What is SpaceFN and why you should give it a try
The SpaceFN concept - setting up your space key as a layer switch when held - is probably one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby. Let me explain how it works. My SpaceFN article on kbd.news made some rounds recently - quite surprisingly given the age of this concept. This piece you're reading is a condensed version of the full post. If you're left with unanswered questions, you'll most likely find the info you're looking for in the original write-up. On my imaginary top list of the most useful keyboard features, tweaks and hacks, SpaceFN would deserve a podium finish for sure. But what makes it so special? In short: SpaceFN is easy to implement, easy to learn, costs nothing, can be used with any keyboard, and can improve your productivity instantly. I will list its benefits below, but can state right at this point that the SpaceFN concept, setting up your space key as a layer switch when held, is clearly one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby....
Apr 30, 2024
Various reviews in China, including several that took the switches apart, showed that the switch is a virtual 1 to 1 clone of a Cherry switch, albeit with some parts "improved".
The switch is labelled either Zorro or Zoero, too small to read. In China it's either referred to as Z Switch, ZT Switch, 佐罗 (Zuoluo) Switch, or just Zorro Switch.
All the Chinese sources say this is manufactured by 鑫钻 XinZuan but no factory was ever named in full. However, given that this name is fairly unique, I was able to locate the company in Wenzhou, China. Its full name is
温州鑫钻精密轴有限公司 Wenzhou XinZuan Precision Switch Company
This company is unknown outside of China. It apparently however, was a pretty famous OEM, and believed to have previously made yellow Rapoo switches for Rapoo, another peripheral brand famous in China but virtually unknown outside of it. This seem to be their attempt to make their own brand like Kailh and Gateron did, but they are so low-key about it, they don't even seem to have their own website, in English or Chinese.
So I honestly have no idea who came up with the name HKL... Why not just called it Zorro Switch like everybody else?
Here's a Chinese review site taking apart a Z switch and comparing it to an authentic Cherry switch.
http://www.inwaishe.com/article-1953-1.html