I'm on the verge of buying an ergodox from falbatech as well! How are you enjoying yours so far? Which case did you buy? I'm a bit overwhelmed with the possibilities there :D (bamboo case with acrylic back and steel plate, or full bamboo with integrated plate? what to do, what to do?)
I bought several keyboards over the past five years and use them exclusively at work and home. The build quality and feel is fantastic. I don't own an acrylic case, but the oak and bamboo versions are fantastic, both with or without backplate.
I'm not so much into wrist rests, but this is more a personal preference, otherwise I would recommend to go by keyboard-type (how many keys do you need? how large are your hands?) and then decide which design you like the most.
Did you find there is a noise-level difference between the with/without steel backplates versions? Any recommandation / word of advise regarding falbatech's options ?
I currently use a TKL, and I do need the function keys relatively available (on a different layer is fine as long as I don't have to hold a modifier for it, but can toggle). I'm pretty set on the ergodox frankly, just not sure on the specifics. Not sure I'd want less keys than what it offers, and any key without an immediate function, I can find an IDE shortcut to use it for :D