If your keyboard supports vial, you can setup tap dance through ui
https://github.com/jaroslaw-weber/code-pillow
This is mine (I have few changes tho) if you want some inspiration :) it's 34 based on Canary layout.
I really love small format but I struggle with chords misfiring. But it's a good mix of one shot (shift and symbol layer) with hold (navigation) layers. I think I couldn't go lower without sacrificing typing speed.
Bit too low for me but interesting. I think ditching pinky column completely is too much, I'd rather go 3*4+2 per hand minimum.
What's the layout?
I bought iron specifically to solder keyboard. I practiced for like 6 hours with some cheap practice kit before starting keyboard.
Buy very thin solder wire. I was struggling until I realized that the wire was too thick. I got thinner wire and everything went smooth.
But cheap practice board for soldered (few USD) and practice first (desolder and solder again after you finish).
If your iron don't have temperature control, but something that has it. I paid around 10usd for mine.
Go with switches first, do controller later, it's slightly more difficult
Looks super cool :) how much did you pay for keycaps?
Looks really nice. I like how compact it is. How are your wrists? Also, how the thumb cluster feels? Where did you buy all the parts?
This. Just copy file that's on GitHub into the keyboard (both sides). The. Start up vial. It's super easy to edit layout that way.
Make an account on monkeytype and practice 1 hour a day. Look at the stats, you should improve in a week or two.
When I switched layout first time (qwerty -> Colemak dh) it took me 2-3 weeks to learn it. Recently I switched again (canary) and it took me around a week of practicing around 2h a day to go to 60wmp English 1k. Then I just started using it at work.
Now I'm switching to Piantor and it's difficult even without switching layout.
I think you have to be patient and also keep track of your progress to motivate you.