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
Design: 4.5 I like the idea of Oblotzky, especially about making keycaps from some coders' theme, except assembly kit and some other kits don't have traditional legends but only "add sub mul div..." Final design is not perfect to my taste but I respect his idea.
Offered kits: 5 I got some plan to make some vintage-looking keyboard, and there are not many keycap sets which offer minila kits, extension kits are also good, so I decided to buy them to use for my display collection and other plans.
Color: 4 A bit lighter gray modifiers and legends, and a bit darker red keys than I expected, but overall they are pretty close to rendered images. SP did a good job.
(The picture above looks a little yellowish because of late afternoon sunlight, I didn't adjust any color balance or brightness, just reduced and cut its size.)
Quality: 3 I think they are usual SP grade. I got some foggy coating marks on some modifiers, most alphas are very good except my "U" key has a weird orange plastic or paint dust. Not perfect, overall very good, but in consideration of the price, I can give only 3 out of 5.
Conclusion: 4 Before I make the right keyboard for these keycaps, I can't find out how these beautiful things will shine with it. I want to see next versions of these keycaps no matter how long it takes. I am happy to see some great ideas become real.
Thanks to SP did a good job although they need improving their tools and QC, Massdrop also did a good job, I appreciate they made this drop happen, and I want to thank James C. who helped me change my shipping address right before the shipping started.
(If anyone work in Massdrop read this, please send my regard to James C., but he might not remember who I am.)
And thank you very much, Oblotzky. Please continue making awesome keycaps!