Workshop Information

In this workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of keyboard PCB design by creating a macropad in KiCad. We'll cover how keyboards work, creating a schematic, designing the PCB, and the process of ordering a finished board from a manufacturer.

Although we'll be building a simple 3×3 macropad using a matrix with diodes, the concepts and workflow apply to larger keyboards and other PCB projects. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a design ready for manufacturing and the knowledge needed to continue your own projects. 

Each session includes live Q&A, troubleshooting, and are recorded for later viewing. Participants also receive lifetime access to the private ScottoAcademy Discord channels.

No prior PCB design experience is required, and all you need is a Mac, Windows, or Linux computer capable of running KiCad.

Date and Duration

Registration: June 7th to July 5th, 2026
Date: Sundays - July 12, July 19, and July 26, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM EST
Duration: Around 1 hour per session
Sessions: 3
Slots: 15
Format: Live on Discord

Workshops are conducted live on Discord. After registering, you'll receive instructions for joining the private ScottoAcademy channels. Workshop recordings will be shared through Google Drive.

Sessions

The topics below are intended as a general outline. Throughout the workshop, additional time will be spent discussing design decisions, common pitfalls, manufacturing considerations, and practical lessons learned from real-world PCB projects.

1. Setup (30 to 60 minutes) 
   1. How keyboards work
   2. Setting up KiCad
   3. Q&A.
2. Designing (60 to 90 minutes)
   1. Creating the schematic
   2. KiCad grid system
   3. Laying out the PCB
   4. Filled zones and Edge cuts
   5. Error checking
   6. Q&A
3. Manufacturing (30 to 60 minutes)
   1. Exporting the PCB
   2. Manufacturing options
   3. Q&A

PCB manufacturing costs are not included in the workshop fee. You'll be free to choose any manufacturer, and recommendations will be provided during the workshop.

Disclaimer

By purchasing and attending any ScottoAcademy workshop, you agree to our policies.