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
Then since I was in the first round of the drop, I had a USB port break. Massdrop sent a replacement board, so I had to de-solder everything. That is when I started damaging switches.
Also, if you think about it, you identify the LEDs polarity using the length of the leads, but you have to trim them down to fit the sockets. This means it is a lot harder to re-install the LEDs for a second time. Plus, just like some LEDs are too lose, some are also too tight and hard to remove.
Overall, I think you're better off investing in a de-soldering pump for the occasion you want to switch colors. De-soldering isn't much more difficult than dealing with tight SIP sockets, and the advantage of not having to deal with all the other downsides makes it worth it.
Agree on your other comment - I finally invested in a desoldering station by AOYUE and it's the best investment I've ever made. Used it to desolder some switches from a custom I built where I wanted to change the modifier layout and it's the first time in my life where the solder was pulled completely clean to the point where the switch would pop out with no real application of force.
I hope and pray that lifted pads are a thing of the past for me.
I just looked at the schematics on "https://github.com/kiibohd/pcb". It looks to me like each of the LEDs is supposed to be individually addressable by the circuit board. So, it seems like the LEDs could possibly work independently. However, the actual behavior of the LEDs will depend on what is running in the MCU.
I'll try to experiment with it when I get my kit in August. Thanks!