Cantor MX Split Wired Keyboard DIY Kit
Best ergonomic mechanical keyboard project for experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Discover the Cantor Classic Split Wired Keyboard DIY Kit, a 42-key, diodeless mechanical keyboard designed for ergonomic comfort. This kit, created by diepala and branded by beekeeb, provides the essential PCBs and two WeAct BlackPill controllers pre-flashed with VIAL firmware. It's built for Choc v1 switches, offering a compact layout perfect for a personalized typing experience. Please note that assembly requires soldering, and switches, keycaps, and cases are sold separately, making it an ideal project for DIY enthusiasts.
$55.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 1543
#28 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-37%
Below average
Key Type
1
/ Choc v
Who it's for
- Typists seeking relief from wrist strain and poor posture
- Keyboard enthusiasts wanting a fully personalized typing experience
- Remote workers needing a portable, space-saving keyboard setup
Who should skip it
- Beginners lacking experience with soldering and electronics assembly
- Budget-conscious buyers wary of hidden costs for additional components
- Users needing immediate productivity without a lengthy adjustment period
Performance breakdown
Ergonomic Potential
Split layout and compact footprint offer superior wrist and shoulder alignment.
Firmware Flexibility
VIAL support makes real-time key remapping and macro creation incredibly intuitive.
Assembly Complexity
Requires precise soldering skills, making it a challenging project for beginners.
Build Customization
Open-ended design allows enthusiasts to select preferred switches and custom cases.
Component Quality
Reliable WeAct BlackPill controllers provide a stable foundation for custom builds.
Portability
Low-profile Choc switches and compact layout make this ideal for travel.
Key Specs
Key Type
Choc v1
Number of Keys
42
Hotswappable
No
Firmware
QMK / VIAL
Diodeless design
Requires soldering
Compact layout with Choc spacing
Controller Included
2 x WeAct BlackPill
Features
- Split ergonomic design for comfort
- Diodeless PCB for streamlined build
- Compact layout with Choc spacing
- Includes VIAL-flashed controllers
- Supports Choc v1 switches
- Requires soldering for assembly
- 42-key compact layout
- DIY kit for customization
What customers say
The Cantor MX Split Wired Keyboard DIY Kit earns high praise primarily for its ergonomic design and excellent value. Users consistently report significant improvements in typing posture and wrist comfort due to the split, compact layout, making it ideal for long sessions. While the final product is robust and offers an exceptional typing experience, assembly presents a learning curve, especially for novices needing to solder and flash firmware. Experienced builders find the construction straightforward, appreciating the quality of the provided components. Overall, the kit delivers a high-end ergonomic solution at a competitive price, fostering strong user satisfaction upon completion.
Know before you buy
To complete the Cantor MX, you will need to source your own Choc v1 mechanical switches, keycaps, and a case. You will also need a soldering iron and solder, as this kit requires manual assembly.
No, the Cantor MX is not hotswappable. Because the switches must be soldered directly to the PCB, you should be confident in your soldering skills before beginning the build.
A diodeless design simplifies the assembly process by removing the need to solder individual diodes for each switch. It relies on the controller's GPIO pins to manage the matrix, resulting in a cleaner, more streamlined PCB.
Yes, the pre-flashed VIAL firmware provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to remap keys, create macros, and adjust layers in real-time without needing to recompile or reflash the firmware.
No, this kit is specifically designed for Choc v1 low-profile switches. Standard MX-style switches are not compatible with the PCB footprint or the Choc spacing used in this layout.
The Cantor MX is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Since it uses standard USB-C connectivity and QMK/VIAL firmware, it will be recognized as a standard HID device by your computer.
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Ready to buy?
$55