Author Topic: [IC] Treasure TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (Series II coming soon)  (Read 29800 times)

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Offline Treasure

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9-KEY MACROPAD MINI KEYBOARD




CURRENT PRODUCTION STATUS

PRODUCTION DONE
You can get a macropad on macropad.co
Group Buy topic : https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96461.0
SOLD OUT


- PCB Assembly (DONE)
- Rubber pads (DONE)
- Preset Cards ( In PRODUCTION --> 05/08) (DONE)
- Auminum Case ( In PRODUCTION --> end of May) (DONE)




Hello to all,

I am an Industrial Designer currently designing a minimal 9-Key macropad
This kit is designed with the user in mind : Unibody, easy to use, to program, and solder.

Specifications :

  • Unibody CNC case Type 6061 "Aircraft Grade" aluminum
  • Pre-Assembled PCB with Microcontroller, nothing to solder
  • Satin sandblasted finish + Anodized color
  • PCB mount for Cherry MX keys
  • USB Type B connection
  • For use with the QMK Firmware builder
  • "Easy to use" firmware presets (For Ableton, Windows 10 ...) and associed mini card layout (Size of a business card)

Looks great with retro SA / DSA keys, works with every shape.









In the kit, you will find :

- The CNC aluminum case
- The assembled PCB & screws
- Two preset cards

- you provide MX Keycaps and keyswitches

PROTOTYPES :

A working PCB prototype and a case prototype has been made to evaluate size and shape.
The prototype was done with a Pro Micro. The final product will have a fully assembled SMD PCB.



CARDS

Each kit will contain cards with layouts for software shortcuts
And one blank side where you can write down your own layout.



Eric
« Last Edit: Sun, 28 April 2019, 12:09:33 by EricArts »

Offline Data

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 25 August 2017, 10:11:05 »
Neat.  :thumb:

This is very similar to projects done by RAMA in the last year or so.

Offline donutcat

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 26 August 2017, 00:44:27 »
I would suggest that if you're going to go through the effort of designing a CNC'd 9keypad, at least go with fully SMD PCB. Not only does it itself look better, in volume they'll be most likely equal to or cheaper than a pro micro board, and you'll be able to lower your case profile due to the reduced height. Plus, USB Mini is a nicer keyboard connector than Micro.

Granted, my luck would be that's what you're planning and you just went with the pro micro board for prototyping :P

Offline Treasure

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 26 August 2017, 02:38:24 »
Thanks Data  :thumb:
Hi Donucat, the final product will be a fully assembled SMD PCB with a atmega32u4, the pro-micro was only for prototyping purposes .

Offline bello2185

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 26 August 2017, 13:25:44 »
Looks very clean! I'd be up for a black anodized version of the slim one.  :)

Offline ChitownM2

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #5 on: Sat, 26 August 2017, 14:45:16 »
Definitely interested. Red, grey, silver, & black would be my choices.

Do you have a ballpark price in mind? That would really be the deciding factor for me.


Offline PotatoTM

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #6 on: Sat, 26 August 2017, 16:27:14 »
They look great, love the simplicity of type b!
.

Offline Scarhoof

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #7 on: Sun, 27 August 2017, 14:49:14 »
Looks awesome! I like the A look better. More minimalist. Plus I would want black or space gray. Although the red looks really good too and I'm more likely to go with a crazy color for a small pad like this.

Offline duynguyenle

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 28 August 2017, 16:19:01 »
Case B is too similar to the Rama M4-A/M6-A, so my vote is for case style A!
| QFR            | Leeku 1800    | Raptor K1      | Dolch Pac

Offline Blazestorm

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 28 August 2017, 16:34:21 »
Case B is too similar to the Rama M4-A/M6-A, so my vote is for case style A!

Is that really a bad thing? =)

I prefer B, something about it makes it stand out more. I'd take a couple of either style if they're reasonably priced.

