2 layers138.8 × 89.8 mm
2 layers142.9 × 98.5 mm
Cantor MX
diepala/cantor756Cantor keyboard, a 42 key diodeless split keyboard.
- Size
- 142.9 × 98.5 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 26
- Nets
- 38
- Pads
- 537
- Tracks, vias
- 303, 1
- Pours
- 126
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 7 (file 20221018)
- Created
- 26 Jan 2022
- Updated
- 24 Nov 2024
Overview
Cantor MX is an open-source printed circuit board by diepala, from the diepala/cantor repository on GitHub, published under the GPL-3.0 licence. It is a 2-layer board of 142.9 × 98.5 mm with 26 parts on 38 nets, routed with 303 tracks and 1 via.
Its parts include 21 switches, 1 IC and 1 connector. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards of this library.
README
README.mdCantor Keyboard
The Cantor keyboard is a 42 key diodeless split keyboard, designed with simplicity in mind. It is inspired on the popular corne, ferris and sweep keyboards, aiming to provide a more ergonomic (stronger column stagger) corne-like layout with a simple, easy to assemble and cheap design.
There are two versions of the Cantor:
The Cantor Classic uses choc switches with choc spacing. Therefore, only MBK keycaps can be used.
The Cantor MX uses either choc V1, choc V2, or MX switches with the slightly larger MX spacing. Keycaps for MX stems can be used. (OEM/SA/XDM/Cherry, etc.)
Why diodeless?
A diodeless design reduces the keyboard assembly time, as the amount of components to solder is significantly reduced. Moreover, soldering diodes can cause trouble during the keyboard build. Diodes need to be placed in the correct direction, if not, the keys won't work well! Eliminating diodes will prevent many errors during the assembly process.
Disclaimers
All the designs and files are provided "AS IS" without any warranty or support.
Design philosophy
The Cantor is designed with the following goals:
- Comfort
- Powerful
- Low cost
- Simplicity
- Ease of build
- USB-C
- No diodes
The PCB is reversible to reduce manufacturing costs.
Getting started
Would you like to build this keyboard? Then continue reading!
You can also buy a kit to build the Cantor keyboard from one of the honorable sponsors:
Bill of Materials
To build the keyboard, you will need the following materials:
Cantor Classic:
- 2x PCB boards (both are equal since they are reversible)
- 2x STM32F401CC blackpill microcontrollers (they are cheap on aliexpress)
- Pins and sockets for the microcontrollers (blackpill needs 20 pin stripes)
- 42 Choc v1 switches
- 42 MBK keycaps
- Some little rubber feet/bumpers (recommended 6 mm of diameter)
- 2x TRRS jacks (PJ-320A)
- 1x TRRS cable
- 1x USB cable compatible with your computer and the blackpill
Cantor MX
-
Same as the classic, but switches can be choc v1, choc v2, MX 5 pin, or MX 3pin, and the compatible keycaps for chosen switches. MX 5 pin are preferable to 3 pin because they have more points of contact with the PCB.
-
Cantor MX has slots for optional 'Tenting pucks'. They can be purchased or 3d printed.
Order the PCB
Download the gerber file from releases, and submit it to your favorite PCB manufacturer. The keyboard designs have been tested with JLCPCB. More details on the ordering process can be found in the PCB Ordering Guide.
Note: if you don't want a random tracking number to be printed in the PCB, make sure to select the option 'Remove Order Number' in JLCPCB.
How to Build
To build the keyboard, you'll also need a soldering iron and some tin. Follow the build guide.
Firmware
The Cantor keyboard uses the QMK firmware, which already supports this keyboard.
To flash the firmware to the microcontroller connect the blackpill to your computer and set it to bootloader mode. To do this the first time:
- Press and hold the BOOT0 button.
- Press and release the NRST button.
- Release the BOOT0 button.
The following times you want to flash the keyboard, it is much simpler thanks to bootmagic. Hold the top left key of the keyboard and plug the microcontroller. If flashing the right part, hold the top right key.
Feedback
If you have build this keyboard, please fill this form to provide feedback. This will help to improve the keyboard design in future revisions.
Also, you can open an issue reporting any problem or feature request.
Support
The development of a keyboard takes time and money. If you like this keyboard a want to support me for the work and to develop future revisions of the keyboard, consider donating:
PayPal: 
GitHub: Here
Honorable sponsors
Thank you very much to everyone contributing and/or sponsoring this project. Special thanks to the honorable sponsors:
Parts
26| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | KEYSW | Cantor_MX:CherryMX_ChocV2_1u_DS | K00, K01, K02, K03, K04, K05, K10, K11, K12, K13, K14, K15, K20, K21, K22, K23 +5 |
| 1 | Cantor MX logo 3-switches ortho | Cantor_MX:Cantor MX logo 3-switches ortho | G*** |
| 1 | Cantor MX logo 3-switches top | Cantor_MX:Cantor MX logo 3-switches top | G*** |
| 1 | TRRS | Cantor_MX:MJ-4PP-9_Cantor_MX_TX-RX_Crossover | J1 |
| 1 | YAAJ_WeAct_BlackPill_Part_Like | Cantor_MX:Cantor_DS_YAAJ_WeAct_BlackPill_2 | U1 |
The 25 most common of 26 parts.
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Questions
How big is the Cantor MX PCB?
It measures 142.9 × 98.5 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Cantor MX use?
26 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Cantor MX KiCad files?
From the diepala/cantor repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is Cantor_MX/Cantor_MX.kicad_pcb and its schematic Cantor_Classic/keyboard_pcb.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Cantor MX design in my own project?
Its repository publishes it under the GPL-3.0 licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).