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
Even so, I highly recommend watching some youtube videos, and practicing by trying to solder some through-hole components (cheap resistors or bits of wire) onto plated protoboard (no need to get one that's this fancy looking, but I just happen to like how it looks: https://www.adafruit.com/products/571). A reasonable iron, some solder, the resistors, and protoboard can be ordered online or picked up at a Radio Shack (or other electronics store) for less than 20-30 bucks...much less than buying two plancks and throwing one away if you make a lot of soldering mistakes :).
As for switch types, I believe the closest "Zealios" to "MX Clears" are the 78g ones, based on all of the various forum/reddit posts about Zealios. the 65g ones will probably be closer to an "MX Brown" switch but with the better tactile bump of the "MX Clear"... ^--I could also be completely wrong about the zealios, this is just my understanding from what I've read online, I have not actually tried zealios yet (though I did order some 67 and 78g ones :))
If you're nervous about soldering, some things to keep in mind: *You're feeding solder into the joint, so make sure there is enough clearance between your fingers and the soldering iron. It's easy to forget when you're concentrating on soldering to "restock" the solder. On that note: *Give yourself plenty of solder to work with. Trying to conserve solder is false economy. *With this kit, heat one side of the leads for a few seconds and apply solder on the opposite side of the lead. WAIT FOR THE LEAD TO MELT THE SOLDER. Don't let the iron melt the solder. *If you get a "cold joint", apply flux and reheat the joint. *In fact, apply flux to all joints before you start soldering. Flux cleans the metal as it's heated. This is good for melting the solder onto the metal. *Clean your soldering iron often by "tinning the tip". This means using a wet sponge to wipe away soot and applying a small amount of solder to the iron tip itself. Wipe away extra solder onto the sponge. *Use lead based solder. Don't waste your time with the other stuff.
Just some things to get you started. Practice kits are a great idea. Get flux too. Just realize the smaller boards might be a little hard to control since you're pushing a soldering iron against them. Good luck!