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
* Black case / Tactile switches / Black alphas with white mods * Navy case / Clicky switches / White alphas with black mods * Silver case / Linear switches / White alphas with black mods
Selecting options other than "N/A assembled keyboard selected" will cause errors - if you want a different combination, you'll need assemble things yourself and select "Planck Light Kit"
Are parts from the Planck Light compatible with the regular Planck? Unfortunately not! The Planck Light has a smaller grid spacing to match Kailh's keycaps
Is the Planck Light compatible with MX or Matias switches? Nope - just Kailh's PG1350 switches
Are there any other keycap options? Because of how new these switches are, Kailh is currently the only manufacturer of them, so we have limited options!
What color is the PCB? Matte black with gold traces
What chips are on the PCB? One at90usb1286 (128KB flash memory), and two IS31FL3731 chips
What about the FCC stuff? The Planck Light will be tested for part 15 compliance, and this has been built into the timeline!
Is the 2u key in the center actually Enter? It's space, and will be blank in the shipped keysets :) (Enter was a 2u key in the demo kits we got)
Will this support MIT and Grid layouts? Yeap! Both are supported by the PCB and LEDs, and all keysets come with the correct keys for both
What about a stabiliser for the 2u key? I didn't think one was needed for the 2u key, and unfortunately we don't have any option to include one at this time
Is there a plate? No plate! None's needed with this construction
Im not a big fan of the mixed cap color look, it be nice to have options.
https://www.reddit.com/r/olkb/comments/7f7mz8/the_planck_light_is_on_massdrop_for_150_usd/dqb51qz/?context=3