I thought I had heard somewhere that you can really assemble it with just one screwdriver, but it was the Gravity series, wasn’t it?
The LelePad, available at zfrontier, is a self-built keyboard kit that can be assembled with a single screwdriver.
It is the size of a numeric keypad and can be easily assembled.
No soldering is required, the OLED is already installed, and firmware is written into the microcontroller, making this package easy for anyone to assemble and enjoy.
This article reports on the assembly and use of the LelePad.
Representative of GreenEchoes Studio
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
LelePad Overview
Color Lineup
- Black x Gold
- Sakura
- Dark Gray
- Emerald
- Purple
Kit Contents
- PCB x 1 ; middle plate x 1 ; bottom plate x 1
- HMX switches x 20
- Plate mounted stabilizers x 3
- Cross screwdriver × 1
- Screws × 16
- Feet x 1
- OLED Screen
- Nylon socket x 8
*Depending on the time of purchase, metal spacers may also be included. Either one, even a nylon one, is acceptable.
selling price
$29.99 (Approx. 4,500 yen*)
5% off with “GREENKEYS5” / ＼“GREENKEYS5”.
[Photos] LeleLab LelePad Review
Let’s take a look at some actual pictures of the LelePad.
It arrived in a box like this.
It shows some shipping damage, but the contents are fine.
The contents include two instruction manuals, circuit board, keycaps, switch (unbranded but made by HMX), spacers and screws, and a precision screwdriver.
KawamuraPresumably, the included keycap is equivalent to the “LeleLab SupSup Smoky ApplePie Keycap Set”.
Let’s start with the substrate.
This time I was sent a set in black.
The gold leaf and black exterior finished in ENIG is very gorgeous.
All necessary parts are soldered on the board.
KawamuraThe socket is the Gateron MX compatible type used in Gateron LP 3.0.
This is the top side.
The combination of black and gold is still very beautiful here.
All OLEDs and other parts are already mounted.
The microcontroller appears to be STM32 series, not RP2040.
Well, this small number of keys is sufficient.
KawamuraI have no idea about board design, but I had the impression that the wiring was somewhat appearance-oriented.
assembly
Now that you have seen the approximate appearance of the parts, let’s assemble them.
As for the circuit boards, they are all joined together due to manufacturing and must be folded and detached by themselves.
It is easy to fold and detach, but it will remain on one side like this.
You cannot break it by hand, so get a pair of radio pliers.
If you are concerned about jagged edges after cutting away, a metal file is a good idea.
KawamuraThe tools introduced here are first-class products without any mistakes, but 100-yen ones are perfectly fine.
When folded and detached, it is divided into four parts like this.
In short, the numeric keypad is formed by stacking these like a sandwich.
KawamuraThis is called the FR4 sandwich structure.
Recently, more and more home-built keyboards have been made with a tray-mounted structure using 3DP, but in the past, keyboards were made by combining materials made of fiberglass called FR4 like this one.
Then there is also acrylic sandwich and acrylic lamination.
It looks like it is already half done, but we just fit some stabilizers and key switches, put them on the board, and plugged them into the sockets.
KawamuraThe official documentation is also quite simple. lol
You may be confused about the direction to fit the stabilizer, but it is easier than you think if you check the orientation by referring to the photo above.
Fit all keyswitches and screw in the screws from the top and screw in the spacers.
Then, apply the bottom plate from below, screw it in place, and you are done.
Don’t forget to put on rubber feet.
Attach the keycap and you are done.
Thank you for your hard work.
LelePad complete drawing
The included keycap is half skeleton with a matte surface and UV printing.
The typeface is italicized in a thin font reminiscent of old Mac.
The black lettering and gold foil decoration is still fashionable.
The cat icon moves with each key press.
When it is not doing anything, it acts as a screen saver and allows you to enjoy the animations of the invader game.
How to change keymap
LelePad can do this to keymaps with the Lele Console, an online keymap modification application.
What’s more, Japanese is also supported as standard.
To connect, simply access the above URL with the LelePad connected and follow the instructions to recognize the device.
Simply drag and drop the desired key from the screen below onto the part of the key you wish to change.
You can use it as a regular numeric keypad or as a macro pad with a collection of shortcut keys.
The Any key can be set so that complex simultaneous presses and layering operations can be performed.
See below for instructions on how to use the Any key.
KawamuraI use it as a left-handed device for photo development, registering shortcut keys and directional keys. I can work much faster when I can operate it with both hands.
Summary｜LelePad is recommended as a handy macro pad.
These are the reviews of the LelePad, from assembly to appearance and use.
With this kit, even those who have never assembled a keyboard before can easily assemble it without hesitation.
The fact that soldering is not required lowers the hurdle for assembly.
To purchase, please visit the official zfrontier store.
5% off with “GREENKEYS5” / ＼“GREENKEYS5”.
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