MicroPad Pocket Writer

8/7/25

The pocket writer project would be dead at this point if it I hadn't stumbled upon a post on a forum about a old device called the FrogPad, a long discontinued one-handed keyboard. The concept fascinated me, and the reduction in keyboard size really offered a chance for a truly pocketable device. Creators in the keyboard circles have since replicated or released FrogPad inspired builds, most notably the ScottoFrog. From videos I've seen, one handed keyboards are generally fairly quick once you adjust to it. Albeit it would be a much more niche device, but fits the goals I'm aiming for; a very portable device for note taking or short on-the-go writing sessions. Obliviously there is a trade off here utilizing a macropad instead of a full size keyboard, but again, I'm hoping this will fill a particular niche and not really replace the more comfortable writer decks available. The system is still going to utilize the Zerowriter software, but most of the hardware will be different. 

At the moment, I'm using the Scottofrog as my base for the keyboard, although instead of hardwiring I will be designing a PCB. There are also some other changes as well, like integration of the MCU and addition of basic navigation controls (aka a D-pad). I have started the PCB design, but admittedly I'm not the most proficient in this area, I'm finding it may take me a while to complete it to the degree of quality I want. I also don't enjoy that part of the design as much as the mechanical part, so I find myself procrastinating one it a bit. I'm considering seeing if I can find someone in the keyboard/maker community who may be interested in helping out, whether as a paid commission or as someone who is genuinely interested in the project and wants to join the team.

I've also binned the idea of utilizing commercial friction/torque hinges, at least for now. Again, this mainly stems from the idea of keeping things as accessible and simple as possible. Instead I'm using 'homemade' friction hinge utilizing a basic shoulder bolt/spring washers. It's not in it's final form yet though, I still plan on refining it a lot once I get the prototype finished. We will see how things turn out.

I'm itching to get out of the CAD environment and start physical prototyping. I want to post something other than renders 😆.... I have ordered parts/hardware. Hoping to start printing enclosure prototypes this weekend, with the primary goal of refining the hinge assembly, Inkplate case, button inserts, and IO ports. Also finalizing things like battery size/placement and cabling passthrough.

I should note that all renders are prototype units. There is a long list of refinements and changes that I'd like to see in the final designs. But I have to resist the urge to work on that fun stuff until I can assemble a real physical basic working prototype. So in theory the final design should be slimmer, more sleek, and have a more complete feature set. Features like modular accessory kits, a screen night light, and etc. So as always, these renders may not be indicative of the final form, both in terms of function and style.

• I'm leaving the conceptual phase and moving into physical prototyping phase (finally). Hopefully most of the core systems and designs will solidify into their final form in the coming weeks. And most importantly, there will be a physical device I can test to see how useable this type of device actually may be. I suspect there may be more digging and experimentation of the layout/ergonomics of the keyboard design. 

• Ideally I'd really like add 1-2 people to the team. Particularly someone with a lot of experience with PCB design/software integration. This is so I can focus firmly on mechanical design and overall direction of the project. If I can find someone, this will significantly speed up development time and likelihood of success. However, since this is primarily a passion project, this will be dependent on whether I can find someone who is genuinely interested in the project and wants to jump on board as a 'volunteer'; I'm not ruling out paying commission for design work, but I'm not entirely sure I can justify the cost at this time. If you have the skills and desire to join the team, please reach out! 

• Once there is a physical working prototype that can be shown off, I will gauge public interest. If there is enough I may consider offering a commercially available product, whether it is in the form of a self-assemble kit, fully completed project, or both. This is highly dependent on the volume of interest and startup costs.

• Regardless of whether there will be a version available for purchase, the completed project files would all be made available for free for those who wish to build one on their own. 

I will likely split this project into it's own page for future updates, so be sure to watch for those if you're interested. For now, here are some of the latest concept renders. Again, this are pre-prototype renders and their function is being a starting point for the design and to give a general idea of the type of device I'm shooting for.