chonkybois VS kint

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.

I can suggest the following, I had three advantage 2s before picking up my 360pro.

I modded all of the 2s with the following boards:

* https://github.com/kinx-project/kint - Great board, requires usb of course. Programmable with QMK.

* https://github.com/wizarddata/Blue-Wizard-Mod - Doesn't support QMK but does support ZMK but is bluetooth. Great board.

I picked the kint up on some pcbway type service, the blue wizard I got off ebay.

Is Stapelberg's Kint with a Blackpill the suggested approach nowadays?

https://michael.stapelberg.ch/posts/2013-03-21-kinesis_custom_controller/ https://github.com/kinx-project/kint

I have a KinT board in my Advantage2 keyboards, gives you all the QMK goodness.

I assumed you tried using the link for kinesis_kint41_default.hex from https://github.com/kinx-project/kint/tree/main/default-firmware and it did not work. It is difficult to download individual files from github if the file is not text.

Some time ago, I replaced the default SmartSet controller board by a KinT board (produced by JLCPCB) with a Teensy LC controller to run QMK. It's splendid and I like it so much more than the default SmartSet firmware. Also makes it easier to keep the 360 Pro and the Advantage2 in sync.

You mean Stapelberg's own Kint? It's also great, I use it in two KA2s (only not my work KA2).