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
Grey (linear): A nice, lightweight linear switch. These switches are extremely smooth and lack the 'graininess' that usually accompanies Cherry Reds and Blacks, which is a nice touch. I prefer these to their Cherry counterparts.
Orange (tactile): These have a very noticeable tactile bump with what feels to me like a slightly higher actuation point than Cherry Browns and Clears. It's like a cross between the two, in that the bump is about as pronounced as a Clear, while having a similar actuation force to a Brown. Unfortunately, I do think they feel a bit plasticky with a fair bit of graininess above the actuation point. They're definitely not as premium feeling as Clears. I would not personally recommend these switches over their Cherry counterparts.
Purple (click): These are my favourite of the bunch. My current daily driver is a Ducky Shine 4 with Cherry Green switches and these come close to beating them. The Purples are much smoother than Orange and this, coupled with an extremely pleasant clicking sound, make for a near-perfect typing experience. If EpicGear produced an alternative with an actuation force as high as a Cherry Green, they could very possibly be my favourite switches of all. I'd recommend these over Cherry Blues, but not Cherry Greens out of personal preference for a high actuation force. If you're looking for a lightweight, clicky switch with no noticeable graininess, you found it here.
In conclusion, if EG produced a keyboard with their Purple switches that didn't come in a package that looks like the brainchild of an axe murderer and a toddler, I'd take it into serious consideration. Also, I'd likely purchase a keyboard with a firmer version of the Purple switch.
P.S. Thank you to EpicGear for providing us with these sample kits. I think it's a great way to get your product out there. You've turned an overwhelmingly negative response into a positive learning experience for your potential consumer base.