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
Photos if you're interested...
In answer to your query about the typing experience of mx greens, I absolutely love them but it all comes down to your individual typing style. For example, my girlfriend has a light and very precise style of typing and she can't stand the greens; says it's like trying to swim through molasses. If she types on the greens in a way that comes naturally to her, she sometimes just glides over a key and it doesn't hit the actuation point and register. Compared to her, I'm like a bear mashing at the keyboard with hulk-fist gloves so they're perfect for me. On the greens I can type in a way that comes naturally and fast to me and I don't make mistakes, whereas switching back to reds forces me to use a lighter and more precise touch that feels like I have to put effort into being dainty and... I don't do dainty very well. The extra actuation force of the greens allows me to make contact with incorrect keys as I type while only registering the key that I intend to hit.
In comparison to blues, the only difference is the force required to press the key. The feel of the bump, actuation point and sound are all identical but the force required to reach the actuation point, push through the bump and bottom out the key are all increased, seemingly in the same proportion.
Greens are a great key, but I feel like they're a love or hate kind of thing so do your best to find a set to try before making the investment. Failing that, it comes down to whether your typing style is light and tight or loose and heavy. If it's the latter, you won't go wrong with greens... Just make sure to get them with o-rings because they're loud enough as is.