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
While doing it, she could tell herself she was not doing a "good" job. I was sure all connections were solid though, and kept encouraging her not to worry with the looks. She only had a single mistake; she considered a LED connection done, still "solder blob" was levitating above pad.
After she was done, we plugged PCB, flashed it a LED enabled firmware and everything worked like a charm. There were certainly things that could be done better, and things that could be fixed, but none of them would help keyboard live any longer. I just cleaned it and bolted it down to its case. I am using it for three days in a row (typing this message as well) and it still works fine.
If you're afraid of learning against MiniVan PCB, you could buy a protoboard (e.g. https://www.sparkfun.com/products/8619) and cheap passive components (e.g. https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10969) and solder them to hell [links used as reference - you care not for quality - you got enough time till MiniVan is shipped - they are way cheaper in other places]. After 50 connections, you should be experienced enough.