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
- Can't power all keyboards, like my Leopold 750R, a TKL. Poker works though - There's lag. You'll notice that letters don't appear immediately on the screen as you type them. Also sometimes this lag spams the space-bar randomly, and you'll have like 10-20 spaces in a row suddenly. - Setup was a pain because the box is temperamental. The battery compartment door needed to be slightly open, not fully closed, in order for the Adapter to retain power. This confused the hell out of me initially, until I realized this was the problem. - It power offs after a couple minutes of inactivity. Sound greats right? saving power and everything. Wrong, the delay when waiting for your keyboard to reconnect each time gets annoying quick. - The white case is tacky. Seriously, with like 95% of keyboards and 99% of USB cables being black, why would you make a keyboard accessory that is white and clashes with all your other peripherals? - Blue LED light is annoying - Doesn't reduce cable clutter. Half the benefit of bluetooth devices is you don't need to worry about cables, now you have to manage the cable and some annoying little box. Just look at the picture of the person using it, does that look fun/comfortable? Does that person ever need to reach for his mouse? Doesn't look like it.