chonkybois VS Skeleton-Dactyl-Mini

if you are looking for a sculpted/keywell design I would start with something like the https://github.com/sanderboer/chonkybois or https://github.com/Bastardkb/Skeletyl then work on refining your needs from those ideas.

The only thing I would change is to make it hotswappable, either by having a system like the chonkybois or, more simply, by using socket holders like this :)

I was planning to make the Lil Chonky Bois as my second keyboard/first handwired build. The design is pretty similar, but looks like Velvet uses less filament but gives you two more keys.

Thats not a chonki boi. This is it: https://github.com/sanderboer/chonkybois

I would really recommend making them, it's a really fun project. The hot swap sockets are inserted in the fitting holes and glued in place. I did not have any problems with the plastic melting, as long as you're careful with the iron you should be fine. Heres the github page were you can find the BOM and information. https://github.com/sanderboer/chonkybois

Highly recommend checking out chonkyboiswhich has a very gentle sweep.

DIY has a lot more options, check out r/ergomechkeyboards and/or kbd.news for inspiration/options. My personal favourites at the moment are chonky bois and dactyl-cc . Word of caution, this is quite a rabbit hole you are standing on an edge off.

If you have access to a 3D printer, I would recommend handwiring a Skeletyl or Scylla.

if you are looking for a sculpted/keywell design I would start with something like the https://github.com/sanderboer/chonkybois or https://github.com/Bastardkb/Skeletyl then work on refining your needs from those ideas.

There's these made by Quentin, which can be mirrored for Skeletyl/Cnano.

Awesome. Do you think single-key RGB would be an issue? Would it add too many cables? I'm currently looking at the Skeletyl, but am intimidated by the four additional cables per LED.

If you have access to a 3d printer you could print something like a skeletyl or a dactyl manuform and then handwire it with some diodes and wires. That's the cheapest way I can think of.

I'd throw BastardKBs Keyboards into the mix as well as he's open sourcing all of his designs, for instance the Skeletyl or the Charybdis

You can take a look at the Skeletyl. It's a 5x3+3 design. Basically the upper three thumb keys of the one you posted and with 2 keys less on row 3 and 4.

a printed, blue Skeletyl