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
1u represents the size of a regular keycap like F or J. A reminder that both rows are Row 4 height (referred to as Row 1 for WASD profile, Row B for Cherry profile):
SECOND LAST ROW: Right shift is 2u (standard is 2.25u). You can replace it with the 0/Ins key from a full 104/108 keyboard set (bottom row of the numberpad) which is also 2u, and the correct row height to boot. Followed by 13x1u. BOTTOM ROW: 3x standard 1.25u, spacebar is standard 6.25u, then 5x1u
So you will need a 2u for the right shift and 4 extra 1u keycaps for left Shift, PN, FN and left Ctrl (disregarding arrow keys which are standard in full-size keycap sets), all of Row 4 height, to complete the board.
(I apologise if this is too long or too much to mull over just before the end of the drop, but I wanted it to be fairly exhaustive :D)