TOTEM

for more info on thumb fatigue: https://getreuer.info/posts/keyboards/thumb-ergo/index.html My issue was tendon overuse in my fingers, so low force switches & column splay worked for me (splay is where the columns are not aligned, mapping to the fan out of the human hand, see TOTEM https://github.com/GEIGEIGEIST/TOTEM)

I agree, but would suggest that the solution is splayed columns rather than staggered rows. Lots of keyboards do this, even more “normal” keyboards that are far from being Dactyl-like: https://github.com/GEIGEIGEIST/TOTEM Also relevant, but for improving the ergonomics of “normal” keyboards with staggered rows: angle mod. https://colemakmods.github.io/ergonomic-mods/angle.html

That's very expensive! I would recommend buying a Dilemma instead: https://bastardkb.com/product/dilemma/ or building one of the hundreds of DIY open source keyboards e.g.: - https://github.com/mmccoyd/hillside (46-56 keys) - https://github.com/GEIGEIGEIST/TOTEM (38 keys)

I built a TOTEM[1] (same creator) and it looks stunning. Was a breeze to get manufactured (both PCB and resin printer case from jlcpcb, in my case) and assemble too! The build guide is very informative and quirky, it has everything from tips in how to solder smd diodes to "use a sharpie to paint the PCB sides black so it looks nicer", way better than some expensive kits I've bought in the last few years! 1. https://github.com/GEIGEIGEIST/TOTEM