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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

KEEBD Cantor vs Cantor Remix42-Key vs 36-Key Split Kit Comparison

Choose the Cantor for more keys and a standard layout, or the Cantor Remix for a minimalist 36-key layout and easier switch swapping.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

KEEBD Cantor

42-Key

If you want

  • 42-key layout offers more keys without relying on layers.
  • Kit includes two PCBs, TRRS sockets, and a cable for a complete split build.
  • Compatible with optional Cantor 3D printed low profile case.

And can live with

  • Does not have a confirmed hot-swap feature from the vendor description.
  • Requires soldering of Mill-Max pins or switches if hot-swap is not installed.
  • Must source Black Pill controllers, switches, and keycaps separately.

Get the

KEEBD Cantor Remix

36-Key Split Kit Comparison

If you want

  • Hot-swappable design allows for easy switch changes.
  • 36-key minimalist layout results in a more compact board.
  • Kit includes two PCBs, TRRS sockets, and a cable.

And can live with

  • 36-key layout requires heavy use of layers for numbers and symbols.
  • A user review indicates potential difficulty soldering hot-swap sockets to the PCB.
  • Must source Black Pill controllers, switches, and keycaps separately.

Bottom line

Select the KEEBD Cantor if you want a more traditional key count and are comfortable with a soldered build. Choose the KEEBD Cantor Remix if you prefer an ultra-compact 36-key layout and value the flexibility of hot-swap sockets for future tinkering. Both are foundational kits for building a custom low-profile split keyboard.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

KEEBD Cantor

KEEBD Cantor Remix

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

  • Keycaps

    ABS, PBT

    PBT

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • KEEBD Cantor
  • KEEBD Cantor Remix
Performance
37
38
Build quality
39
41
Productivity
45
50
Customizability
48
61
Portability
61
66

What they share

  • Low profile
  • Ergonomics: Split
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The original 42-key Cantor is the better fit for office work and content creation where more immediate keys are beneficial. The 36-key Cantor Remix wins for travel due to its slightly smaller layout and for modding due to its hot-swap capability. For gaming and programming, the choice is a tie and comes down to personal layout preference, as both share the same core DIY kit nature and ergonomic design.

For gaming

It's a tie

  • Both are low-profile split kits with identical core PCB components.
  • Neither kit includes switches or keycaps, requiring a separate purchase for a complete build.
  • Gaming preference depends entirely on the user's chosen switch type and comfort with the 36-key vs 42-key layout.

Full specs

KEEBD Cantor vs Cantor Remix specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

2 of 8 specs differ

KEEBD Cantor

KEEBD Cantor Remix

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Low profile

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Split
Split

Display

None
None

Build & materials

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
PBT

Backlight

None
None

Extras

Released

2022
2022

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

KEEBD Cantor2 stores
  • KEEBDAU

    In stock
    $40Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$40Visit
  • KEEBDAU

    In stock
    $40Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$40Visit

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

KEEBD Cantor vs Cantor Remix: your questions

The main difference is the key count and layout. The original Cantor is a 42-key split keyboard, while the Cantor Remix is a modified 36-key version that removes the outer column. The Remix is also listed as hot-swappable, a feature not explicitly stated for the original Cantor kit.

The Cantor Remix is listed with a 'Hot-Swappable' feature. The vendor description for the original Cantor does not state this feature. A review for the Remix mentions attempting to solder hot-swap sockets, suggesting it supports them but may require careful installation.

Both kits require the same separate components: Black Pill controllers, Choc low-profile switches, and the corresponding number of low-profile keycaps (42 for Cantor, 36 for Remix). You will also need an optional 3D printed case, soldering equipment, and potentially Mill-Max pins.

No, a case is not included in the base kit for either model. Both listings offer an optional 3D printed low-profile case as a separate purchase, specifically the 'Cantor 3D Printed Low Profile Case' or the 'Cantor Remix 3D Printed Low Profile Case'.

Both kits are described as 'diodeless' in their vendor listings. This refers to the PCB design which eliminates the need for individual diodes for each key, simplifying the circuit. The manufacturer includes a section titled 'Why diodeless?' in the product description.

Both the Cantor and Cantor Remix are designed for use with Choc low-profile mechanical switches. The kits do not include switches; you must purchase them separately along with compatible low-profile keycaps.

Not necessarily. While the Remix has a hot-swap feature, a user review notes difficulty soldering the hot-swap sockets, suggesting the build complexity is similar. Both require soldering the Black Pill controllers and other components unless you use the optional breakable female headers.

Yes, both kits require Choc low-profile keycaps. However, you need a different quantity: the original Cantor needs 42 keycaps, while the Remix needs only 36 keycaps due to its smaller layout.

According to the vendor, the kit for both models includes 2 PCBs (one for each half), 2 TRRS sockets, and 1 TRRS cable. It does not include controllers, switches, keycaps, or a case, which are listed as required or optional items.

The original 42-key Cantor may have a gentler learning curve because its layout has more immediately accessible keys, resembling a traditional keyboard more closely. The 36-key Remix requires immediate adoption of layers for basic functions like numbers, which is a steeper initial learning curve.

No. Both the Cantor and Cantor Remix kits are wired split keyboards. They connect the two halves with the included TRRS cable and connect to the computer via the Black Pill controllers, which use a USB cable.

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