Pinky4 VS ergoslab

found it: https://github.com/tamanishi/Pinky4 looks like my next build 😄

I've already used a multimeter to verify that the TRRS cable is connecting the correct pins across both boards on the TRRS connector, and even verified that they're connecting the correct pins on each pro micro controller (e.g. GND to GND, VCC to VCC, Data to Data) according to the PCB layout (https://github.com/tamanishi/Pinky4/tree/master/pcb)

In my experience it does become harder to type on staggered keyboards unless you're continuing to do it regularly. You may need to relearn to do that. Same deal with continuing QWERTY usage.

VIA is proprietary and not really an official QMK thing (QMK is free software). There is also Vial[0] which is free software if you want a GUI, and the QMK configurator[1] web app (but this lacks some features like enabling mouse keys or NKRO).

Lastly I want to add that Workman[2] may be preferable to Colemak Mod-DH. Rather than an attempt to fix major issues in Colemak like Mod-DH, it's a whole new layout that avoided the issues from the start. I have also heard from some that it had ortholinear and columnar stagger boards in mind with its design.

I type on a Pinky4[3] keyboard that I assembled from a kit. More keys than your keyboard, but a similar idea. I was coming from a 60% and wanted a similar amount of keys. I've been quite happy with it.

[0] https://get.vial.today/

[1] https://config.qmk.fm/#/

[2] https://workmanlayout.org/

[3] https://github.com/tamanishi/Pinky4

and this one may not fit your requirements since it doesn't have the full bottom row, but a personal favorite, pinky4

I'm currently evaluating which keyboard to build. There are currently 2 main contenders: zodiark and pinky4 The sofle I also took into consideration but I would like to have a few more keys than 58. There are some pros and cons for both boards

you might want to take a look at PCB designs such as the Pinky4: https://github.com/tamanishi/Pinky4 (or Pinky3)

ErgoSlab

My current keyboard has a lot of thumb keys and I use them a lot. I'm getting a bit of RSI from time to time from pushing my thumbs sideways. This means I want future keyboards to activate all the keys using the natural motion of the hand. I've never tried the "lift up" idea, but I hope doing that a lot doesn't cause any injuries 😬.

Yup! That's ESC on tap and a bracket/Fn layer when held. The bracket thing was inspired by tomsaleeba/ergoslab and is still taking some getting used to.

I'm on a 40% too. I was originally on an ErgoDox and thought I couldn't possibly live with any fewer keys, but with more thumb keys and QMK combos I feel quite happy with the 40%. One of the key requirements I had when I designed the ErgoSlab was to have dedicated arrow keys directly below the home row. Now I'm experimenting with having the arrows on the home row in a layer and that's got me thinking I might be able to go smaller. That coupled with recently finding http://asetniop.com/ has me entertaining crazy thoughts like having the home row chorded for alphas and then I've suddenly freed up 20 keys to use for other things... or possibly just remove those keys :O