Offline Treasure

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #10 on: Tue, 29 August 2017, 04:28:12 »
Hello to all and thanks for your comments.
  • I plan the price to be in the 49$ - 69$ range for the whole kit, depending of the quantity.
  • There will be 2 or 3 colors : A light one / A dark one / And another "special" one (bronze/red/gold ... )

Offline Auk

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #11 on: Tue, 29 August 2017, 05:35:32 »
  • I plan the price to be in the 49$ - 69$ range for the whole kit, depending of the quantity.

This sounds very promising   :thumb:

I prefer design b. Would the side bulges be hollow? or filled to give it some weight?

If the price is low, design a wouldn't be a deal breaker.


Case B is too similar to the Rama M4-A/M6-A

I disagree. A box with rounded ends is relatively simple and ubiquitous, the detail in the execution of the design will differentiate each product.


Offline ChitownM2

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #12 on: Tue, 29 August 2017, 07:07:44 »
My preference would be design B as well.

At $49 I'd definitely be in.

Offline Scarhoof

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Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 29 August 2017, 11:10:44 »
    • There will be 2 or 3 colors : A light one / A dark one / And another "special" one (bronze/red/gold ... )

    Ooh I like the bronze color idea! I hope we keep it sturdy and heavy if possible so it doesn't bounce around when used.

    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
    « Reply #14 on: Wed, 30 August 2017, 04:26:19 »
    Quote
    I prefer design b. Would the side bulges be hollow? or filled to give it some weight?

    The side bulges will be filled. The case will be machined from an aluminum block

    I added a Google survey for type and color if you are interested : https://goo.gl/forms/O6u7JW13ZHr3xQby2


    Offline Auk

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
    « Reply #15 on: Wed, 30 August 2017, 07:46:26 »
    ...Google survey... https://goo.gl/forms/O6u7JW13ZHr3xQby2

    There are two options for blue? did you mean for one of those to be green, teal, cyan, orange, purple, pink, tan or something else?

    Offline Chromatrope

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - Google form)
    « Reply #16 on: Wed, 30 August 2017, 14:31:35 »
    Red type B looks absolutely gorgeous, and I am in need of a livesplit macropad...
    I dance significantly better through bullet patterns than the alphanumerics. Known to cause heart failure in touch typists on sight.

    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad
    « Reply #17 on: Thu, 31 August 2017, 03:35:02 »
    Quote
    Red type B looks absolutely gorgeous, and I am in need of a livesplit macropad...

    Thanks, red is my favorite special color too

    Quote
    There are two options for blue? did you mean for one of those to be green, teal, cyan, orange, purple, pink, tan or something else?

    Sorry, it was just a typo. The blue i intend is a bit tealish blue , like iPod mini / iPod touch blue.
    I added some color render in the form so you can have a better idea.


    « Last Edit: Thu, 31 August 2017, 03:41:49 by EricArts »

    Offline Calza

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - Google form)
    « Reply #18 on: Thu, 31 August 2017, 05:23:45 »
    I missed out on the RAMA macropad so I'll definitely be in on this

    Offline olieatstofu

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - Google form)
    « Reply #19 on: Thu, 31 August 2017, 10:07:40 »
    looking forward to this one :o


    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - Google form)
    « Reply #20 on: Tue, 05 September 2017, 15:28:03 »
    [UPDATE - 09/05/17] Hi to all !
    Concerning the survey, Black/Dark grey is now far ahead for the basic color; and Red is a little bit ahead for the "special" color. But i's not over.

    I am currently finishing the engineering & PCB design (Holes position)
    I will 3d print a case during next week to validate the PCB assembly & Order a few non assembled PCB's.
    Once this is ok, i will build the machined aluminum prototype.





    Offline Miotch92

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 05/09)
    « Reply #21 on: Sat, 09 September 2017, 02:42:08 »
    Love the look of that!

    Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk


    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 05/09)
    « Reply #22 on: Tue, 28 November 2017, 06:45:17 »
    [UPDATE - 11/28/17] Hi to all !
    PCB and case design are FINISHED.

