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
SUMMARY:
Pros: Heavy aluminum case, easy to solder, good quality PCB, after digging some you the instructions followed make it simple to do the normal flashing of QMK. Cons: Under-lighting will never be visible, instructions are difficult to track down, not hot-swappable (but read below to see how I made mine hot-swappable). EDIT: Almost forgot, I really wish they also sold some stabilizers with it. Having a really tough time tracking down these weird space bar sized stabs. The angle of the photo exaggerates the spacebar problems but you can definitely see the issue there. --------- 8 Pictures below all the rambling ---------- The board is really great and everything arrived on time and intact. The case is quite heavy. Nothing like the super premium stuff, but much heavier than I thought it would be. It is fully programmable via QMK. I've got an interesting layout that I have been able to fumble through while learning to program with. I used SIP sockets to make the board hot-swappable. You can find those over on Digikey.com with part #8134-HC-8P2-SI-ND Switches are a mix of several different ones while I wait on new switches to ship, though I quite like this setup currently:
- Majority of keys are Kailh BOX Thick Clicks (Navies)
- Bigger side keys like shift, tab, and enter are Kailh BOX Thick Clicks (Jades)
- Anything my weak pinky hits are Kailh Speed Golds
Keycaps: @MiTo's GMK Laser Set- Cyberdeck kit
- Mitowaves
- Blocknet
On to the photos! PCB (Top side) - Note: SIP Sockets installedPCB (Bottom side) - Note: SIP Sockets installed You can actually see where I missed the "O" key here in this photo!
Third from the left side of the photo.
PCB Side View with SIP Sockets
Case Top
Case Bottom
Case with PCB
Weird key combos for my wimpy pinkies