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
Its characteristics achieve a synergy that really matches my typing preference: High actuation force (unlike linear MX or Topre) but low resistance after actuation (unlike MX green which feel like they're fighting you all the way down) combined with early actuation point (unlike any MX or Topre) plus up/down dampening (unlike the subtle tinny pinging in clicky MX even with O-rings).
This leads to really confident typing, because by the time my finger overcomes the high resistance of the intitial bump, it's already passed the early actuation point; and the much lower resistance that follows trains the finger to release without fatigue. That's the best kind of tactile feedback. And since the actuation point is like a quarter of the way down instead of half, more time and travel distance to avoid bottoming out. I just fly on this switch, it makes me feel more nimble and dialed in when not needing to strike bottom, since I can release without ambiguity over activation.
I like them so much, I'm very disappointed that they're not used in more keyboards. Matias' own keyboard is competent but not outstanding in terms of features and build quality. For example, while the switch is backlight friendly, not even Matias makes a backlit keyboard. I would really love to see Code use this switch in their no-compromise design, or even Cooler Master and Corsair since they already use typist's switches in gamer oriented keyboards.
EDIT: Almost forget, keyboard with matias switches: http://www.keyboard.io/ They're launching soon.