# Quick Start, Keymap & Firmware

After assembling the keyboard, or receiving a pre-soldered keyboard, it is possible to start using it without the 3.7V lithium batteries.

{% hint style="info" %}
This keyboard is designed to be as flat as possible. When the USB-C connector is used, because of the cable, it is expected that the keyboard does not sit perfectly flat on the table. 

Most users use this as a wireless keyboard without an always-connected USB-C cable, so this is not an issue. If you prefer the keyboard to stay flat while USB-C cable is connected, attach taller rubber feet to the bottom case or use a magnetic tenting stand.
{% endhint %}

Connect the left side to the computer with a USB data cable, but not a charging-only cable.

Connect the right side to the computer with a USB data or charging-only cable.

{% hint style="info" %}
For charging, it is recommended to connect the keyboard to the computer. Do not use a power bank to charge the keyboard.
{% endhint %}

The right side connects to the left side via Bluetooth.

You should be able to type now.

## Default Keymap

If you have a pre-soldered Toucan or download the firmware from the Toucan Repo (<https://github.com/beekeeb/zmk-keyboard-toucan>), here is the default keymap

<figure><img src="https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2FhNXzxT14sLBaZyW1HWbW%2FToucan%20A4%20Guide.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e15d767c-217c-4b28-b42a-db7f02fd3907" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## ZMK Studio

To modify the keymap, [ZMK studio](https://zmk.studio/) can be used. It supports real-time updates, allowing you to apply changes instantly without the need to recompile or flash firmware to the device.

If you require more advanced features, compiling your own ZMK firmware is recommended.

To unlock the keyboard, press the middle key of the thumb cluster, followed by the key in the Z position.

<figure><img src="https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2FV0SKJxH9KG22zskSOSZu%2FIMG_1392.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=7786b85d-c22d-4aea-bd00-14e24808920c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2FYLUjAWft6KrK5sdo6UwB%2FScreenshot%202025-12-28%20at%202.27.47%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7916a9a8-0099-4718-a249-ee280c36cf69" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Keymap Editor by Nick Coutsos

The latest version of Toucan firmware in (<https://github.com/beekeeb/zmk-keyboard-toucan>) also supports using the popular tool [ZMK Keyap Editor](https://nickcoutsos.github.io/keymap-editor/).&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2FsaqdkTgFJyWyDXWnMaqg%2FScreenshot%202025-12-28%20at%202.26.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ba3b619d-fcf2-4834-ac01-eb8d2ac1358c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## ZMK Firmware

It is recommended to compile your own firmware. For your safety, always review, verify and understand the source code before compiling and flashing it.

#### Toucan Repo in GitHub

For your convenient, pre-compiled firmwares can be download from GitHub at <https://github.com/beekeeb/zmk-keyboard-toucan/actions>

Alternatively, a pre-compiled firmware can be downloaded here.

{% file src="<https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2F5JSKhS0ysdRwUTdZoq5D%2Ftoucan-firmware-f4269af.zip?alt=media&token=507d0130-3963-4245-9b5a-1b1ac4cc1a06>" %}

{% hint style="info" %}
SHA256 of version f4269af: 976cdb523e7d3bf05e5f68911e76c7b185254c7c32b4f9a2ac347cfc55db0a49
{% endhint %}

#### Toucan with Prospector&#x20;

The [Prospector](https://shop.beekeeb.com/products/pre-soldered-prospector-zmk-dongle) can be used as a ZMK bluetooth dongle (firmware created by Carrefinho <https://github.com/carrefinho/prospector>) or a scanner (firmware created by Ogura san in <https://github.com/t-ogura/zmk-config-prospector>)

