Same here. Had the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard prior, but really appreciated when I switched to the Moonlander. Is portable without much work - just isn’t small. Oryx is really easy to use (including color mgmt per layer and per key). I thought it has a really nice feel. Only downside I have is that it isn’t wireless.

Just built my first Corne, which has been a good learning process, but don’t think it will be my final keyboard.

I haven’t built my Skelytl yet, but just completed my first build (Corne), and was in a similar situation, so hopefully my experience helps.

1. I went wireless and ZMK was fairly easy to work with, after using other’s configs for ideas. The initial ZMK build was quite straightforward. I got the nice!displays, so I could see layers. On my Moonlander, I use colors to easily identify what layer I am on. From what I have read, if you want lights, stick with wired, due to the energy draw. I have not yet connected to multiple devices, but plan on using that functionality.
2. I hadn’t soldered in many years. Searched on YouTube for some examples of soldering PCBs and Joe Scotto has a nice build tutorial for the Corne. Take your time, get a solder sucker to fix mistakes, and perhaps a magnifying glass (I used my iPhone with zoom) to check your work.
3. On my Corne, I am using some chocs, but on my Moonlander I tried the Bobas (borrowed a couple from a friend - they were nice ) but am using Tealios v2 (linears - very smooth and have a nice sound) which I have been really happy with. For a different build, just ordered some Drop + Invyr Holy Pandas, to try something different.

Good luck - while occasionally challenging, I really had fun with it and glad I did it.

How do you like the thumb layout, in particular the innermost key? I just built my first corne and it is a bit awkward for my thumb to reach under my palm. The Sweep seems less awkward, but curious if it feels natural to you.