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
Oddly enough, Massdrop sells mechanical keyboards in their Tech section sometimes. I bought a Nixeus Moda Pro from there just before the holidays and it’s better than I expected for $50. And there is a drop open now for a Gigabyte Force K83 Cherry MX.
Are you typing in QWERTY, or a different layout? One of the nice things about the WASD boards is being able to throw a toggle switch to change to a few of the more common alternate layouts.
The Gigabyte keyboard is attractive! I'll be typing in QWERTY, anything else is too fancy for me lol.
Do you have any good sources for coiled cables? I think I'll just get an Amazon Basics micro-usb to usb-c.
Wow, good luck! Be sure to share images when you are done, I'm super curious to see what it will look like in the end.
But someone in that drop's discussion commented that a "better" keyboard is available on Amazon, and it happens to have blues: https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Cherry-Detachable/dp/B01N23BAFB
I cannot find the type of USB cable socket on either board. Be careful not to buy the wrong cable, both Mini & Micro USB are common. I'd wait until you have the board in hand before ordering a coiled cable. And I don't know anything about cable sources. If you just want black, Amazon is probably your best bet.
Thanks for the tip, I typically buy my cables from Amazon, my preferred brand is Anker, but Amazon Basics makes good cables as far as I've experienced. I needed a usb power hub so I could easily power a bunch of Raspberry Pis for work, so I ordered retractable cables. They probably won't last, but I am worried about desk clutter more than anything.
I think finding a coiled cable will be more about luck than anything else lol.
Amazon's price is a bit more than Massdrop's was when I bought it. Massdrop will probably run it again.
If a TKL is enough, there is a drop open for the next 4 days with blues as an option: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/nixeus-moda-v2-mechanical-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=linkshare&referer=AV5F4D
I wish I could safely remove that nexeus logo.