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
What I do find interesting is how little anyone is talking about the sockets themselves. What makes me most nervous is from what I've found online the switch sockets are only rated at 100 cycles. Sure 100 sounds like a lot, but I'm sure that 100 cycles is based on an average which means you have 87 chances to get one that fails earlier. If you are lucky and it fails right away it can likely be sent in for repair, but I'm not sure what happens a couple years down the road even if you have soldering skills. The Min Order Qty on those sockets is 8K and it is hard to tell how exactly they are soldered to the board. http://kailh.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008841433231/pdtl/Keyboard-switch/1149223118/Mechanical-keyboard-switche....htm (that really is the link. You may have to C&P it. Who puts 3 dots at the end of their filename?)
Or go here and click on the socket from the other products list: http://kailh.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008841433231/pdtl/Keyboard-switch/1143723492/Key-Switch.htm
Given the features of this board I don't think that $200 is terribly out of line. UBS C, SMDs, open source firmware and hardware, and yes no solder key switch swaps is what most interests me.
Not sure what your switch preference is (I'm a tactile man myself), but you should check out the Kailh Bronze switch (not offered in this drop). Its a clicky switch, but how they pulled it off is quite intriguing. Its basically a linear switch with a leg that sticks out on the LED side with a small spring arm that gets pushed down by that leg and snaps up. It kind of reminds me of a safety pin design. I think it might be too loud for me, but it is nice to see someone thinking outside the box. I think that is part of the reason that IC went with Kailh switches. They seem to be trying to innovate.
Besides, since the K-type allows hot-swapping of switches, I think there's no good reason not to try something new. If it turns out you don't like it, then just pick up some switches and spend 5 minutes swapping them out. :)