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
A quick update. We've been talking to MKC about adding more switch options (Brown and Clear) for this drop. Right now it'll not be possible to add Cherry MX Brown or Clear switches to this drop because of the switch scarcity.
We are, however, looking into Brown and Clear switch options from brands other than Cherry that we could provide MKC to get more switch options up for the community.
We'll post an update soon with more news.
What about us who have already bought these Gateron switches from you?
What about us who have already bought expensive keysets from you?
We want options added for naked keyboards -- no switches, no keycaps -- À la carte.
Of course this isn't possible with mass manufactured big keyboard companies. MKC is not a big company and these keyboards are not just being pulled off an assembly line. This is as you say a special made-to-order run for Massdrop. As of now it seems like a custom keyboard, without all the customization.
Behind every drop there is a calculation of the price, lets asume 100% margin. Will be more or less on different parts/components.
This is calculated 200$ as a package. You don't want switches, lets say 40$, MKC only has to pay 20$ for them. They just lost 20$ income. You don't want keycaps, lets say 20$, MKC only has to pay 10$ for them. They just lost 10$ income. The next one will demand no leds, 10$ less, MKC only has to pay 3$ for them, another loss. What about labour, i mean they dont have to solder and assemble, this must be worth another 20$.
Even if all this would happen, the next one will step up, fuck 110$ for a case and a lousy pcb, not even a phantom board, rip off and so on and on. The whole calculation would fall apart, and there will always be people being unhappy/angry for given options.
If you've bought your Gateron switches and expensive keysets and springs .... from other drops/merchants with the intention to be entitled to ask another company to fulfill your wishes to their loss, than you're a fool in my eyes.
Now you're invited to be the next one to call me a smart ass or biased or whatever. I see it as a more realistic point of view, and there has to be a healthy balance of customers demands/wishes and companys needs to survive.
Just my two cents, which i didn't even wanted to write, but this was bothering me the whole morning.
Anyway...who buys a $200 keyboard and use with stock keycaps? not me :)
If you mean "expensive keyboard", then I'd argue that if people thing that they already paid a lot for a keyboard, they expect it to come with good keycaps that they don't need to immediately replace.