/Hub20

Hub20 is a numpad with a bunch of features you never knew you needed.

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Hub20

Hub20

Hub20 is a numpad with a bunch of features you never knew you needed. They include:

  • Left and Right handed layouts supported, along with a 4x5 1U grid enabling it to be used as a macropad.
  • Two rotary encoders, enabling intuitive controls for a wide range of tools including CAD and photo / video editing.
  • Inbuilt USB 2.0 Hub with Type-C connectors, allowing connection to other keyboards, memory sticks, wireless receivers and more!
  • VIA and QMK compatibility, including a "macro" mode enabling the keys to be remapped on a host computer.
  • 27 addressable RGB leds, including one under each key.

If this project looks familiar, it's because it contains all the best parts of Hub16, with a few added extras.

Project Status

Hardware is finalised and kits can be purchased from Tindie.

Hub20

Getting Started Guide

Detailed Info

Repo Contents

  • documents contains all documentation and images for the project.
  • firmware contains both the source and precompiled binaries for Hub20.
  • hardware contains the KiCad design files for the keyboard.
  • josh-kicad-lib is my personal KiCad parts library which contains many of the parts used.
  • scripts contains a number of scripts used in the PCB design process.
  • mechanicals contain the plate and case design for Hub20.
  • production contains all the files required to produce the PCB. It also contains test scripts and jigs.
  • software contains all the VIA config, along with template script to use Hub20 as a macropad with software on your computer.

Notes on the USB Hub

The hub is a four port USB 2.0 Hub with Type-C connectors, aimed at allowing connection of keyboards, mice, memory sticks, wireless receivers, and other small devices (including a second Hub20!) to your computer.

Due to cost and space constraints, the hub has some limitations. The hub is not:

  • USB 3.x, Power Delivery, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, etc compatible.
  • Designed to charge your phone quickly. Only 100mA is guaranteed per port.
  • Designed to work with power hungry devices such as spinning hard drives.
  • Guaranteed to provide full USB 2.0 speeds and performance on all ports.

Might you be able to charge your phone whilst copying files at full speed of a spinning hard drive over a long cable? Maybe. However Hub20 is a numpad first, USB hub second, so if you are looking for a high performance device I'd suggest picking up a dedicated USB hub and just using Hub20 as a numpad.

If you have any questions or comments please get in touch. I can be found on Discord as _joshajohnson#9451, Twitter, email, or leave an issue or pull request on this repo.