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Framework Missing Keys

Framework Missing Keys is a community project to add the four missing navigation keys — PgUp, PgDn, Home, and End — to the Framework Laptop 16 by building a custom input module using Framework's One Key Module developer program. Created by community member Matthew and documented on Hackaday, the project began in February 2026 after the creator received One Key Modules directly from Framework through the developer program1.

The Framework Laptop 16's stock keyboard omits dedicated PgUp, PgDn, Home, and End keys, requiring users to access them via the Fn key combination. Matthew found this omission "glaringly, obvious" for everyday tasks like reading articles, and decided to fill the empty keyboard spacer areas with functional keys using Framework's modular input system1.

Background​

The Problem​

The Framework Laptop 16 keyboard layout leaves empty spaces where keyboard spacers sit — the same spaces that can optionally hold LED Matrix modules. These empty areas sit directly adjacent to the arrow keys, making them ideal candidates for the four missing navigation keys. Matthew identified that if those spacers can hold grids of RGB LEDs, they can hold keys1.

The Height Challenge​

The primary engineering challenge is the 3.7mm height requirement for input modules. Standard low-profile keyboard switches exceed this limit. For example, Cherry ULP (Ultra-Low-Profile) switches are 3.5mm high — without the keycap or PCB. Using switches that exceed the height limit risks scratching the screen and pressing keyswitches when the lid is closed1.

Framework's One Key Module​

Framework's One Key Module — announced through the One Key Module Developer Program in December 2025 — solved the height problem. The One Key Module uses the same key structure as the official Framework 16 keyboard but is modularized to enable custom layouts on a carrier PCB. Matthew applied to the developer program with a description of the project, and Framework responded positively, sending him One Key Modules to build with12.

Design​

Electrical​

ComponentDetails
MicrocontrollerRP2040 (for consistency with Framework hardware)1
ConnectionUSB via pogo-pin connector (held by magnets)1
Power+5V via pogo pins1
Board IDResistor on pogo-pin connector1
Key modulesFramework One Key Modules (provided by Framework)1
PCB toolKiCad1

PCB Layout​

Matthew adapted Framework's "Microcontroller Input Module" reference design — an RP2040-based reference PCB published by Framework in KiCad — as the starting point. Key design decisions include1:

  • Microcontroller moved to the top of the PCB to position keys near the bottom, next to the arrow keys
  • Keys staggered left and right rather than in a vertical column, for tactile recognition and PCB trace routing
  • Large cutout required for the One Key Module keycaps to poke through the PCB
  • Locating lugs on the One Key Modules eat into available PCB space
  • Magnetic attachment solved using solderable ferromagnetic threaded inserts — Framework provided part number Keystone 24929, available from Mouser1

Matthew also created a KiCad schematic symbol for the One Key Module, which was not previously available in Framework's reference files1.

Potential Fifth Key​

Matthew explored whether a fifth key could fit on the module, depending on how much clearance is required below the key contacts and whether the microcontroller can be squeezed into a gap between keys1.

Development Timeline​

DateMilestone
February 2026Project created on Hackaday; Framework sends One Key Modules1
February 17, 2026Reference PCB analysis; magnetic attachment solution found (Keystone 24929)1
March 2, 2026PCB layout attempts; keys staggered, MCU moved to top1
March 2, 2026KiCad schematic symbol created for One Key Module1
ProjectDescription
Drumpad Input ModuleVelocity-sensitive drum pad input module for Framework 16
Piano Keyboard Input ModuleMIDI keyboard input module for Framework 16
Whiteboard Input ModuleE-ink whiteboard input module for Framework 16
Touchscreen E-Paper Input ModuleTouchscreen e-paper display input module for Framework 16

Technical Details​

DetailValue
CreatorMatthew
PlatformHackaday
CreatedFebruary 11, 2026
Last updated~July 20261
MicrocontrollerRP2040
PCB toolKiCad
Key modulesFramework One Key Module (official)
Magnetic insertsKeystone 24929 (Mouser)
LicenseNot specified

Footnotes​

  1. Framework Missing Keys — Hackaday (Matthew, February 2026) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19 ↩20

  2. One Key Module Developer Program — Framework Community (Framework, December 2025) ↩