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
- battery life - programmability - did you figure out how to turn on the lighting - WPM issues noted below - quality - etc.
I emailed MD about the questions we're having. Effectively MD can't answer the questions we're having, but, the "...buyer will reach out via the discussion page if they have the opportunity to. "
Haven't tried programming it yet.
With a lack of any instructions from the manufacturer, I have tried so many combinations of keys to try and figure the lighting out and just can't. So irritating. The one I have is the black case and it has a red underglow.
a) the bottom of the case just has open slots. So the underlighting looks like a series of dots. You need to attach a diffuser on the inside of the case if you like it to be a smooth diffused look. b) I have tried so hard to turn off the under lighting as its annoying but cant figure that key combo out either. So frustrating.
WPM I didn't have problems with.
Quality: the sad part is, it feels quite nice and the case and backplate make it feel solid. But with all of these issues, especially lack of literature, it's not quite a home-run.
Bluetooth functions: Fn + Q (3 s) = start pairing Fn + Q = reconnect
Composite keys: Fn + Control = swap control with Caps Lock Fn + Win = disable Win key
IPad functionality (when paired with my iPad): Fn + 1 = Dim screen Fn + 2 = Brighten screen Fn + 7 = media - previous track Fn + 8 = media - pause/play Fn + 9 = media - next track Fn + 0 = media toggle mute Fn + - = media volume down Fn + = = media volume up
Lighting functions:
Fn + Enter = toggle fixed (white, off, red, green, blue, yellow, purple, cyan) Fn + \ = Switch modes (unclear at present) Fn + up arrow = LED brighter Fn + down arrow = LED dimmer Fn + Del = Enter pre-programmed display patterns (snake, ...) Fn + space bar = Pause/enable pre-programmed display pattern Fn + left arrow = speed up keyboard animation Fn + right arrow = slow down keyboard animation
Numeric keypad: Fn + n = 0 Fn + m = 1 Fn + , = 2 Fn + . = 3 Fn + j = 4 Fn + k = 5 Fn + l = 6 Fn + u = 7 Fn + i = 8 Fn + o = 9