For the ergodox, you don't have to use the surface mount diodes if you don't want to. In one of mine I was swapping springs anyway, so I did all the switches with through hole diodes. It takes a lot longer, but is much easier to solder.
Just make sure you put the diodes on the right way. This can be corrected in firmware, but it's best to just do it right the first time.
Massdrop does a GB for them every three months or so.
Also, for whatever reason I cannot get the firmware to load on the teensy. I hope you will not have trouble with that as I have.
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As far as first soldering projects go, it's not bad actually. The hardest part is opening all the switches or surface mounting the diodes to the board, the rest is very easy, and shoulrd make for a good first-project.
Another alternative to start with is to get in on the sprit GB, where all you'll have to do is solder the switches and LEDs (if you want LEDs) since the controller, diodes, resistors, and firmware are already done.