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
- Visually looks pretty good but...the letters on the backlit keys have some small imperfections (small lines blocking the light, stabilizers are a tiny bit rattly) the rgb around the case is not completely uniform and you can see where the LEDs are.
- Very rough keycaps, not sure this is a plus or a minus but its taking some getting used to
- The switches will vary based on your choice but the halo clears arent terrible
- To change your LED's or keymaps you will need to download some files, use massdrop's webbased compiler and reflash the firmware. I have yet to try this but I'm not stoked about this process as ive heard of people having problems... After messing with it, it is a bit confusing but i figured it out for the most part... seems that my keyboard is having trouble with showing the correct color on the right side panel even when changing them around it still shows the same lights in the wrong color (but always within the color scheme i set which is so weird.... those lights do have the capability of using all the RGB spectrum as the defaults work fine
- The feet are just plain stupid designing and demonstrate a lack of testing preproduction... they were on for less than a minute before falling off due to being weak magnetic feet that fall if you move sideways. back in the box they went
Remember i just got this today and have barely used it... i did at least test all my keys and the switches and lights (for the most part) are working SO FAR.. Im curious how it will behave once i swap the switches assuming I dont return it due to anymore serious problems