dactyl-keyboard VS dactyl-cc

I want to build the lightcycle (MX variant) (may make some adjustments e.g. making the outermost columns 1.25u like my Kinesis 360). Additionally, here is what I'm thinking:

Handwired, QMK on Raspberry Pi Pico, model from https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboard with modified thumb cluster. 3d printed with wooden PLA, sanded and coated. Hackysacks as provisional wrist support 😉

I plan to use PIN GPB6 and GPB7 on The MCP23018 for the rotary encoder. I am using QMK Version 0.17.9 and followed the build of this QMK - GUIDE

Retail wise, the MoErgo Glove80 is a Dactyl like board with low profile switches.

It's a custom request, but is closest to the original dactyl key placement.

Thanks, I take no credit for the design that's for sure, I think the original dactyl is here

Keeping with keywells, there's the split kinesis advantage boards: - Without palm rest: Dactyl CC - With palm rest: Ergo S-1

I need a split keyboard with concave key wells that also has an ergonomic palm/wrist rest like Kinesis Advantage boards have. I borrowed a friend's Kinesis Advantage 2 for a mont last year and it was fantastic - much more comfortable for me than the handful of dactyl and dactyl-manuform variants I've tried (although I wished I could have slightly adjusted the spacing between the two sides). I'm not very able to pay to try a KA360 or Glove80 at the moment, but I have a well-tuned 3D printer and a drawer of various key switches. I know that critical aspects of Kinesis' form factor are patented, but I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for DIY boards that feel a bit more similar to the real thing. Extra points for boards with 36-ish keys (more keys is fine, too, though). Trackballs are nice, too, but not required - either way, I'll probably add a TrackPoint on the right side. I've had my eye on the Charybdis Nano, but I'm not convinced I'll actually find it comfortable. If anyone has used both the Charybdis and the Kinesis Advantage, subjective comparisons are appreciated. I'm also curious about what the Dactyl-CC, and if people who've tried it feel it lives up to it's description of being more Kinesis-like. Thanks!

I'm building a keyboard inspired by the dactyl-cc (and by the Kinesis Advantage 360 by proxy). Before I started out laying up stuff, I've been thinking on the general layout. All feedback is welcome!

The Dactyl variant the closest to OG Kinesis in spirit is Dactyl-CC AFAIK.

Also worth checking out: https://github.com/mjohns/dactyl-cc

Not sure it qualifies as easy to build, but if you are willing to jump in a bit the Dactyl-cc is designed to feel just like the KA2. That's my current daily driver. It's a 3d printed body, so you'll have to order prints and do some hand wiring. If that's more than you want to sign up for it's probably not a good fit, but I've really enjoyed it. Here's the github: https://github.com/mjohns/dactyl-cc