Cantor Build Guide

The Cantor is a 42-key split mechanical keyboard with an aggressive stagger. I have built a few of these, both for my own use and to sell.

Parts list

This is what we need to build a Cantor:

  • PCB – I order these from JLCPCB
  • Two STM32F401CC blackpill microcontrollers and sockets – can be picked up really cheaply from Aliexpress
  • 42 choc v1 switches
  • 42 choc-compatible 1U keycaps
  • 2 TRRS jacks (PJ-320A)
  • TRRS cable
  • USB-C cable
  • 10-12 rubber feet

All the example code in this guide will be assuming that the Vial firmware will be used. It requires having a working installation of the vial-qmk github repository.

Flashing Controllers

Flash each controller to test they work, and to define which controller belongs to which side of the keyboard.

Firstly test that your firmware compiles:

qmk compile -kb cantor -km vial

Then flash each controller in turn:

qmk flash -kb cantor -km vial --bootloader dfu-util-split-left
qmk flash -kb cantor -km vial --bootloader dfu-util-split-right

If you get the message Waiting for USB serial port - reset your controller now (Ctrl+C to cancel) you will need to bridge BOOT0 to VCC (via BOOT0 button or jumper), short RESET to GND (via RESET button or jumper), and then let go of the BOOT0 bridge.

Once you have done this then label the controllers so you are absolutely sure which is which.

If QMK encounters errors it will let you know. Fix any errors before proceeding to the next step.

PCB

These steps will get us a PCB that we can test:

  1. Solder the sockets to the PCB
  2. Solder the TRRS jacks to the PCB
  3. Socket the controllers (for this build both controllers will be face down)
  4. Connect the two halves with the TRRS cable

Testing

Plug the keyboard into a computer, and short every single socket to test that the right key codes are sent. I use QMK Configurator to test this.

If anything is awry, fix it before soldering switches.

Soldering switches

Press each switch into the PCB, and ensure they are straight. Then solder each one in turn.

Once the switches are soldered, repeat the same tests as before. If any switches do not work, or behave oddly (repeated keys, excessive chatter etc.) then resolder them.

Final touches

Apply 5-6 rubber feet to the bottom of each half of the PCB, and then add keycaps.

Ferris Sweep Build Guide

The Ferris Sweep is a 34-key split board with an aggressive stagger. I have built a few of these, both for my own use and to sell.

Parts list

This is what we need to build a Ferris Sweep:

  • Sweep High PCB. I get mine printed by JLCPCB.
  • Two controllers and sockets. I have built these with a number of different controllers, but mostly the Pro-Micro to keep the cost down.
  • 34 switches (Choc v1 or v2, or MX). For this minimal build a low-profile switch makes a lot more sense, but you will end up paying more for switches and keycaps. Choc v2 with blank keycaps may work out the most economical in the end.
  • 34 1U keycaps to match switches chosen. Blank keycaps will bring the cost down if they are an option for you.
  • 2 TRRS jacks (PJ-320A)
  • TRRS cable
  • Cable to match controllers chosen (almost certainly a USB-C cable)
  • 10-12 rubber feet (these are definitely not optional on this build)

All the example code in this guide will be assuming that the Vial firmware will be used. It requires having a working installation of the vial-qmk github repository.

Flashing Controllers

Flash each controller to test they work, and to define which controller belongs to which side of the keyboard.

Firstly test that your firmware compiles:

qmk compile -kb ferris/sweep -km vial

Then flash each controller in turn:

Pro-Micro

qmk flash -kb ferris/sweep -km vial --bootloader avrdude-split-left
qmk flash -kb ferris/sweep -km vial --bootloader avrdude-split-right

If you get the message Waiting for USB serial port - reset your controller now (Ctrl+C to cancel) you will need to Short RST to GND quickly in order to flash the controller.

