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
The rest maybe, but I don't want to "get used to it" as I use keyboards in 3 different location and I'm not buying 3 keyboards "I need to get used to". So if I bought one, it would be the same format as the others so I'm not constantly trying to figure out which keyboard I am using.
I think for someone who does light keyboarding it would be fine. Unfortunately, for those of us who are keyboard warriors it's kind of hard for us to change our habits.
Mini keyboards with this layout have all the essentials and none of the unnecessary bulk. Frankly, numpads aren't used *that* frequently unless maybe you're an accountant. It takes about 2 days to adjust to using the top row, and once you do, you'll find that you have much more room on your desk and your mouse isn't an arm's length away.
My right hand home row becomes a numpad if i push a function key. You seem pretty set with full size but its a good idea if youre curious
In case you ever make the jump, heres the 75% layout I use, called the KBD75. I use the split spacebar so that I can hit the middle key with either thumb for function.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1473/3902/files/4_dd27ccd8-d9e4-4f0b-9ad2-8344f86c71c2.png?v=1523248023
On this particular keyboard, it'll pair with (3) different bluetooth devices, so you could move it between uses.
As I noted above, I use the nonrgb version for travel and light computing needs (tablet and chromebook typing) for which it's a great to have a nice mech board to type on, but it's missing utility I use at my desktop.