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
You can also use 1206 SMD LEDs, and I'd recommend going that route if possible, since they shoot light straight down. Put a bit of solder on the anode pad, then heat up & slide the part on with tweezers. Then solder the cathode.
I covered the top and part of the bottom with SMD LEDs on my current build; photos attached.
I went with the 1206 LEDs because I really like Matias switches, and they don't have a place to put a leaded LED.
I've got some yellow ones for my board and I'm debating going for an underlight look around the edge.
Excellent post though and I appreciate the additional info on leds and pictures!
By the way, how many lighting levels do you get with the stock firmware? I'm seeing something like four different levels. (My board is at work, so I can't check it right now, but that's what I think I saw.)
Would be nice to have some better LED control in the configurator (and mouse keys?)
"...the left and right halves desync and I get two different lighting levels on each half."
I have seen that, too. I usually put them back to "LED off" to resync them, and then try LED+ again.
"Just like the Infinity Ergodox Type-C you only need a 2.0 Type-C cable to plug into your computer. However, [the K-Type] does support the interconnect protocol and will work with other keyboards such as the Infinity Ergodox using 3.0 Type-C cables."
Check out more about it on this reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/54ptmr/photos_norcal_meetup_fall_2016_input_club_x_md/d84alx5/?context=2
I've done some more research and will soon be purchasing a 3.0 set that's supposed to be properly made to-spec for data, hopefully these work.
Alternatively, if you already have a cable, you could use an ohmmeter to check the connections.
So, my advice is this: First, make sure you have a real usb-c cable with all the conductors. i.e. buy a good one. Second, if it does not work as an interconnect on the Ergodox, try flipping over the usb-c connector in the socket on the Ergodox. You might have a problem with one of the pairs of connectors on the usb-c socket on your Ergodox.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7PMID0/ref=twister_B01DM6UP6W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
That one in your link talks about 'charging', but I don't see anything about data. ---- Update: I think you would be looking for the phrase "SuperSpeed Sync and Charging". "Sync" means data transfer.