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
There was some talk a few pages back (page 11) about MX space bars not fitting - the user KellyH talked about it, but, if there was a fit problem, wouldn't there be more complaining? Can anyone weigh in on that, or tell us more about that issue?
Also, Hyperfuse (and others) mentioned deeper caps working better than shallower ones. So: DSA or Cherry = bad; OEM or SA = good?
While we're talking to (or about) Hyperfuse: what's the advantage of the Hyperfuse silencing rings over the $12 "landing pads" sold by EliteKeyboards? (From what I understand, the main "issue" with the Novatouch is the bounce back rattle; is this solved by the landing pads, rings, or both?)
As for the silencing rings, I have Hypersphere's silencing rings and have been super happy. The advantage of them is that they just work. With the $12 landing pads, you have to iron them down, which takes some time, and then putting them on is supposedly somewhat finicky. If you read any accounts of installing the landing pads, it takes a long time to iron them and get them put on properly. The Hypersphere rings slide right on and work perfectly.
The reason why you need silencing rings is that the Novatouch makes a lot of noise when you let go of the key. With the silencing ring, it is almost silent. The only thing about the silencing rings is that they go on the slider, so you have to take the whole keyboard apart to put them on (took me an evening to do the mod).
Dang, that pretty much kills my interest in this board. I really wanted my Jukebox set on there, but not if I have to permanently modify my spacebar for it :/
Picture from this post: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/blank-pbt-keycaps/talk/396488