Back this project to help bring it into existence. Funding ends on Sep 11, 2025 at 04:59 PM PDT.
Mathpad is a specialized keypad that makes typing mathematical equations as simple as typing regular text. With over 100 mathematical symbols at your fingertips, this compact and powerful device eliminates the frustration and inefficiency of typing math on a computer.
What if Mathematical Symbols Were as Easy to Type as Regular Letters?
After 3 years of development, Mathpad finally makes this dream a reality. Anyone who’s struggled to type equations knows the pain: When you need symbols beyond basic arithmetic, you’re forced to hunt for them—copy-pasting from the web, digging through clunky symbol pickers, or memorizing obscure alt-codes. Mathpad fixes this. Just press a key, and the symbol appears instantly.
Works Anywhere You Type
Mathpad is designed to be compatible with nearly every platform and environment where you can type text. Whether you’re writing a lab report in Microsoft Word, formatting a paper in LaTeX, chatting on Discord, or documenting code in VSCode, Mathpad seamlessly integrates into your workflow.
Its broad compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux makes it the perfect tool for students writing lab reports, educators creating lesson plans, scientists documenting research, and engineers solving real-world problems.
Outputs for LaTeX and Equation Editors
Mathpad is optimized for both students and professionals and supports output for common typesetters and editors. With the press of a key, you can switch between output modes:
Plaintext symbols for universal communication
LaTeX codes for academic writing
Microsoft Office Equation Editor symbols
LibreOffice Equation Editor codes
Whether you’re a student finishing homework or a researcher publishing your newest work, Mathpad has got your back.
Fully Open Source and Customizable
Mathpad is fully open source, both hardware and software. Missing a symbol you use daily? No problem! Our comprehensive documentation walks you through adding your own symbols - from simple copy-paste customizations to advanced firmware modifications. Mathpad’s firmware is built on QMK, the world-class input device firmware library used by keyboard enthusiasts worldwide.
Want to swap mechanical switches? You can—Mathpad uses hot-swappable Gateron KS-33 switches.
Features & Specifications
Mathpad gives you direct access to 120 mathematical symbols and Greek letters, including:
Greek letters : Complete uppercase and lowercase alphabet
: Complete uppercase and lowercase alphabet Comparison : Inequality, approximation, proportionality
: Inequality, approximation, proportionality Calculus : Summation, integrals, roots, derivatives
: Summation, integrals, roots, derivatives Set theory : Union, intersection, membership relations
: Union, intersection, membership relations Logic : Implications, quantifiers, logical operations
: Implications, quantifiers, logical operations Accents: Superscripts, subscripts, overbars, hats, tilde, dots
Output Modes:
Plaintext
LaTeX
Microsoft Office Equation Editor
LibreOffice Equation Editor
Specifications:
Body : Solid anodized aluminum
: Solid anodized aluminum Dimensions : 10 × 7.5 cm (4 × 3 in)
: 10 × 7.5 cm (4 × 3 in) Connectivity : USB Type-C
: USB Type-C Compatibility : Windows, macOS, Linux
: Windows, macOS, Linux Switches: Gateron KS-33, hot-swappable
Support & Documentation
Manufacturing Plan
Mathpad isn’t just a concept—it’s fully developed and ready for production. Here’s exactly how we’ll get it to you:
After the campaign ends, off-the-shelf components such as screws, rubber feet, and key switches will be ordered. Production orders will be placed for the three custom components: the PCB, anodized aluminum case, and custom keycaps.
Once received, every part will be visually inspected. Devices will then be assembled, programmed, tested, and packaged—each with a thank-you note for our backers.
Fulfillment & Shipping
After our production run is complete, we will box everything up and send it along to Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, Mouser Electronics, who will handle distribution to backers worldwide. You can learn more about Crowd Supply’s fulfillment service under Ordering, Paying, and Shipping in their guide.
Risks & Challenges
We believe in complete transparency. Here’s what you need to know:
User Risks
1. Keyboard Layout Limitation: Mathpad works only on Latin-based keyboard layouts like QWERTY, AZERTY, and DVORAK. It does not support non-Latin layouts (e.g., Greek, Russian, Korean, Chinese). This limitation is hardware-based and cannot be avoided. You can find every supported layout in the documentation.
2. Windows Software Requirement: Mathpad requires a small application to be running on Windows. This may be an issue for users on strictly managed systems. Read more about this limitation in the documentation.
Manufacturing Risks
Delays or disruptions from suppliers are possible. We reduce this risk by:
Working with manufacturers we trust and have long-standing relationships with
Using robust contracts
Pre-ordering 100 custom keycap sets from 3dkeycap, the only manufacturer capable of producing our required quality
Assembly Risks
There’s a risk of damaging units during assembly. To mitigate: