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
First, the bad: The USB port at the rear bent inwards when I first tried to plug in the supplied USB cord, threatening to break off (and forcing me to open it up and repair it.) Instead, I switched USB cords to another one I already owned that inserted more easily, and now it's stable on my desk. If I moved my keyboard around a lot this would be a significant problem, and I'd probably open it up and repair it.
Otherwise, it's quite nice. I like the distinct roughness of these keycaps, which I'm assuming is a property of the PBT. The aluminum housing is, as everyone says, ridiculously heavy and solid. I'm running Cherry Blues, and this is lot more dead sounding than the Ducky Zero I run at work, which I also quite like for the record. I also hate the gamer-y fonts found on most LED mechanical keyboards, but this font is just fine by me - a slightly bit techie but not absurd like most of them.
Lighting is nice but I keep it on a single color and don't play with effects. I find the manual confusing but that's not a deal breaker.
I hope they pay more attention to the USB port in future revisions, but for $150 I'm happy.