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
Vintage ones tend to be much less flashy than modern designs in general, and they are much less colourful. However a lot of the great hits in modern keysets are derived from vintage ones, such as Dolch/Triumph Adler etc. And they can be had for quarter of the price of new ones. Keycaps do not age at all given that no one is using them, so you can find like new sets quite easily. I'd suggest look into the Deskthority wiki to learn about keyset history, and get what you like.
Basically you don't have to narrow your taste into massdrop or community group buys. After all keycaps with cherry MX stem have been made since 1983, so there's 30 + years of keycaps you can choose from. If you find old keysets that doesn't fit your layout, most of the time you can get a matching modern spacebar or modifier keys to complete it.
I know when it comes to keys I want it to be clean and more coordinated looking sets. I do the like rich blue with white that I saw here in Massdrop. It made wonder if the Carbon and ivory colors mixed with the blues instead of orange - I'll bet that'll be sweet looking pimping keys.. This is going to be set up for my Mac OS world where I'd do alot of typing, video / photography editing. I already got my PC GAMING RIG built using Roccat RYOS LED with KONE Mice for gaming only.
I think looking at people's new finds on keyboard should come first, as there are pretty pictures to make you curious and you get first reactions on whether you like it or not. If you do like it, then the wiki comes handy. After a while you get a pretty good idea of the main things that makes up a common enthusiast's taste. Deskthority's taste on keycaps trend towards subdued / coordinated / vintage looking. Geekhack trends more towards arty creative things, and like getting their hands dirty. Reddit /mk for knowing the lastest news on Groupbuys.
"Carbon and ivory colors mixed with the blues" - Wanting their own colourway is what makes people starting their own group buy on custom keysets/proposing new sets to massdrop. You can mock it up and show people as an interest check on forums, geekhack/deskthority (not reddit...). If you like blue, the upcoming GMK Hydro might interest you. It's not my taste though.
Thanks for the tips and direction in where to get or learn info about keyboard mech stuffs. Till then...