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
Now to get on to the bad though, I've reached out to customer support and hopefully they get back to me, there's a couple of issues I have on my board. First is what looks like a anodization error on the plate portion of the case. Now this isn't too much of a big deal because it is hidden by the caps, but still. Secondly is a huge error in what looks to be the cnc machining. On my bottom plate, the right edge doesn't sit flush with the top of the case from the plate being cut too far in. You can really tell when looking at the side of the board and it's quite the eye sore. Here's to hoping they send me a replacement case potentially, and hoping no one else is really having these issues.
Another side note, unhappy with the packaging. The box itself is clean looking and I love the art on it, but inside, the case was just screwed together by a couple screws on opposite corners, inside a thin plastic wrap that gives barely any real protection. I can understand that everything was designed to be budget friendly on this build, but at least some bubble wrap, and keep the top and bottom of the case separated please. I've seen others report scratching due to the pieces clanging together in shipment and it's such a easy thing to fix for the next round.
Edit - One thing I forgot to mention is that the PCB has the Esc and 1 key as North Facing LEDs, I've heard this can interfere with GMK key caps being able to be fully pressed when an LED is in. I have no idea why the swithces are like this, I'm not experienced enough in PCB design to guess. Other 60% PCBs like the DZ60 do not have this issue though.
Edit 2 - North Facing LEDs around the USB are due to the Kailh Hot Swap components bumping up against the USB component. According to other users online, this is actually a non issue with GMK Key caps that are Row 1. So well designed by @tokyocoffeenerd :D
Nathan Kim (my favorite typing test channel) has a couple of great videos on the process of lubing MX switches and stabilizers. Highly recommend watching and giving it a shot, be forewarned, it's quite time consuming without a switch top remover he uses (I didn't have it).
Switches - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSgPKPoFo2k Stabilizers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD5Zj-ZgMLA