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
It's not a bad price for what you get.
Now, I didn't need the underlighting, but I think it is a cool feature, so I don't mind if it costs me extra. I don't know that I will be happy with the Kaihua/Kailh switches, but this gives me a chance to try out the speed switches, and I can always get a set of Cherry MX RGBs later if I don't like them.
When I looked into building a DIY MKB, the pricing was up in the $300+USD range without taking shipping into account, and I was still having a hard time even finding any PCBs that were bigger than 60%, let alone having all of the features I want.
Now, maybe you can go buy a Cherry MX switch RGB backlit TKL for $150, but you won't ever really own your keyboard. You will always have to put up with Corsair or Cooler Master or whomever else's software, and you will never be able to really fix your favorite keyboard. You will just have to go buy a new one next time one of the keys wears out or when you find a new switch type that you would rather have. If that is cool with you, then you are not part of this keyboard's target market. I am willing to pay $200 for the end-all be-all (as far as I'm concerned, anyway) of mechanical keyboards.