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
Anyway, setting it up for use was simple with Windows 7, no issues there. The first thing that struck me was that the backlight on this keyboard is very bright. (Excuse the crappy image quality. Still it should give you an idea of the lighting intensity)
As for typing, it's a little hard for me to compare, since I've never used blacks. I've used reds before, and these switches definitely require more force to press than those. I did a little bit of gaming in Witcher 3, and I was a little surprised at the slight amount of fatigue my pinky finger was getting from holding down the Shift button during horse riding sections. Still, the switches feel consistent. Also, these black switches are surprisingly quiet. I tend to bottom out my keys fairly often, and on my red switch keyboard, doing so reasonably loud (not as loud as my Razer BW Chroma, however). The switches don't feel to mushy, and it's easy to tell that these are mechanical switches and not membrane.
Build quality feels solid - because of the metal plate, there's little to no flex in the keyboard. One issue I didn't like about my Razer BW Chroma is that there's a little bit of wiggle to the keycap when you fully bottom out a key. All of my Cherry keyboards didn't have this issue, and I'm glad to say I'm not getting any keycap wiggle on this keyboard either.
TL;DR: Very good keyboard for the price. Looks great too, and although each key is individually backlit, you're limited to 7 colors, and setting a color requires you to toggle through each one. Build quality is solid, and I'm satisfied with the typing experience so far.
Also for your second question on which looks more professional I would personally say the black since it blends better with most dark professional/office settings but don't let me tell you what you think would look better.