This could potentially be simplified by using ws2812 style LEDs like this: https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-arcade-button/overview https://learn.adafruit.com

This could potentially be simplified by using ws2812 style LEDs like this: https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-arcade-button/overview https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-arcade-button/overview Plus a fade candy controller. Then you just need to build something to read the micro switches. Haven't compared the costs, but it might reduce the complexity and barrier to entry.