Both of these hit the nail on the head, the Dolch one is nice but just a tiny bit out of my price range, but the NCR-80 is honestly equally as nice and has a great price. Almost set on getting the Kit 2 version of the NCR80 R2 here: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803159626791.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt&_randl_shipto=US
I know absolutely nothing about building my own keyboard so I am somewhat unsure, if I bought it, would all I need are the keycaps?
Kit 2 of the hotswap NCR-80 will provide you with all the parts you need, except for keycaps.
I ordered Kit 1 of the soldered version recently, so I'll try to let you know how that goes:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003364462523.htmlThe ones with the WKL layout, like the one you indicated, are all from R1-R2. They come in dark gray, beige, or "cool grey" [beige because of an error.]
You'll want to order the "DarkGray | LightGray" colourway.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003345941543.htmlFor keycaps, you can order Shenpo PBT [be sure to use the store coupon]:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004124258598.htmlHere is my relatives' NCR-80 with Shenpo PBT:
This is the Dark Gray case.
These might also be some good keycaps for it [I think they are also available in the US]:
https://www.deskhero.ca/products/cannoncaps-earl-grey-lavenderIn terms of building, I don't know if the hotswap one comes already assembled or not. It would definitely be a good idea to message the seller. They might be able to provide you with that service.
If not, and it needs assembly, you could ask an assembly service to purchase the NCR-80, and they can assemble it for you locally. They would probably be able to tune the stabilizers better, anyway.
You should probably ask the seller exactly what is involved in terms of assembly for that hotswap version.
Now, regarding keycaps again, there are actually many options, fortunately. Like the aforementioned CannonKeys. Next up the ladder from Shenpo is 21kb:
https://21kb.com/collections/keycapsYou can also look up Artifact Bloom sets like "Vintage" on Drop.com. They are very consistent for the price, but have a slippery surface texture. I only enjoy them with clicky switches, as they still feel firm.
On the higher-end of AliExpress keycaps is EnjoyPBT. Here is their classic-inspired Spectrum set:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004861086189.htmlDolch:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004857083191.htmlClassic Hangul:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004856536488.htmlAnd so on. Maybe one of the beige sets could be paired with accents from EPBT Be The One:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004887312394.htmlIf you perform a search for 9009 on AliExpress, there are countless imitation sets, some of them quite affordable:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004064148367.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004822212647.htmlIt looks as if your biggest hurdle is assembly. So you may want to get more information on that. With hotswap, at least you don't have to solder switches in. And putting keycaps on is easy. So maybe you can get it assembled from the seller.