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
Making your own layout is essential to using a Planck! It is very easy to do and very well documented (but if you need help I'm always around to lend a hand!)
This is the layout I use (below). It looks chaotic, but it is easy for me to remember so it works. One thing I've found that helps me a lot is to have A) FN layer with a numpad layout (because I suck at hitting numbers on top row without legends) and B) using a number row that is Shift+"#", meaning I can hit the number row symbols without having to do FN+Shift+"#". The duplicates on my FN1: layer (such as [ ] { }) are the same. One of the pairs is already SHIFT+[ so I can access the symbols without the need to hit 3 keys at once.
I never get a layout right the first go, so I'd recommend playing with it until it feels natural! I know legends helped me a lot too, even though I can tough type it just makes the transition so much easier and makes my overall speed reach normal levels very quickly. I cant recommend this keyboard enough!!!!
Base:
Anyone want to fill me in? They look cool and all but it seems to me that a tenkeyless would be the best for this sort of "space conscious" setup.
Some reasons for me about Planck: 1. All of the reason above 2. My hand is moving less than on 60% because the keys I can access are already around my resting finger 3. Having a ortholinear layout helps my mind and hand coordination better, as the location of each key is far more rational than standard staggered one (like, where is X located in staggered? below S or below D? in planck I can easily said it is below S)
While I still use larger format keyboards at home, I do travel everywhere with a Planck.
I use my mechanical board for gaming mostly and type on my laptop, so the thought of using a mech board with a tiny space seems tricky in my personal experience even though I know other people have differennt use cases.
Switching to the Planck would be easier to use if you already know proper touch typing. I can definitely see how it would be very difficult if you are already in the habit of using odd fingers for certain keys.
I don't know my exact typing speed but I do know it hasn't changed and if anything has gotten faster. Most certainly not as fast as if I were proficient at the 'proper' typing technique.