    You can see the PCB design right here. I am awaiting for the assembled PCBs
    PCB will be black in the final product.

    Regards


    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 28/11)
    « Reply #23 on: Tue, 05 December 2017, 02:46:38 »
    [UPDATE - 12/05/17]
    PCB  : Hi !
    50 pcs assembled PCB have been ordered.
    There is a 20 days leadtime, so i am expecting to recieve them in the beginning of 2018.
    The PCB will comes pré-assembled, so you won't need to solder anything (except the keycaps of course)

    CASE : Aluminum case prototypes are in fabrication, i am expecting late december.

    Regards



    Offline olieatstofu

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 28/11)
    « Reply #24 on: Wed, 06 December 2017, 09:17:47 »
    [UPDATE - 12/05/17]
    PCB  : Hi !
    50 pcs assembled PCB have been ordered.
    There is a 20 days leadtime, so i am expecting to recieve them in the beginning of 2018.
    The PCB will comes pré-assembled, so you won't need to solder anything (except the keycaps of course)

    CASE : Aluminum case prototypes are in fabrication, i am expecting late december.

    Regards

    I am looking forward to making my order!


    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 28/11)
    « Reply #25 on: Fri, 08 December 2017, 02:25:06 »

    I am looking forward to making my order!

    Great ! I will keep you informed then

    [UPDATE - 12/08/17]

    Plain board PCB is finished (50 pcs)
    Next step is PCB asssembly.



     

    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 08/11)
    « Reply #26 on: Tue, 19 December 2017, 05:17:07 »
    [UPDATE - 12/19/17]


    Update : PCB assembly is finished !

    Offline Draic

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 19/12)
    « Reply #27 on: Tue, 19 December 2017, 08:22:48 »
    no USB-C :(

    Offline Koobaczech

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    Re: [IC] CNC Aluminum 9-Key minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 19/12)
    « Reply #28 on: Tue, 19 December 2017, 09:21:51 »
    Super cute, great work. I see 2 designs, an oval and a box. I'm all in for a box one :] GL

    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #29 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 04:02:15 »
    [UPDATE - 08/01/2018]


    Hello to all;
    I recieved the case prototype and it is very good, great details and finish, solid aluminum body
    It is a cute little keyboard.

    The case protoype is in "Apple Red" color,
    I will post other pictures with Keycaps and a video ! Stay tuned

    ie : The name is now "Macropad TYPE-9"



    Offline Wetherbee

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #30 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 09:14:49 »
    So, basically a copy of RAMA's design? Looks great in red.

    Offline MikeTheTiger

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #31 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 09:45:12 »
    I'd be in for the version that doesn't copy Rama's design.  :rolleyes:

    Offline DALExSNAIL

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #32 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 09:51:17 »
    [UPDATE - 08/01/2018]


    Hello to all;
    I recieved the case prototype and it is very good, great details and finish, solid aluminum body
    It is a cute little keyboard.

    The case protoype is in "Apple Red" color,
    I will post other pictures with Keycaps and a video ! Stay tuned

    ie : The name is now "Macropad TYPE-9"

    Show Image

    Show Image


    Where'd you get that cable? :thinking:

    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #33 on: Wed, 10 January 2018, 09:38:26 »
    So, basically a copy of RAMA's design? Looks great in red.

    I'd be in for the version that doesn't copy Rama's design.  :rolleyes:

    Hi, I have to disagree,
    The oval rectangle shape has been used for decades in Apple (Jony Ive - Ipod Mini), Sony, Olivetti (Mario Bellini) products.
    And the execution is different even if a common shape is used (Unibody design, C2-Type continuity ...)
    It is more a common inspiration for minimalist products than a copy.

    Anyway the type A design (slim) has recieved more votes than the type B in the poll, so it will more likely be the A design !  :)


    Offline WHeisenberg

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #34 on: Wed, 10 January 2018, 14:32:23 »
    Well, colour me interested. Looks awesome!

