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
• Comparison: Inequality, approximation, proportionality
• Calculus: Summation, integrals, roots, derivatives
• Set theory: Union, intersection, membership relations
• Logic: 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
• Dimensions: 10 × 7.5 cm (4 × 3 in)
• Connectivity: USB Type-C
• Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Switches: Gateron KS-33, hot-swappable

Support & Documentation

• Source code and design files
• Getting started guide
• Online documentation
• Discussion forum

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:

• ESD safety measures will be used
• Devices will be fully tested before packaging
• An additional 5% of units will be produced to cover potential defects