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
I am sure the default layout will work just fine with my Norwegian settings, but I would much prefer to have my native letters in the same relative positions to the alphanumerical keys, so I guess a full redesign is needed. Empty buttons are not decided, I'd need one or two for layer manipulation :P
In my opinion, the 1.5 thumb keys are prime real estate. Look at the keys you use most often and put them there. Moving Enter was a good move. I would also put Shift and Backspace on the thumbs. After that consider moving things like Tab and Esc to the center of the board (for example, in place of Page Up/Down). Your index fingers are stronger than the little fingers, so they should do more work. This all depends on what you do. For example, I live in BASH, so I end up hitting Tab hundreds of times a day. If you don't use Tab as much as I do, you might want to leave it there.
For reference, here is the one I am cooking up. It is based on Dvorak, and modified with BASH/vim in mind. I also haven't tried it out yet (this will be my first Dox), so I will probably end up making changes when it is all said and done (I could, for example, do a lot more with layers). https://www.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox/?referer=GYNDV5&hash=18231a00c28c6b2124c555fd00489f28
Basically I have collected all ctrl, alt, shift, alt-gr etc where my thumbs are. It simplifies keycombinations a lot and also frees up some buttons since you don't need two shifts and ctrls for instance. Just having one shift saves a lot of right hand/left hand coordination when typing capitals and the same goes for shortcuts with ctrl, alt, alt-gr and the windows-key (that I use as the command key in i3 on my linux).
I could post a picture of the entire layout tomorrow if you'd like. It is a swedish colemak layout adapted for the kinesis keyboard.
The idea to use the keys near the index finger and thumbs for more used keys like Tab intrigues me. I will find some time to try to implement some of your ideas.
Oh and yes, Bash user here as well, going to have a Tux instead of the Windows key, though the picture is used for demonstration purpose, and because lack of context that tux on the Super key could lead to some unnecessary explanations.
Here is my old one before I finished it.
Totally agree how tacky and annoying clear plastic electronics are in modern day, but I plan on creating my own for this anyway.
I live near Bekkestua and have a CNC Sherline mill, but haven't done anything very serious with it. Besides, I live in an apartment now, unfortunately. But maybe could manage to make a couple of top plates or a wrist rest if I find the need, and get around to it. Or maybe the acrylic will be good enough.