Well, ok...maybe self-sabotage. But still.

I'm sure this is because this whole project is slightly beyond my abilities. But as I said at the start, I knew that was the case. That was kind of the point. Why bother with something I already know I can do?

So here's where we are:

I'm sure there is a way to desolder surface-mount items from a PCB, but I also know (now) that it is beyond my abilities. Which is fine--neopixels don't cost that much.

I have used (read: ruined) 2 of my 5 PCBs. Which is fine. Either I'll get one of the remaining ones right, or I'll pay for the neopixels to be soldered at the factory on the next ones.

I need to order some more parts, so we'll be going into torpor until those arrive. I need to re-order the following: 23 Neopixels, another magnetic connector, more encoders, more Kailh sockets, and more switching diodes.

I just keep telling myself that it will all be worth it in the end.

It will be worth it in the end.

It will.

I mean it.