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
Also, there's this RIDICULOUS feature where the management software actually speaks and all of the keyboard LEDs blink twice very slowly when you change layers. There's already an indicator light for this purpose! I don't need some dude telling me that I pressed a key. I'm the one who pressed it! You can turn that off, thankfully. Well, you can turn off the voice. The slow blinking nonsense is not configurable.
So, I love the build quality and feel of this keyboard. And it looks nice. But it's RIDICULOUS that you can't reassign the scroll wheel. That could have been useful for lots of things. It's completely useless as a volume wheel. Computers already have software and hardware controls for that. It's almost unbearable that I can't reassign the Windows key to actually be a Windows key without turning off the rest of the keyboard. I'm pretty bummed.
EDIT: Also, just generally you can't reassign arbitrary keys. The programmability is VERY limited. Maybe I don't want a layer switch key at all? Or maybe I want to assign that to M5? You just can't. Sorry.
But overall I'm pretty happy with this keyboard, and haven't had any real issues with it which other people seem to be having. The macro keys work fine, the cherry reds feel fantastic (to me), the build quality is great, and it's ridiculously compact.
*edit* nvm I got it, its on the first tab of the software and just click on the key to select Win-L for those wondering.