What is it?

PicoTouch is a super-thin 23-key MIDI controller using just a PCB, a Raspberry Pi Pico (not included), and 23 1M resistors.

It's one of the thinnest MIDI controllers around, measuring less than 6mm (1/4") at it's thickest point. And at $4 for the Pico and $11 for this board, it's one of the cheapest MIDI controllers.

The PicoTouch board includes 6 controller keys that can be mapped to pitch up/down, mod wheel up/down, and octave transpose.

It's designed as a MIDI controller, but code it how you like! Make it a Macropad! Put a Pico W on it and make it a WiFi MIDI controller!

Examples in both CircuitPython and Arduino are provided.

Current programs:

• MIDI keys controller : demo video
• MIDI slider controller : demo video
• Keyboard macropad (basic example)
• MIDI keys controller in Arduino

How do I build it?

The picotouch board comes with all the resistors already soldered, just add the Pico!

First solder down the Pico. Here's an example of how to do it: https://youtu.be/dW9LiOq3Dso

Then, install CircuitPython and the picotouch program. Find out how to do that here: https://github.com/todbot/picotouch/tree/main#installation

Versions

• Black SMD: comes assembled with all SMD resistors soldered, just add the Pico, which is soldered to the surface
• Green V1: just the PCB, so you need to supply 23 1M 0805 SMD resistors, and the Pico footprint has through-holes in case you want to socket the Pico

Why did you make it?

I often need a MIDI controller to input notes into my computer. Here's a real cheap one that's hackable!

What makes it special?

It's hackable, it's thin, it's cheap!

Is there a case for it?

Yes! A slim 3d-printable case is available on Printables. It's easy to print and just slides together, protecting the PicoTouch but giving you acesss to all 23 touch pads. Here's a demo video of it.