Do you have a programmable keyboard right now? If so you can put a 36 key keymap on it and try it out, or at least certain elements of one.

A big difference between a 5-col vs 6-col is that 5 will require homerow mods or some riff thereof. If you can put homerow mods on your current keyboard, even without changing anything else, and use them for a week or two to see if they agree with you, then you’ll know for sure whether the 5 col is the right choice. That’s what I did, then made a Fifi

I have two boards that I regularly swap between, one with red pros, and one with Sunsets. Stock, I found the Sunsets way too aggro, but I lubed them with 205g0, including the tactile bump, and that totally mellowed and smoothed them out. Now they feel goooood! So just something to keep in mind.

They look like mt3 susuwatari to me

Cool patio chair, can I ask where you got that?

I’ve not read this book but used to do some sailboat rigging, and I would avoid We$t Marine if possible. Personally I used to go to RW Rope because I lived nearby (but they also sell online). I’ve also ordered from knotandrope.com but not for marine stuff.