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
The Takeaway: It's a genuinely good (even very good) product in its own right, but the marketing (and as part of that, information given to influencers) isn't on the level--and customers simply aren't being provided with enough information to get the most out of it. It would be totally different if this thing came with a manual that described how to program the thing or at least what syntax it uses - because only the keymapping is QMK - the RGB and Macros aren't. Who told the customers that? Nobody. The communication and support just isn't there. Personal experience ranting: The warranty card that comes with this item spends 5 or so bullet points talking about how they'll replace the product if it's not right... and one pointing out that M̶a̶s̶s̶drop reserves the right not to replace a product that does not work as advertised. The card says they will do this if they can't source a replacement (reasonable) - but the reps made it sound like a replacement was never in the realm of possibility under any conditions (hmm). I suppose that's their prerogative - but that in combination with their unwillingness (or genuine inability) to answer questions has left a decidedly sour taste in my mouth when it comes M̶a̶s̶s̶drop and this keyboard. They offered a refund to return the board, or a roughly 15% discount. I might have taken the refund and simply bought another, but M̶a̶s̶s̶drop could not confirm or deny if the next board I purchased would be likely to have the same issues - they simply wouldn't say - and unfortunately, the big one of the RGB not working correctly comes up a little too often for my comfort when searching online. The reps were very polite and I imagine they were following policy exactly as they were instructed, but their responses were so canned it felt like I was talking to robots. I've enjoyed a handful of drops over the years, but it's pretty hard to imagine coming back after this experience.