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
Overall I have really enjoyed typing and gaming on them these past few months. The metal leaf design is really unlike anything else I have tried. The keys strike a great balance between being feather-light and having enough resistance to reject stray key presses. They are listed as 50g, but I would say overall the switch feels much lighter than a Cherry/Gateron blue (Input Club's force graph seems to back this up). The tactile bump feels much thinner as well. The click has a loud and unique sound that I would describe as "sharp" in comparison to Cherry/Gateron blues. It's surprisingly satisfying and gives keystrokes an added weight that other speed switches lack.
However, they still aren't perfect. I found myself accidentally pressing keys while resting at home row from time to time (granted, I have the same problem with MX Silvers but worse). It seems that the activation point is so close to the clicky point that it's possible to activate them without producing a click.
With all that said, I still think these switches are fantastic and I would recommend these switches for their unique feel and excellent quality.
This time around I'm springing for the Copper pack. I would love to see if they maintain a similar feel while being much quieter, so that I could swap them in my keyboard at work.