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
Who makes this? The company name we were given is NPKC.
Mac/Linux compatibility? Tested it on both and everything works fine.
Does the PCB and plate support different layouts? Yes and No. The PCB has the spots for split shift keys and split backspace, but the plate is the single layout. So either you can remove the plate or you'll need to work out getting one custom cut.
Blank/No keycap option? We asked about getting a no keycap option in the mix here, but haven't heard back yet.
What caps are in the pictures? What do the dye sublimated look like? The dye sub caps are the ones in the pictures. So if you choose Dye sub at checkout it comes with the purple font. Would probably look good with a purple TEX case(wink wink)
Pics of the other caps/cases? I think this is a first production run so this might be the only one that currently exists completed. Because of this I don't have any other option shots. The case looks and feels just like the one from the infinity drop though so you can use that for reference. I'm trying to get clarification on the other keycaps. Oh and these feel *exactly* like the blank keycaps that were just recently up[ They're 1.5mm thick PBT and have a nice feel to them.
Pics of the backlighting? The LEDs will be full backlighting, but I do not have them installed on this board to sample shot. I did put an LED in to confirm that it works with no other work, so changing the color would be as easy as going to Amazon/Sparkfun/Ebay and buying whatever color of through hole LEDs and soldering them in. They are located above the switch.
Is the switch housing removable without soldering? Someone 'borrowed' my tool kit and it hasn't been seen since so I can't personally try it right now, but the plate does have the extra slots cut out. This leads me to believe this is very doable.
Programming interface link? The link we have is in Chinese only and we're having them translate it to english which for some reason has taken the site down currently. As soon as the site is back up I will post the new link. Based on my testing it's incredibly intuitive and easy to use. Simple GUI interface with drag and drop.
Gateron yellows? I disabled them as an option because they cause confusion every time. Based on the Spec sheet they're identical to the Blacks. One post on Reddit showed them weighing an impressive 180g or something, but Gateron has denied this is anything they manufactured. I feel only disappointment can come from having them in there as an option.
Yup, room to move everything around. Don't know what specific layouts this would support, but I assume whatever the GH60 can support this will too.
Seriously, Alex has given this link 2 pages earlier (19), sometimes i just don't know :-(
But i agree totaly, the description page of products/drops should be updated frequently. This is one of the things MD isn't really good so far.
Imagine the .... redrop of this keyboard and the description page looks like today, i wouldn't be that surprised.
Sometimes i wonder if they are fighting with problems/limitations regarding their cms.