<table><thead><tr><th width="126.26171875">Feature</th><th width="305.06640625">Prospector as a ZMK Dongle</th><th>Prospector as a ZMK Scanner</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Photo</strong></td><td><div><figure><img src="https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2FldjG71Cn0PBmDsoDqRLL%2FIMG_5323.JPG?alt=media&#x26;token=8e7f6f72-e963-44b5-8ac7-88aedbc75024" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div></td><td><div><figure><img src="https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2FywT8QJs8JbG69bMChvWN%2FIMG_5221%202.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=36e764fc-807a-4b2e-9665-5a07af0c91c3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div><p></p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Connection</strong></td><td><p>The Prospector sits between the computer device and Toucan keyboard. </p><p>The Toucan keyboard connects to the Prospector Dongle via Bluetooth. </p><p>The dongle connects to your computer device via USB-C cable.</p></td><td><p>The Prospector working as a scanner. It doesn't require to connect to your computer device. </p><p>It listens to the "status updates" of your Toucan keyboard and display them in the screen.</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Benefit</strong></td><td>Your computer device doesn't require to have bluetooth feature (or sometimes, bluetooth connection is not allowed in the computer for security reasons) to use the wireless Toucan keyboard. </td><td>It acts as an additional display to your Toucan keyboard. Your Toucan keyboard still works if you forget to bring the Prospector with you. </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Firmware</strong></td><td><code>prospector-dongle</code> branch: <a href="https://github.com/beekeeb/zmk-keyboard-toucan/tree/prospector-dongle">https://github.com/beekeeb/zmk-keyboard-toucan/tree/prospector-dongle</a></td><td><code>prospector-scanner</code> branch: <a href="https://github.com/beekeeb/zmk-keyboard-toucan/tree/prospector-scanner">https://github.com/beekeeb/zmk-keyboard-toucan/tree/prospector-scanner</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Firmware Flashing

#### 1. Flash the Left Side

Begin by flashing the left-side firmware to one of the Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 Plus modules.

* Connect the XIAO nRF52840 Plus to your computer using a data-capable USB cable.
* Double-tap the RST button to enter UF2 bootloader mode.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Note:* The RST button is located on the XIAO module. If the keyboard case is already assembled, gently support the acrylic plate while double-pressing the button located near the USB-C connector.
{% endhint %}

<div><figure><img src="https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2FCQTLGJkt3pUsIfMfs528%2FUntitled%20design%20(6).jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=4c330dcc-1204-476e-a89d-bc667bd2cc53" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2FnWbMSvj3AnG7echfHzCR%2FUntitled%20design%20(6).png?alt=media&#x26;token=c6964c14-dca9-4985-a8fb-ae9e6c2c15d6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2Fuploads%2FbVke45WtnWzWXCrvmn6V%2FUntitled%20design%20(7).png?alt=media&#x26;token=900bc9be-f024-4213-ae82-88f777c5bd21" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* Confirm the Drive: Depending on your operating system, a drive named starting with "XIAO" will mount automatically.
* Copy the UF2 File: Drag and drop (or copy) the left-hand UF2 file into the mounted drive.

{% hint style="info" %}
Troubleshooting the Connection: If the drive does not appear, ensure you are using a data-transfer cable rather than a charge-only cable. If you purchased or received the "beekeeb" branded 2-in-1 USB cable (C-C and A-C), it is recommended for this process. Additionally, check your system settings, as user permission may be required to mount external drives.
{% endhint %}

#### 2. Verification

* The flashing process takes approximately 5–10 seconds.
* <mark style="background-color:$success;">You may see a warning regarding "Disk Not Ejected Properly"; you can safely ignore this.</mark>
* The copied UF2 file will not be visible within the drive after the transfer—this is normal behavior.
* Disconnect the XIAO module and reconnect it. Confirm that the LED flashes twice rather than cycling through a blue-red-green loop.

#### 3. Flash the Right Side

Repeat the steps above for the second XIAO module using the right-hand firmware. After reconnecting the module to your computer, verify that the LED also flashes twice to confirm a successful installation.

## Next Steps

You might want to [install batteries](https://docs.beekeeb.com/toucan-keyboard/case-assembly-part-2), and start making your own keymap.