Skip to content

Cerberus Build Guide

Version 0.2 - Updated 09.26.25

Getting Started

Included Components

  • Case parts (top, bottom, side weights, internal weight, medallion)
  • PCB and daughterboards (USB-C and RGB)
  • Gasket system (plate and force break variants)
  • Hardware (various Torx screws and keys)
  • Custom bumpons

Cerberus kit components

Required Items (Not Included)

  • USB cable
  • Switches
  • Stabilizers
  • Keycaps
  • Deskmat
  • Metal tweezers
  • Screw tray

Testing the PCB

Before assembly, you must test functionality:

  1. Locate the USB daughterboard and RGB daughterboard with their molex cables

USB and RGB daughterboards with cables

  1. Connect the USB daughterboard to the PCB via the Molex cable

USB daughterboard connected to PCB

  1. Plug into your PC and access the online VIA tool at usevia.app
  2. Use the Keytester to verify each key responds correctly using metal conductors (tweezers)

Testing PCB with tweezers

Starting the Build

Disassembly

  1. Disassemble the pre-assembled case using T6/T8 Torx keys

Case top and bottom separated

Installing the Internal Weight

  1. Install the internal weight with the specific countersunk screws provided

Mounting the Daughterboard

  1. Mount the USB daughterboard in its designated location

USB daughterboard installed

Wireless Versions

For wireless versions, insert the battery before reinstalling the weight.

Battery installed in case

Battery cable routing

Switches and Stabilizers

  1. Install stabilizers on the PCB
  2. Install switches into the PCB/plate assembly

Switches installed in plate

Final Assembly

Gasket Installation

  1. Install plate gaskets in the designated grooves (shown in blue)

Plate gasket positions

  1. Place force break gaskets in the top case (shown in blue), along with side weights (shown in red)

Force break gasket and side weight positions

RGB Daughterboard

  1. Locate the RGB daughterboard mounting area in the top case

RGB daughterboard mounting area

  1. Install the RGB daughterboard with the Poron insulator

RGB daughterboard with Poron insulator installed

Connecting Cables

  1. Connect the RGB Molex cable from the PCB to the daughterboard in the top case - ensure proper orientation

RGB cable connection

Closing the Case

  1. Align the assembly using the alignment pins
  2. Secure the complete assembly
  3. Fasten top and bottom cases together

Important

It is vital to not overtighten the keyboard. As soon as you start to feel resistance when screwing in, it's best to stop.

Post-Build Configuration

Wired Versions

Wired versions use QMK and VIA compatibility for custom key remapping.

  1. Visit usevia.app
  2. Connect your keyboard
  3. Customize your keymap

Wireless Versions

Wireless versions are compatible with ZMK Studio.

ZMK Studio keymap layout

Bootloader Access

  • Hold the red key, tap the orange key

ZMK Unlock

  • Hold red and blue keys, tap purple key

Bluetooth Device Pairing

Use MO(1)+MO(2) combined with:

Key Device
Tab Device 1
Caps Lock Device 2
Shift Device 3
Ctrl Device 4

Supports up to 4 paired devices.

Battery Toggle

The battery toggle switch is located near Caps Lock.

Battery toggle switch location

Additional Resources