/bento

Bento Mechanical Keyboard Macropad

Primary LanguageC

Bento Macropad

Bento

The Bento Macropad is a 5-key macropad with rotary encoder designed by Dwin17 (Discord: Dwin#3766, Reddit: nguyedt) with PCB designed by coarse (keyboard.coarse.tech).

Key features include:

  • Powered by QMK Firmware
  • EC11 Rotary Encoder
  • RGB Underglow

FAQ

  • What is that metal case in the first image?
    • It is an aluminum case that I has machined by a friend of mine which I sanded and polished. I don't plan to have a group buy for it but feel free to use the models I've provided to make your own!
  • Is this hotswap?
    • No. However, the pro micro can be "hotswapped" due to the staggered pin design on the PCB. You can also install mill max sockets for the switches.
  • Why won't ______ work?
    • Please see my troubleshooting guide below.
  • Do you sell kits?
    • Not currently. However, I have added the gerber files if you want to print some PCBs for personal use. Please contact me first if you plan to run a group buy.
  • Can I swap out the pro micro for something else like an Elite C?
    • Absolutely! You can also try using a different controller with similar footprint like the Proton C. You may be able to use the nice! Nano for bluetooth but there isn't much room in the case for a battery.

Flashing a new layout

Please do not use QMK Configurator to create firmware for the Bento. The Bento located on QMK Configurator is only for the handwired version and will not work

Make example for this keyboard (after setting up your build environment):

make bento:default

See the build environment setup and the make instructions for more information. Brand new to QMK? Start with the Complete Newbs Guide.

Video Guide for creating macropad firmware manually

Video Guide to using QMK Toolbox to flash your macropad

To put your Bento into bootloader mode, please turn it over and press the reset button located through the cutout on the bottom plate.


Bill of Materials

Part Quantity
Bento Macropad PCB 1
Bento Macropad Case 1 (model available on Thingiverse)
Pro Micro (or equivalent) 1
EC11 Rotary Encoder 1
Rotary Encoder Knob (for 6mm shaft) 1
Reset Switch 1
Strip of 3x WS2812B RGB LEDs 1
Lead wire (for RGB underglow) As required
Cherry MX-compatible switches 5
Cherry MX-compatible keycaps 5

Optional for LED lighting

Part Quantity
Single color LED (2x3x4mm or 1.8mm) 5
330 Ohm Resistor 6
10k Ohm Resistor 1
MOSFET 1

Build Guide

NOTE: I now recommend soldering the pro micro headers to the PCB first. This would then be followed by the switches and then the pro micro itself. This is to prevent a possible issue with bent pins not properly contacting the PCB pins. This will remove the hotswap capability of the controller. Alternatively, you can continue building per the guide but be prepared to bend a few pins with pliers per the troubleshooting guide below.


Troubleshooting Guide

Pin Configuration:

Pins

Example: If your bottom right key is not working, bend Pin 14 on the Pro Micro.

  • I can't flash the Bento on QMK Toolbox

    • If you're seeing an error message along the lines of "option requires an argument -- P", please restart your computer and try flashing again.
    • If it states that No Device is Available, please try my flashing method:
      • Open QMK Toolbox and select your Bento firmware ("Keyboard for qmk.fm" can be left blank)
      • Check "Auto-Flash"
      • Press the Reset button on the bottom of the Bento twice quickly - but on the second press, hold it down for 3 seconds before letting go.
      • After a few seconds, the Pro Micro should go into bootloader mode and automatically flash the firmware
      • If this is not the case, repeat the previous steps. It may be helpful to unplug/replug the Bento and exit/reopen QMK Toolbox. Caution: It may take several tries to work due to the finicky nature of Pro Micro clones.
    • If it states that Access is Denied please try the method stated in the previous bullet point. Again, it may take several tries to work.
  • The RGB lights aren't working

    • Ensure that you have not turned it off on accident via a keypress.
    • Make sure the Pro Micro is fully inserted by taking off the bottom plate and pushing the Pro Micro into the PCB.
    • The wiring for the lights may be damaged. Please contact me for further help.
    • There may be a bent pin. Please see the instructions for fixing bent pins above. Possible pins you may need to bend back are GND (ground), VCC (power), or TX0 (data).

NOTE: If you have received a built Bento Macropad from me, it will be flashed with this layout by default:

Layout