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
But among other reasons, some folks don't share your desire to share boards with others. Some folks go out of their way to have boards others find difficult to use. It isn't my daily driver, but as a bit of a joke, I used an Atreus equipped with Modern Semiotic caps at work for a while. From folks unaware of the custom keyboard tarpit, it got a reaction. Love that keyset.
I'm still trying to find a perfect 75% board though, I usually use 100% because of my preference for function but lately I've wanted a smaller form factor. Something with alphanumerics, function keys, and arrow keys would be perfect, but I'm trying to find one that doesn't waste any space (where the right side ends at the right arrow and there's a few extra keys from the home group going up from there to the top). I believe that's 75%. There's a few out there, but I also don't want to buy it from a garbage company. I'll find it eventually though.
It sounds to my like you're describing a board like the TX87[1], but I'm not sure. I love that board; it is absolutely top-shelf quality, and has a matching price tag.
Or if you're not wed to MX switches and would prefer to not spend a sum that could otherwise fund major dental work, the RF87U[2] is a very nice mass-produced Topre board. I use one at work.
[1] http://imgur.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/xreyQ
[2] https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se1700
That was funny though because when I typed the message I thought to myself "I hope he doesn't think I'm calling it ugly." I really don't think that, it's just not how I'd design my impractical fun keyboard, haha.
Also thanks for the tip on a 75% board to check out. I was hoping by mentioning it that maybe someone would jump in with some ideas. Someone actually posted a picture in this drops discussion somewhere of several of them all with this keycap set all in the same alphas and modifiers. It's exactly the same form factor I want, it's just very hard to find one that isn't either made by a garbage company or over $300.
I'm interested in the S75 because the keyboard will have hot-swappable switches. Perfect for me to play around with switches without having to desolder. SentraqS75:https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/6o9wer/coming_soon_sentraq_s75/
Either is a good choice. An alternate that is also quite good is the Vortex 75%. The only problem is that it has a unique first row with a 1.25u ESC key which makes it nearly impossible to find custom keysets for. I think they only did this to stagger the top row so it doesn't look as odd. Vortex 75%: https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-75-Keycaps-Mx-Clear-Aluminium/dp/B072LZ2YRM
Thanks again for the info.
There's also the Exent[1], which is currently delayed, but should hit r/mm eventually. Although you mentioned wanting to not waste space, and wasting space is the entire point of that board.
[1] https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=86815.0
Not sure how that turned into a Razer roast. I guess marketing dollars being spent. Anyway I'm going to keep an eye on the Exent. As far the Red Scarf, I am very familiar with it. To the point where I wouldn't think it was weird if a man who was typing his whole life on some terrible piece of cost-cutting that came with a Dell or something started crying after getting a perfect board the first time around. I am convinced that a keyboard like that would have helped George R R Martin finish the books and some other unnamed project from start to finish, as well. But either they're impossible to find or "did I just have a small stroke? probably for the best since I'm going to miss the group buy now" expensive.