Elite-Pi

qmk flash -c -kb ferris/sweep -km vial -e CONVERT_TO=elite_pi --bootloader uf2-split-left
qmk flash -c -kb ferris/sweep -km vial -e CONVERT_TO=elite_pi --bootloader uf2-split-right

Frood

qmk flash -c -kb ferris/sweep -km vial -e CONVERT_TO=promicro_rp2040 --bootloader uf2-split-left
qmk flash -c -kb ferris/sweep -km vial -e CONVERT_TO=promicro_rp2040 --bootloader uf2-split-right

Once you have done this then label the controllers so you are absolutely sure which is which.

If QMK encounters errors it will let you know. Fix any errors before proceeding to the next step.

PCB

These steps will get us a PCB that we can test:

  1. Solder the sockets to the PCB
  2. Solder the TRRS jacks to the PCB
  3. Socket the controllers (for this build both controllers will be face down, but there is a handy message printed on the PCB which will help with orientation)
  4. Connect the two halves with the TRRS cable

Testing

Plug the keyboard into a computer, and short every single socket to test that the right key codes are sent. I use QMK Configurator to test this.

If anything is awry, fix it before soldering switches.

Soldering switches

Press each switch into the PCB, and ensure they are straight. Then solder each one in turn.

Once the switches are soldered, repeat the same tests as before. If any switches do not work, or behave oddly (repeated keys, excessive chatter etc.) then re-solder them.

Final touches

Apply 5-6 rubber feet to the bottom of each half of the PCB, and then add keycaps.

Pay What You Want

I often download albums that have been made freely available, and then end up buying the record anyway. It’s definitely a way I have discovered new music for a while, and very rarely leads to me not giving the artist money for something, even if it is not that particular record.

Here is list of music currently available on a pay-what-you-want basis. It’s accurate as of 30th September 2023, but I do intend on trying to keep this as up to date as possible. For the first three sections it’s worth looking directly on their Bandcamp pages, and even if things change, then there is always something on offer.

Wrong Speed Records

This is my favourite record label right now, and I own a fair few of these on vinyl or cassette. If you don’t care about having a physical copy then you can pay whatever you want for these.

Gizeh Records

Another favourite that I own a fair few records from.

The band that started me on this quest often add/remove things from they pay-what-you-want list, but these are the ones that seem to be on it the most. If you do find physical copies of this music then just buy it, because they don’t stick around for long.

Everything else

A selection of other things that I have enjoyed and would definitely like to own on vinyl at some point.

Albums of the year 2022

These are the records that have been the soundtrack to my 2022. It’s been a good year for music, but a bad year for the world. There have been positive changes in my personal and professional life, but otherwise this is likely to be a year that is remembered for all the wrong reasons.

I’m sitting writing this on a wet and blustery evening in the Isle of Wight. I think the amount of time I’ve spent here this year has definitely influenced some of my choices, but only in a good way. There is some music that just makes more sense in a rural location, and many of these records are definitely not particularly influenced by cities or suburbia, so probably have a slightly different feel to my previous lists.

Albums

In all cases the links below are to somewhere you can listen to and/or buy the record in question (Bandcamp or the artist’s own website). For things you can’t buy anymore I’ve linked to a description.

Singles

All of these are either one long song, or a 7″ with at least three songs. They are all also part of my Quietus subscription or very limited edition pressings, so there are some things here that people can’t actually go and listen to, which is a shame as they are all great.

Notes on my Corne Configuration

The Corne is a 42-key mechanical keyboard. These are my notes on building and configuring it. Largely for my own benefit.

The Corne I’m using is the RTG model, ordered from Mechboards. I am currently part way through building one from scratch as well though.

Currently I’m using this case which make it look a lot better, as well as being significantly more stable on my desk. I’ve also now screwed the original base on to the bottom to give even more stability.

I’m close to getting the keymap how I want it, although it is still a work in progress, The defaults are sensible, but I want this to be interchangeable with the Planck and so I have moved a few things around and added macros for things I do often.

On the left-hand side there is a number pad on a layer, plus additional functionality hidden below the modifiers.

On the right-hand side I have navigation on one layer, and commonly used symbols on another.

As with all my keyboards, I’m using AUTO_SHIFT_ENABLE to remove the need to use a modifier when I am typing normal text.

