So I *did* end up getting a new #keyboard (Keychron K1 QMK - low profile, red switches).
And I'm pretty happy with the layout and feel. Jumped through hoops to get the basic Launcher web app to connect on #Ubuntu, but for the life of me I can't get VIA to connect. Pretty bummed that it seems like I won't be doing much in the way of customizing. Tried all the advice I could find on Reddit and elsewhere.