From NASA Internship to Hardware Startup - Building Mechanical Keyboard Macro Pads with Autodesk Fusion

Explore the entrepreneurial journey of two former NASA interns who transformed their experience into a successful hardware startup specializing in mechanical keyboard macro pads. Follow their evolution from initial 3D-printed prototypes to precision CNC-milled aluminum products, learning how they bootstrapped their venture through part-time work and rideshare driving while building by night. Discover their design process using Autodesk Fusion for CAD modeling and 3D printing iterations, from their first Printed Pad with 3×3 keys and OLED layers featuring VIA/QMK compatibility to their advanced Glyph model with 4×4 keys, dual knobs, color screen, and layer-specific icons. Understand their community-driven approach through Discord engagement and rapid feedback loops, their transition from 3D printing to aluminum manufacturing for enhanced durability and premium feel, and their technical challenges including firmware development with ZMK, Bluetooth connectivity, and media/time widgets. Gain insights into hardware startup fundamentals including prototype iteration, manufacturing scaling, community building, and product refinement through direct customer interaction.

Syllabus

00:00 — Meet Proto Designs & the underdog origin
02:10 — NASA internship → partnership chemistry
04:00 — Bootstrapping: part-time, full-time, even rideshare to fund prototypes
06:20 — Fusion for CAD + 3D printing iterations
08:05 — Printed Pad: 3×3 keys, OLED layers, VIA/QMK compatibility
10:30 — Community building: DMs, Discord calls, fast feedback loops
12:15 — From print to aluminum: durability, weight, premium feel; Fusion toolpaths previewed
14:40 — The “bits vs bytes” flash saga and what it taught them
17:05 — Glyph deep-dive: 4×4 keys, dual knobs, color screen, icons per layer
19:30 — ZMK firmware, Bluetooth, media/time widgets; pre-orders open Oct 14