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
Is this actually a major problem when looking at GMK caps and MX switches with north facing LED? Is there any way Massdrop could consider swapping these to south facing LED if ti is a problem? Or is that a matter of just making compatibility with shine through caps + thin wall caps? As a south facing LED woudln't work well with the included PBT caps.
Are there any switches that don't have this interference issue with GMK caps and North facing LED? I'm not tied to MX switches, so I'm open to looking at other switch options.
Maybe I can go on /r/mechmarket and look for some left over GMK caps and do some testing on my own. Put some paint on the switch top, bottom out the cap and see if there are paint marks inside the keycap. I can then take one keycap and use a fine dremel to actually see how much is hitting by removing material.
I guess the bottom line for me, I'm more of a clicky switch person anyway. So having the keycaps bottom out a fraction of a millimeter less and have maybe a bit more plastic on plastic clack is not going to be noticed compared to someone who's trying to make an ultra-silent linear or tactile switch keyboard. So I can see the concern some people have and the lengths they go to make their keyboards near silent.
I am the same way I am not a clicky person but I do enjoy the more muted sound cap's and switches can make. At the moment I am typing on a set of Cherry MX clear's with XDA God Speed Caps. I really enjoy the sound they make, Its not very loud but its just kinda reminds me of rain on a roof are window. Sorta muted soothing calming. Sounds strange I know.
As the Alt uses SMD LEDs, it should be a non-issue.