Sunflower #001 Keypad Powered by an RP2040
This keypad features Kailh Choc switches and a rotary encoder with 3D-printed leaf keycaps.
Hideki Nakamura is known for designing custom keyboards and keypads, and after setting his eyes on the Banana Split macropad and the Corn Keyoard, he decided to create something truly unique. His family suggested sunflowers, and at first, Nakamura thought about realistic sunflowers. However, many of the designs he saw were simplified using sunflower icons, so he threw his hat into the ring, and the Sunflower #001 was born.
The board is built around a XIAO RP2040 microcontroller and is outfitted with seven Kailh Choc switches as well as a rotary encoder soldered to a custom sunflower-shaped PCB. The electronics are attached to a 3D-printed (SLA) stem with a pair of petals, giving it that sunflower shape. 3D-printed flower petals act as keycaps, while a rotatable flower head conceals the rotary knob.
All of the 3D-printed parts were painted to match the colors of the actual plant, which turned out nice, even with a bit of texture. Nakamura has uploaded a detailed walkthrough of his build, complete with schematics and files, for those who would like to recreate the Sunflower #001.