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
I have the Mac version and it's easy to swap back and forth to Windows modes by removing the right COMMAND keycap and changing the DIP switches there. You can also set the L or R space bar to be backspace.
After a few months, I'm still not on "autopilot" for the non-standard "home/end/pgup/pgdn" cluster, and I never use the undo/cut/copy/paste cluster either. I do kinda wish they had a second "6" on the left hand as that's what I was used to from my previous Microsoft Natural keyboard, but that's a minor niggle for me. The ALPS-clone switches are hard to find alternative keycaps for.
The biggest reason why I wanted this keyboard over other ergonomic mechanical ones, is that the overall arrangement is the most like a standard keyboard, but still has the comfort split. I tried a Kinesis Advantage for a week at work, and while I could definitely see becoming adept with it in the long term, when I'm away from my office desk, I use a laptop and wouldn't want to have to spend the mental energy to remember to not use the extra thumb keys. (same with ErgoDox.)