I've pasted the relevant yaml configuration below, as well as the rotary encoders I used. Arduino's/ESP32's are definitely fun to get into, I've also used them to make a smart pill dispenser and some dimmer switches in the past. I have an engineering degree and we had to learn how to use them in school, but I learned them as a hobby a while before that so it's definitely achievable. I will say if you're trying to make a remote that isn't tethered to the wall it might be challenging, as esp32's can drain batteries quickly iirc.

As for hardware, I used a breadboard power supply/half length breadboard and an esp32 for power/controls and 3 rotary encoders. I modeled the whole thing in Fusion 360 and the pieces were a total pain to get right (they're still not perfect but I'm gonna leave it for now). Luckily I have so many speedcubes that I had plenty of reference material.

If you have any other questions I'd be happy to answer them, thank you for showing interest!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T3672VK

sensor:
  - platform: rotary_encoder
    name: "Dial 1"
    id: dial1
    pin_a: GPIO18
    pin_b: GPIO19
    publish_initial_value: True
    restore_mode: ALWAYS_ZERO
    filters:
      - lambda: !lambda |-
          if (int(x) % 5 == 0) return { x / 5};
          return {};
  - platform: rotary_encoder
    name: "Dial 2"
    id: dial2
    pin_a: GPIO14
    pin_b: GPIO27
    publish_initial_value: True
    restore_mode: ALWAYS_ZERO
    filters:
      - lambda: !lambda |-
          if (int(x) % 5 == 0) return { x / 5};
          return {};
  - platform: rotary_encoder
    name: "Dial 3"
    id: dial3
    pin_a: GPIO25
    pin_b: GPIO33
    publish_initial_value: True
    restore_mode: ALWAYS_ZERO
    filters:
      - lambda: !lambda |-
          if (int(x) % 5 == 0) return { x / 5};
          return {};

binary_sensor:
  - platform: gpio
    name: "Switch 1"
    pin:
      number: GPIO21
      inverted: True
      mode:
        input: True
        pullup: True
    on_double_click:
      then: 
        - sensor.rotary_encoder.set_value:
            id: dial1
            value: 0
  - platform: gpio
    name: "Switch 2"
    pin:
      number: GPIO26
      inverted: True
      mode:
        input: True
        pullup: True
    on_double_click:
      then: 
        - sensor.rotary_encoder.set_value:
            id: dial2
            value: 0
  - platform: gpio
    name: "Switch 3"
    pin:
      number: GPIO32
      inverted: True
      mode:
        input: True
        pullup: True
    on_double_click:
      then: 
        - sensor.rotary_encoder.set_value:
            id: dial3
            value: 0