    Offline MikeTheTiger

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #35 on: Wed, 10 January 2018, 14:50:39 »
    So, basically a copy of RAMA's design? Looks great in red.

    I'd be in for the version that doesn't copy Rama's design.  :rolleyes:

    Hi, I have to disagree,
    The oval rectangle shape has been used for decades in Apple (Jony Ive - Ipod Mini), Sony, Olivetti (Mario Bellini) products.
    And the execution is different even if a common shape is used (Unibody design, C2-Type continuity ...)
    It is more a common inspiration for minimalist products than a copy.

    Anyway the type A design (slim) has recieved more votes than the type B in the poll, so it will more likely be the A design !  :)

    Show Image


    Good. I think we just want to see something a little different. I'm all in for type A.
    « Last Edit: Fri, 09 February 2018, 16:55:14 by HoffmanMyster »

    Offline odd

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #36 on: Thu, 11 January 2018, 13:17:02 »
    Im def in for at least 2 if the price will be in the range you posted. Regardless of the price ill at least get 1.

    Offline hq

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #37 on: Tue, 16 January 2018, 04:33:51 »
    Looks awesome! I'm probably in for 1, depending on the price maybe 2.
    Do you have a rough ETA on the GB?

    Offline funnystunny

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #38 on: Tue, 16 January 2018, 05:06:00 »
    Damn. I'll probably be in for 1 if the price range stays as said. Got some spare gateron blacks all sad in a drawer

    Enviado desde mi Aquaris X mediante Tapatalk


    Offline Starston3

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #39 on: Fri, 19 January 2018, 09:38:59 »
    I'd be in for one of the slims if the PCB supports holtites and there is a USB -C version.

    Offline hq

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #40 on: Thu, 01 February 2018, 06:38:19 »
    @op any news on the topic?

    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #41 on: Thu, 01 February 2018, 13:08:28 »
    Hi, yes, i am building a website and a presentation.
    update very soon on http://macropad.co/


    Offline Paopawdecarabao

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #42 on: Thu, 01 February 2018, 13:28:22 »
    This looks good! Type B and type 9 looks the same? Either way looks fine to me. Matches CA66.

    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #43 on: Tue, 20 February 2018, 13:02:44 »






    Offline funnystunny

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 02/20)
    « Reply #44 on: Tue, 20 February 2018, 14:25:15 »
    Show Image

    Show Image

    Show Image

    Show Image

    Show Image

    Show Image

    10/10 aesthetic

    Offline KaosJ

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 01/08)
    « Reply #45 on: Tue, 20 February 2018, 14:36:53 »
    Show Image

    Show Image

    Show Image

    Show Image

    Show Image

    Show Image


    I like it!!! Something about the price? 




    Offline Treasure

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 02/20)
    « Reply #46 on: Thu, 22 February 2018, 11:54:59 »
    Hi to all, i will inform the price as soon as i can. I must confirm the price with the case supplier first.
    First run will be 50 pcs.
    Quantities will be 20x Dark Grey, 20x Light Grey and 10x Red.


    Offline amnesia0287

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 02/20)
    « Reply #47 on: Thu, 22 February 2018, 11:56:17 »
    Hi to all, i will inform the price as soon as i can. I must confirm the price with the case supplier first.
    First run will be 50 pcs.
    Quantities will be 20x Dark Grey, 20x Light Grey and 10x Red.

    Oooo. Red.

    Offline dr-slump

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 02/20)
    « Reply #48 on: Thu, 22 February 2018, 16:02:02 »
    Nice. Just in time for a B-Day prez for myself   :D ;)
    Waiting for GMK Miami Dolch ISO . . .

    Looking for: Titainium Spacebar 6.25

          

    Offline Starston3

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    Re: [IC] Macropad TYPE-9 : An Aluminum minimal Macropad (UPDATE - 02/20)
    « Reply #49 on: Sat, 07 April 2018, 15:56:51 »
    Any updates on this? I still believe it should have USB-C but am definitely interested in getting one.