The Cairo MacroPad

Fully Customizable and Open-source 6-Switches MacroPad Based on the ATTiny85 Chip

The Cairo MacroPad

The Cairo MacroPad is our sleek and compact open-source input device designed for makers, coders, and creators who want more control at their fingertips.

Built from the ground up as an educational and practical tool, the MacroPad combines hardware soldering practice, Arduino programming, and customizable shortcuts in one powerful kit. Whether you’re looking to automate repetitive tasks, launch complex commands with a single press, or just explore physical computing, the Cairo MacroPad is your gateway. Fully open-source, easy to assemble, and endlessly hackable — it’s a small device with huge possibilities.

Parts List

Below you can find all the parts that I used to build the Cairo MacroPad. The file is divided into “Tiny-Cairoduino” which is the brain I used to build the MacroPad. BTW, its also an open-source board. And, “MacroPad PCB” is the board that hosts the switches, RGB LEDs, and the brain. You can easily print, export, and open on your computer!

We are editing this file frequently to make sure that it’s always up-to-date and to make it easier for you to build the Cairo MacroPad on your own. Also, you can buy the full kit from our official store and build it yourself. Don’t worry, we made a full build guide for you to follow. Find it at the end of this page

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Source Files

Below you can download the STL files, you can use those files to 3d print the Cairo MacroPad enclosure parts. Settings I use to print them: 15% infill, 0.2 mm layer height (with 0.4 mm nozzle). Choose your preferred colors and be unique
If you are going to order or manufacture that on your own just simply send those files to any makerspace or a fab lab with a 3d printer machine. All STL files are in mm.

We are always amazed by the community builds! We are encouraging You to make edits and fork our design. Here you can download the STEP file of the Cairo MacroPad.

Here is an Arduino test code that you can upload to your Cairo MacroPad to get it working and test it. This test Arduino program simulates character key presses from A to F mapped to the six switches.

It’s just a test code. Feel free to customize it to automate tasks, control media, or apply shortcuts. The possibilities are endless!

To be able to upload the Arduino code to your Tiny-Cairoduino board. You have to install the ATTinyCore boards in your Arduino IDE. Here are the installation steps:

Copy the boards manager URL

http://drazzy.com/package_drazzy.com_index.json

1. File->Preferences on a PC, or Arduino->Preferences on a Mac, enter the above URL in “Additional Boards Manager URLs
2. Tools -> Boards -> Boards Manager…
3. Select “ATTinyCore by Spence Konde” and click “Install”.
4. After the installation is done. Go to Tools → Board → ATTinyCore → ATTiny85(Micronucleus/DigiSpark).

If something in those steps is not clear, and you need more details about the installation process, please follow the installation guide page.

In this Arduino test code, we are using two external libraries. “DigisparkKeyboard” and “Adafruit_NeoPixel”. You will need to download them from the link below and add them to your Arduino libraries folder.

We didn’t forget the PCBs Here you can find the main boards used to build the Cairo MacroPad. The Tiny-Cairoduino source design and fabrication files. Also, the host PCB source design and fabrication files.

Educational Materials

If you are interested in organizing/hosting/delivering a build night or a workshop to the community to build the Cairo MacroPad, we’ve got your back! We are making all the educational materials we used to deliver the Cairo MacroPad workshops and build nights open-source and free.

Here you can find the workshop presentation slides and the supporting materials!

Also, to help you announce the workshop to the community, we prepared an announcement and marketing images for you.

Project Open-source License

Build Guide

Coming Soon …

Gallery

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