[SuperPaintMan]

Skip on the Helix and grab something like the Crkbd (Make sure it's a model where the outer column can snap off) or the MiniAxe, Yushakobo carries both I believe. Also check out the 'Self Made Keyboards In Japan' Discord server as there are tons of boards available to you domestically via booth! Worst case, Yushakobo should have everything you need to get a build done (and even has a wonderful selection of blank keycaps), go hit their workshop! :)

No worries, we spend all day using these devices, the fact that we're not using them in a highly configurable fashion pains me. Make technology work for you, not the other way around

[Legogris]

Wow, the MiniAxe LP looks exactly like what I think I want (despite the Crkbd being much more aesthetic IMO). I realized over 1y+ on a brown-switch mech that despite loving the layout, I'm just struggling typing properly in a way I don't on a normal Thinkpad laptop chiclet. Just really hard to figure out how switches actually feel IRL even when trying a switch tester.

Had completely missed it, thanks for the pointer :)