be sure to not use greeter logins and disk encryption as the on-screen keyboards (OSK) don’t work outside the DE. also, issues with non-US keyboard layouts.
Just set up unl0kr and keep safe, no need to use an installation without encryption. It’s not even difficult, mainly just requires installing the package and adding the unlock script path to crypttab.
It’s nice to have a device with FDE and Secure Boot, gives peace of mind in case that thing ends up in the wrong hands.
Try Phosh. That one works well.