zmk-config VS Skeleton-Dactyl-Mini

I‘ve mained various 30 key boards for over a year now. I find it to be the optimal size to have all keys within easy reach, but without too much combo/layer jumping. You can see my config here: https://github.com/jcmkk3/zmk-config

No analyzer can really model these things at this point, but I think that you can feel when things are bad. I don't use colemak, but feel free to look at my config/layout. https://github.com/jcmkk3/zmk-config

I feel like any programmable keyboard should be able to be configured to work well with emacs. I personally like having very few keys so that my hands need to move less when typing/navigating. Because I use powerful firmware (ZMK), I still have access to all of the keys that I need. You can take a look at how I configure my keyboard (along with some of my keyboards) here: https://github.com/jcmkk3/zmk-config

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