostic case
The controller bay fits both XIAO and SuperMini footprints. Drop in a Seeed XIAO (nRF52840 / RP2040 / ESP32-S3) or an ESP32-S3 SuperMini. Prebuilt firmware here is for the XIAO nRF52840.

Custom keycaps
Want legends like the ones in the photos? Generate your own with my Custom Keycap Generator

Firmware
Runs ZMK with ZMK Studio support, so you can rebind keys live in your browser, no recompiling.

The keymap is a plain text file you can edit and rebuild. Two layers ship by default (numpad + F-key row). Precompiled firmware and full keymap on GitHub: https://github.com/vostoklabs/VL03-numpad-streamdeck

Included files
STEP files are included, so you can crack open the case in any CAD tool and modify it: resize the controller bay, change the encoder placement, remix it into something of your own. Print files included for the standard build.

Bill of materials

• A small dev board (XIAO nRF52840 for the prebuilt firmware)
• 10 mechanical switches + keycaps
• 1x EC11 rotary encoder (push-button shaft)
• 11x 1N4148 diodes (one per switch + one for the encoder button)
• Wire, soldering iron, USB-C cable

Enjoy printing! 

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