“I first bought one of these when they came out, and had been using the Pimoroni-baked version of MicroPython to work with it. It is a neat little product, and I decided (during a discount period) to get another couple of them.
For a person of a certain age (with failing eyesight and manual dexterity issues) assembly is still a piece of cake (OK, I cheated and used tweezers to hold the retaining nuts in place!)
I have switched to using C/C++ and the Pico SDK for my code, using a PicoW rather than a Pico, as I use the keypad as a 'super light-switch' for my Tasmota-based lights and power sockets, using MQTT.
Because the unused GPIO pins are accessible (by soldering headers or sockets to the board (again, not super-difficult), I was also able to add extra functionality by attached a small OLED display as well.
I could also fit a Pico LiPo shim, so the whole thing is now battery-powered, and can easily be moved from room to room (although I plan to make a few more.
I found the supporting code in MicroPython easy to use, and the C/C++ stuff equally straightforward.
When I looked at the schematic and datasheet for the TCA chip, I realised that GPIO#3 was connected to the INT for that chip. By setting this as an input (pull-up enabled) I can now read it and see if I then need to read the button values, which means not needing to scan for changes unless there are any.
What I need now is a case to put it in - sadly, unlike the Pi, cases for the Pico aren't as readily available, largely I suspect, because while the Pico form factor is fixed, you can plug it in and connect it to just about anything!”
“The Pimoroni RGB Keypad Base is an excellent piece of hardware. It’s perfect for interactive projects and games. I’ve used it to create a Simon Says memory game and teach my kids to code. The keypad's responsive buttons and vivid RGB LEDs made it incredibly fun to program and play. The ability to assign unique colors to each button enhances gameplay while also providing visual clarity.
Another fantastic use I’ve discovered is using the RGB Keypad as a Hue light controller. By mapping buttons to specific lights or scenes, I can control my smart home lighting setup with just a press. It’s intuitive, visually appealing, and adds a physical dimension to interacting with my Hue system.
Overall, the Pimoroni RGB Keypad Base is an ideal accessory for the Raspberry Pi Pico. Whether you're building games, creating light shows, or designing smart home controls, this keypad offers versatility and creativity in a compact and well-designed package.”
“This is an awesome accessory and looks great in practice! The buttons have a great feel and responsiveness to them and look great when lit up. I'm using this as a sound mixer for D&D and can't wait for my next session!”
