kad VS qmk_firmware

As for switch hole sizes, I haven't designed anything myself but heard ppl use http://builder.swillkb.com/ to design their plates - it's some generator with size standards for switches and stabs.

Not 3d printing, but found this site which can generate files for laser cutting http://builder.swillkb.com/

In terms of workflow: I'm using a generated layout from Plate & Case Builder - swillkb after pasting in the raw data from http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/ : if there's a better workflow out there im all ears and open to trying anything new.

Use SwillKB to create layer design files

I design my own key layout and copy paste the raw json file to this site to generate the case and the plates. http://builder.swillkb.com

The only thing is, it's hard to do a plateless design with handwiring - but not many customs are plateless, anyway. You'll need to get a plate cut, but that workflow can be quite streamlined using a tool like Swillkb's builder.

I used this incredible tool to generate the top and bottom .svg files for the switch portion of the plate and a vector graphics editor to make the silly screen bump on the top right. The cost for the plates on this one was around 180USD after shipping but they charge by area so I was at a distinct disadvantage. I wish you luck on your keeb! This project was very fulfilling once all the bugs got hammered out, I hope yours is as well.

If you can't find a plate file, make a QAZ layout with KLE, import it to this plate generator to make a plate file. The thing is, the generated plate file will be without mounting point or holes. If you want more control, use this one, it's more complicated but with more options.

I just swiped it off of here. seeing as it's a custom board and all hahaha.

I only use keyboards running QMK or ZMK, so:

My Caps Lock key is a Control/Escape key (when tapped it behave like a Escape, when hold it's Control), and my left Control is a one shot layer switch key [1], which means I tap LCtrl once, and then press Caps Lock + 5 to get Ctrl+F5. Doable with single hand and more ergonomic as I have an unusually small hand.

[1] https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/blob/master/docs/one_sho...

I agree that reduced finger movement is a crucial step in achieving typing efficiency. This is nicely solved by mod tap modifiers in QMK/ZMK[1] where key acts as a char when tapped and as a layer while pressed.

[1]: https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/blob/master/docs/mod_tap...

Separate wireless controller, see the glue code at [0]

[0]: https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/compare/master...nuphy-s...

If you have a keyboard that runs QMK firmware[0] with the VIA[1] feature enabled[2], then there is a convenient testing app available from the same place you customize your keys [3].

[0] https://qmk.fm/

I made a layout that I'm happy with. Spanish is my native language, so it has characters like the accents and 'ñ', but it's meant to be used for programming as well. Visual Studio uses a lot of Ctrl and Ctrl + Shift shortcuts, so I left them in the same place as the default Corne layout so I can press them both with my pinkie finger. Perhaps some of the ideas are useful to you.

Also, it would be possible to do this for the RP2040. However, it needs some work to get working. but for example: https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/pull/20999

Ok, it's an ST7735, not too different from the ST7789. You should be able to get running by looking at their files in the QMK repo and going from there. You should also check their resources page.