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
1 . Configuration of each individual key. I was hoping we could configure key combinations at will using the key modifiers: Shift/Ctrl/Alt, AltGr/GUI... 2. Macros on a single key: e.g. a single Copy key instead of the traditional Ctrl+C. Is it possible to define macros? 3. So called "Special characters"... French, German, Scandinavian, Turkish, Polish, Spanish, etc. we all use these characters, which make them normal to us, and it would have been nice to have them available.
I hope this is being developed and that the solution won't be impossible to apply for a non-developer...
People that bought this and do not have some sort of programming ability should not complain about the features that someone else worked for hours without pay to build. A configurator is provided but was not a part of the drop that you payed for. You payed for parts and nothing more.
I think you need to read again the description of the ErgoDox drop together with the Infinity 60% Keyboard Kit where the Infinity concept is described: a fully customizable keyboard... it talks about people, not developer, an easy-to-use configurator, not hardcore programming skill. The ErgoDox is on Open Source keyboard... OK... it is also a unique ergonomic solution for person with Repetitive Strain Injury (my case) and RSIs do not only strike programmers and gamers.
I have no programming skills but I am used to the Linux environment (command lines not the graphical interface) and I am afraid to venture in the dark side of programming but I still struggle. You do not seems to realize that most (not all) of the documentation is written by the developper community for the developer community, not for the people...
So please allow me to ask for more than what we have now... a much more complex configurator, an improve documentation/instructions with the people as target... and yes I hope that my points will be taken into consideration by the persons working hard behind the scene to fulfill this project promises.