I have used this periodically for a few months, and it is currently my main keyboard.

My review of the DZ60 mechanical keyboard

After a bit of work yesterday I’m actually really happy with this board. I bought it because I wanted something fairly conventional that I could flash with autoshift so that it could be used as a backup keyboard when I’m travelling (I use a Planck as my main keyboard).

I’ve built it using things I already had lying around (a bright blue plastic case from Optic Boards, plate and stabs from an old pre-built, Glorious Panda switches, and some generic beige keycaps). The hardware build was easy; the software build less so.

The key mapping this board comes with doesn’t really work for me. There is no function key mapped, so no access to layers (and therefore no access to navigation). There was also no way to turn off the very obvious RGB. This didn’t really bother me, as I was planning on using QMK to reflash it. The following is a list of things I learned during the process of building and flashing the firmware.

  • Despite there being an entry for DZ60 in QMK, this board is actually listed as dztech/dz60rgb_ansi/v2
  • The file extension required for the firmware is .bin, despite all other versions of this board being .hex
  • The software reset combination for this board is to hold escape down as you plug the board in
  • The hardware reset button for this board in in the middle on the board, and nowhere near the reset slot in most cases (including my case).

Putting all that aside, it’s a great board that is fun to type on and sounds really good. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who wasn’t used to doing this sort of project, but I actually quite enjoyed the build and can see this as a keyboard that will definitely get some use.

Thoughts about mobile computing

I’ve been thinking about mobile computing a lot recently. Now we are splitting our time between Birmingham and the Isle of Wight I have found myself using my laptop more and more (after it sitting largely idle during lockdown). I have also found myself starting to value portability much more, after a couple of years of building and optimising a powerful desktop computer connected to three large screens.

After our last trip to the island I bought this screen which is a great piece of kit that can be powered by my personal or work laptop, and can also be used as a main screen for a Raspberry Pi or my tiny-but-powerful MSI desktop that I use for hobby stuff or where I want a change of scene. Adding that to my setup adds more possibilities, and should make it absolutely possible to work from anywhere, providing the mobile signal is good enough to support tethering.

I also think I’ve settled on my other travelling peripherals, with my Planck going everywhere with me (and my typing speed being back to normal on it now), and a Kensington Orbit trackball that is quite light and a lot easier to use than a mouse when working on a very small desk.

Talking of which, I’ve been using my phone as a hotspot while I’ve been on the island, and the experience is surprisingly positive. There is free wifi in various places, but it’s easier just to tether and use my very generous data plan which I wasn’t really touching before I started travelling again. Eventually I’ll want a new phone to ensure that battery life doesn’t impact my ability to work on the move, but the basic concept has served me well so far.

Now I just need to work out if I can carry this setup around on a small bike, ready for my solo tour of the Isle of Wight in September.

Albums of the year 2021

What can I say about 2021 that has not already been said? It has been another very challenging year; both for the world in general but also for the world of music. I have not experienced live music at all this year, but made up for it by buying a lot of records (and tried to buy them directly from the artists where possible, because people need to make a living). Music has always been very important to me, but never more so than now. These are the records that made this year better, or at least acted as a soundtrack to the bad bits.

Top 20

In all cases the links below are to somewhere you can listen to and/or buy the record in question (Bandcamp, Rough Trade or the artist’s own website).

Arab Strap – As Days Get Dark

This is a record I never expected to be made, and it’s been a real treat to listen to. It might even be my favourite Arab Strap record now. If you’ve not heard them before then you’re in for a treat; if you’ve not heard them for ages then you won’t be disappointed.

Black Country, New Road – For the First Time

February saw the very welcome arrival of For The First Time by Black Country, New Road. I had already played a lot of these songs to death, but getting them all in one place was exactly what I needed to shed some truth and light on the cold winter days. I think this is probably my record of the year, and it was always going to take something really special to dislodge it. It also came with a badge (more records should come with badges).

