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
When you up your game and start milling these let me know.
I do like the case design though, and am actually interested in a milled/mould version (alu, wood, delrin, titanium, admantium, mithril .. whatever)
Edit: I will say that the pictures are not of high enough quality on this to really show the layer lines. But massdrops pictures are never of high enough quality
There is also a difference from going to a '3d printed thing' store and going to someplace like here and buying something. The quality expectations are different.
Additive manufacturing may not have the precision of subtractive manufacturing but I think it has its place in the keyboard community. It allows boards like the dactyl and manuform, which would not be possible to make at a reasonable cost any other way.
Some 3D printed designs are impossible to injection mold since they would need to be either two-part designs, or hollow underneath. A solid shell with hexagonal infill is easy to do with a 3D printer, but impossible to do with an injection mold.