dactyl-keyboard VS chonkybois

that's not entirely accurate. It is a derivation of the dactyl-manuform. I used the generator from this project to produce the case. https://github.com/ibnuda/dactyl-keyboard The earliest biuld of the dactyl-manuform that I can find is: https://github.com/abstracthat/dactyl-manuform

https://github.com/ibnuda/dactyl-keyboard/tree/hotswap/things This is where I pulled the stl from however it doesn't come with a base plate stl so I had to make that myself

What generator did you use? I’ve never been able to get this one to load: http://dactyl.siskam.link/

there used to be a generator at https://dactyl.siskam.link/ but is not loading now. (easily generated files from your input in a form) you could also have them built to order from https://ohkeycaps.com/products/built-to-order-dactyl-manuform-keyboard

There are external holders for pro micros and elite C under https://github.com/ibnuda/dactyl-keyboard/tree/refaktor/resources/public

Try this: https://dactyl.siskam.link

I'm happy to print the case for one for you for the cost of the filament, if you want (20EUR or so). Shipping to outside of europe might make local printers cheaper. There's a generator for custom shapes at https://dactyl.siskam.link

You can generate a custom one with https://dactyl.siskam.link/ (demo of how to use here: https://youtu.be/9nwXUfi49oU)

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.