Bobby Gillespie & Jehnny Beth – Utopian Ashes

I’ve loved this record since the first time I heard it. It’s got the emotional vibe of The National’s Trouble Will Find Me, but also reminds me a lot of the Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan records. One I think I will keep coming back to. Some of these songs are uncomfortable, but it’s because they stir the emotions in the way that all good songs should. For a record released in 2021 it sounds remarkably timeless.

Desire Marea – Desire

I am not even sure how to describe this record, but it’s right up there with anything else released this year. If you’re in the Rough Trade Club you will know this, for everyone else it may be a new treat.

Dry Cleaning – New Long Leg

April bought with it the excellent New Long Leg by Dry Cleaning. It reminds me a bit of a cross between The Blue Aeroplanes and Arab Strap, but with female vocals. If that sounds intriguing then you should definitely give it a listen. The songs on the bonus CD are very good as well.

Edward Ka-Spel – Prints of Darkness

Edward Ka-Spel has released a lot of music this year. This one is probably the highlight (although I love them all, and they are all in my long-list). If you are not already bought into the Legendary Pink Dots ecosystem then this is as good a place as any to start, although it is one of the few records from this year’s batch that isn’t pay-what-you-want.

Field Music – Flat White Moon

Field Music never fail to deliver, and this record is no exception. Once more they manage to create a sound that is unmistakeably them, and that is very difficult to describe or assign a genre to. If you know their work then you know what I mean. If you don’t then this is as good a place as any to start.

Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra – Promises

This is the soundtrack to many hours of work this year, and a record I don’t think I’ll ever tire of. It’s not a combination I would have expected to make a record, but it works really well and hits the same emotional resonance as Talk Talk’s Laughing Stock.

For Those I Love – For Those I Love

A really unique record that builds well on the mixtape from last year (which would have been in my list if I had discovered it in time). I’m not sure I’m brave enough to try and match this to a genre, but if you take a leap of faith then you may find yourself spending many hours with this record.

Gazelle Twin & NYX – Deep England

I’m not sure how to describe this record by Gazelle Twin & NYX, but I’ve played it a lot this year, and it’s definitely a contender. I would really love to hear this live in a candlelit church; it’s the kind of music that would work so well in that kind of environment.

Geese – Projector

A last minute entry that I have largely listened to as I am compiling this list. I discovered Geese via a Rough Trade 7″ single, and was very happy to receive this earlier this month. It is definitely a grower, but one that will stay with me well into 2022.

Jane Weaver – Flock

Many people may not have heard of Jane Weaver, but this record is a joyous pop masterpiece that I think anyone who appreciates good music would enjoy. This is what pop music should sound like in 2021.

Maximo Park – Nature Always Wins

I was going to say that this is surprisingly good, but it’s not really a surprise any more. Definitely their strongest record for a while, and one that I keep coming back to.

Mogwai – As the Love Continues

Mogwai are a really important band for me, and have been one of the main soundtracks of my year of working from home. I often listen to them when I’m working. The tracks with obvious vocals are when I take a break and just listen to the words for a few minutes. Richie Sacramento is my “take a break” track, and it’s amusing that it is also one of my most played songs of this year (maybe I took too many breaks?).

At the time I said “I think if this gets to number 1 tomorrow then it’s the first time since Kid A that something that completely represents my musical taste at the time does that.” It did get to number one, and it was a very satisfying feeling.

Penfriend – Exotic Monsters

I used to be the kind of person who thought that title tracks should go at the end (I blame Robert Smith for this). Here we have a title track that belongs at the start, followed by a collection of songs that I’ve been lucky enough to hear as they have been evolving, and also now they have been released.

One of the many things I love about Penfriend is the quality of the things I get through the post. Coloured vinyl, postcards, badges, stickers; all the things I loved about collecting records as a teenager. This record really is the complete package, and highlights some of the brilliant work Laura has been doing over the last couple of years (along with the podcast, the YouTube channel and everything else).

Richard Dawson & Circle – Henki

Richard Dawson does it again. A fantastic and flawless concept album that I love more each time I listen to it. It snuck into the list right at the end of the year, but it’s something I suspect will be listened to a lot during the first few months of 2022.

