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
Hello, all! As you might have seen, I did receive a sample of this profile via Massdrop a few days back. The sample I have received is white, blank and 3D printed, so, the overall feel is NOT completely true to the finished dye-subbed PBT version, however the sculpt itself should be the same.
A little backstory of me: I dislike sculpted SA profile from Signature Plastics. I feel that it really slows me down and isn't enjoyable for me to use. I'm a much bigger fan of lower-profile caps, such as Cherry and DSA.
Anyways, after using the MT3 profile for a few days now, I have to say it's quite comfortable. It's not overly tall like I thought it might be. I do still wish it were shorter, but it does not bug me in the same way that SP's SA profile does, thankfully.
The sculpt itself is pleasantly aggressive. It really does give that vintage feel and appearance. I've not spent much time with an IBM Beamspring, unfortunately, but I have used my share of Topre Hi-Pro, and this is fairly similar to me. It cradles your fingers in a way that no other profile can. Due to the concave nature of the caps, each press is comfortable, like little finger couches. With the rampage of SA and GMK sets on the market right now, it's refreshing to have something different like this, and is very welcomed, in my eyes. It's probably not going to dethrone my current favorite profile, Cherry, but I can't wait to feel the finished version.
Some closing thoughts: These caps were sent to me on a Ducky TKL with MX Reds, so that's what I've been using them on. I think on a "nicer" board with heavier/more rigid switches, these would feel even better, but I didn't want to risk damaging the 3D printed caps by swapping them around to different boards. Being as tall as they are, they incur a stronger feeling of "wobble", similar to SA profile. Some people like me don't mind it, but I know others are appalled by it. As neat as the sculpt is, I do feel it would work best with the most rigid switches you can find. Invyr Pandas, Topre->MX sliders and the newest "Speed" iterations from Kailh all come to mind, though honestly, I think the MX switch-style in general is not the best for this, hence why it was originally on the much more robust IBM Beamspring. With that said, I'm very interested to see what switches people use these with!
Also, I don't type "correctly". My typing style is a lot more of what I like to call "freestyle". Personally, I feel a more proper typing style will suit this sculpt best, as I can't fully enjoy the angles with my own method, which might also be why I lean more towards more neutral sculpts.
Thanks again to Massdrop for providing me a sample of this. I'll definitely be ordering a set!
EDIT: Swapped MOD switches for Topre->MX Sliders. because it seems others may have wobblier MOD switches than I do.
Mod switches are easily the wobbliest switches I have in comparison to zealios, ergo clears, kailh coppers. I threw SA on my mod switches just to see how extreme it could be and boy oh boy it's something else, but I do still like them.
Waiting upon the Tactile M - Mod switches to arrive at my place, curious if they are any better than the standard Cherry's or Zealio's.