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
Build Quality of Board: =================== It is a well-built keyboard. You won't feel like you got a bad deal. End of story. Don't worry about that part anymore.
Keycaps =================== The stock keycaps feel fine but wear quickly. I use my Alt modifier a lot in WoW and it started wearing off in only a few day's use. I have a set of Ducky PBT dye-sub caps on the way to test out.
If you're planning to use 3rd party keycaps (which you probably will because the stock legends will wear off quickly) just know that you need to be looking for OEM profile. Most people say that cherry profile caps bottom out loudly and make the keyboard feel different.
Compared to MX switches ======================= I've used MX browns for my main keyboard for about a year, and I've tried reds and blues on and off at an in-law's house. I feel like the springs in MX keys push back up on my finger more throughout the keystroke. When you press a Topre key it has a small amount of resistance and then it just drops. What usually results is bottoming out with a nice sound and feel.
Topre switches have a nice feel, but it certainly is different. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, just different. I don't think you can understand this without just trying it.
Typing Speed Comparison ======================== I type differently on topre vs mx, but my speed is pretty much the same. I feel like topre rewards me for pressing all the way through the switch unlike my MX keys that encourage me to be bouncier.
Noise ========================= The sound is very nice. My Novatouch is much quieter than either of the other two MX boards I own. If you need to have a fairly quiet keyboard, go with Topre. (haven't tried the new MX silent).
Negatives ======================== IMO, the biggest negative with this board is the space bar. I still don't like it. I hated it with the included spring. After removing the spring it was better, but still doesn't feel right. I think this has more to do with the cherry stabilizers than the actual switch.
There are no dip switches and you cannot enable a function lock. So, you will have to just memorize FN + F5 for play/pause, FN + F7 for next track, etc. I say memorize because you're probably not going to find PBT OEM caps with media legends. It's not bad, but media keys on the home block sure make it easier to remember.
Legends on stock caps wear off easily, as stated before.
My Conclusion ========================= If you forced me to pick one, I would probably pick MX browns over Topre, but I would still miss my Topre. I've probably read hundreds of posts where people talk about the perfection of the topre switch. It is good, but it isn't the end-all for me. I see it as a fine addition.
If you're on a budget and this will be your only keyboard, I'd say spend your money on a cheaper WASD v2 or Coolermaster quickfire.
If you love tech and gadgets, or if you need a quiet mechanical keyboard, and money is not a big concern. I'd say buy it.
I had to modify the spacebar a bit to get it to fit on (it had 5 stems rather than 3, and one of the inner stems kept sticking when I pushed the spacebar down), but other than that, no major issues.
Overall, I like it. Still trying to decide whether I like it better than my Leopold with Cherry Browns or my V80-MTS with Quiet Clicks, but it's definitely a solid board. The PBT keycaps match the soft touch finish well. The keys are very smooth, and pretty quiet too (although probably a bit louder than the Matias Quiet Clicks).
I'm going to give it a week or two and decide which board I want to use for my daily driver.