Snapped Ankles – Forest of Your Problems

One step on from their last record. I love it. I also really wish I could see them play live again, because my first experience was absolutely mind-blowing.

Squid – Bright Green Field

May’s Rough Trade album of the month was Bright Green Field by Squid. A new name for me, but one that reminds me a little of Black Country, New Road and a lot of other things that I really like. It’s not an easy first listen, but it soon makes itself indispensable and is another one that was always going to feature on my end of year list.

The Stranglers – Dark Matters

I did not expect this record to be so good, and it’s a fitting tribute to Dave Greenfield who we lost this year. I think it’s probably their best since their heyday.

Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend

Maybe a predictable choice, but I do really love this record, and I think it will stand the test of time. This sounds the way I expect number one records in 2021 to sound like.

Everything Else

First thoughts about a very small keyboard

My adventures in mechanical keyboards led me to building a Planck this week. A Planck is a 40% ortholinear keyboard with no dedicated number keys, and only 47 keys in total. It was more straightforward to build than I expected, and I’m slowly getting used to typing on it. It’s probably not something I would ever want to use as my main keyboard unless space was at a real premium, but adapting it to the way I work will be an interesting challenge, and might even mean I end up writing a custom i3 config file just for this keyboard (because I use numbers a lot, and it doesn’t have any).

I do like the idea of it though, and will definitely spend some time each day learning to type quickly on it, as I think it might make a great travel keyboard if I ever get round to travelling again.

I also think I want some different keycaps, which at least have the names of the keys written on them. The ones I got are ok for testing that everything works, but they have symbols on all the modifiers, and it’s taking me longer to remember which key is which. I’m not finding anything cheap and functional, so I suspect I’ll throw some money at this at some point or at least see what I can throw together from things I already have

Because the Planck is a 40% keyboard, a lot of keys are on layers, and these are a few of the ones I think I’ll need to use the most:

  • Numbers – Lower + qwertyuiop
  • What you usually get when you press shift and a number key – Raise + qwertyuiop
  • Refresh – Lower + g
  • Page down – Raise + /
  • # – Raise + m
  • Hyphen – Raise + j
  • Underscore – Lower + j

This keyboard has a steep learning curve, but I suspect once I have learned then it will be a really pleasant typing experience.

Review : Royal Kludge RK61 Mechanical Keyboard

I bought this a while ago (with a decent discount) because I wanted a cheap hot-swappable keyboard to test different types of switches I might want to put in my main keyboard. After using it in anger for a few days while I’ve been off work I actually think it compares very well to more expensive options, and it’s the only 60% I’ve found so far that could maybe replace my Motospeed CK61 as the keyboard I reach for which I want a loud 60% typing experience on my downstairs computer.

A quick web search suggested that this keyboard might be programmable (despite no mention in the manual). After a bit of a trawl through the Royal Kludge website I found a link for the software. It’s Windows only, but I have an old laptop that just runs software for programming keyboards so I was able to install it and make the one tweak that wasn’t already enabled.

All I actually had to change was mapping Caps Lock to F5. With the arrow keys where they are I can use this 60% keyboard with no macropad providing what I’m doing doesn’t require using the forward slash a great deal, and whilst this doesn’t leave me with any more keys to programme, it does mean I can use this for extended periods of time without having to user layers or macropads.

So this keyboard now fulfils all the criteria for my perfect keyboard:

  • 60% UK layout
  • Hot-swappable
  • Programmable

It’s also Bluetooth, which actually makes it better than anything else I have based on those criteria. It’s not as solid as the GMKK, but if I had to use one keyboard forever then I think it would be this one (especially if I needed to travel). It pairs nicely with my iPad, and I have no doubt it will do the same with my laptop and phone (it handles a maximum of three devices, which is probably enough).

I’m currently running this with Kailh Jade Green switches and keycaps which I already had, so it’s definitely been a budget build so far. I suspect more customisation may happen eventually, although I am perfectly happy with this set up for now and very much recommend this keyboard; even to people who are not interested in keyboards and just want a nice typing experience.