Piantor Keyboard (Cantor Layout with Hotswap) 42 Keys / 36 Keys Diodeless RP2040 Low Profile Split Keyboard DIY Kit

Great shipping speed, arrived in under 3 weeks in Ukraine, amazing packaging, Leo, the owner, helped invaluably during the build(Im bad at soldering, so messed up some things, but keyboard itself is fairly easy to build), do not recommend 50g switches though, too heavy as for choc switches imo. Overall excellent build quality, fully recommend.

Very cool keyboard, easy to build.

DIY kit selections:
– controller: WeAct RP 2040 (black – USBC 2 MB Flash Memory)
– key switch: Choc Red (linear 50gf)
– keycap: MBK blank black
– case: black PLA
– number of keys: 42 keys

additional buy:
– Bobtail Keyboard Tenting Legs
– soft keyboard bag: Piantor 42

About the keyboard:
– Price is perfect (just compare it to Kinesis, Moonlader and all the other keyboards)
– Shipping was fast (arrived in under 2 weeks)
– It is really good for traveling because it is light (without tenting kit about 100grams per side) and very compact.
– Quality is decent – in my opinion the weight is a little bit too light, and it feels a little bit plastic-ish. BUT if you buy the tenting kit and attach it, it will add about +50grams per side and add some sort of heavy metal (not the music genre lol) feeling. This made the feel of the keyboard perfect for me.

I just started to learn 10-finger-typing and I already reached 90wpm (small letters only) with this keyboard – so it’s totally possible to type fast with the Piantor – the only thing I am struggling is the layer switching, but it’s not about the keyboard it’s about relearning over 20 years of using default keyboards wrong, so shame on me.

The only thing I am missing in the shop are some orientation buttons. Like on a normal keyboard you got those little nipples on the F and J keys. Even if I would use different and custom layouts, this kind of buttons would really help.
As soon as I buy another pair of keyboards (not because the piantor is bad, but because I like playing with this kind of stuff) I will reach out to the vendor and ask if they could add those in the shop.

Nevertheless, the Piantor may become my main keyboard in near future.

Greetings from Germany

This kit is fantastic and very well put together. There are extras of all the smaller pieces that you may drop or mess up during the build. This was my first build, and it went well. I definitely think this is as approachable a first keyboard build as you will find. I chose the black, but I think the green controller may be a bit easier since each pin is a single solder joint on the top instead of messing with all the pins of the header on both the PCB and controller side. I also think I would prefer how it sits a little more flush. Still, I’m extremely happy. The board itself is about as compact as you could want, but it still has a top and bottom case and stays together if you commute with it, as I do. That’s why I chose this over the Cantor. I had a couple issues during the build that I was able to sort out on my own, so I can’t say anything about the support, but judging from how well the kit was put together and packaged, I’m sure support is very good. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another keyboard here the next time I’m looking.

I’ve finished my build. Leo, owner of beekeeb is very helpful. He contacted my personally had help guide me until I could finish my build.

The kit is nicely packed and easy to build. The case is really nice. Thanks a lot !!

Super easy build! Everything worked first try, very happy with it.

Great compact design. Quick easy build. 3D printed case is made really well.

excellent quality and very easy to build