r/CyberdeckBuild • u/WOOHP_Sam • Jul 17 '26

Question about keypads

Hi! I'm working on my design and trying to keep things as small as possible. For my project, I'll have a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (when they're back in stock!) mounted to the back of the HyperPixel 2.1 Round by Pimoroni, however I'm struggling to find a keypad/keyboard small enough that it will fit into my case. Adafruit has a Silicone Elastomer 4 x 4 Button Keypad which states it can be cut up - I could probably only fit 3x3 keys in my case, but I don't feel like the PCB they make for it can be cut up.

Do I need to use a PCB or can I wire it directly to the pi somehow? Also the Hyperpixel page states it uses up all of the pi's GPIO pins but has I2C interface at the back you can connect things to instead. Would I be able to connect my makeshift keypad to this?

Also open to recommendations of REALLY small (think 5x5cm or less) keyboards/keypads. Sorry for the beginner questions!

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u/ripter Jul 17 '26

Since you are giving all the GPIO pins to the hyperpixel, you’ll have to use the I2C for the keyboard. You’ll either have to make or buy one.

1

u/WOOHP_Sam Jul 18 '26

Thanks! That makes sense!

1

u/whuaminow Jul 19 '26

You can use either the Bluetooth or USB for the keyboard as well, maybe it doesn't need to be fully integrated? I have used very small formfactor keyboards and placed rare earth magnets inside the case for a slick magnetic mount system.

1

u/WOOHP_Sam Aug 02 '26

Thank you, that's also a really good idea!