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
Besides a huge scratch on the bottom of my base and the horrible engraving job that still has a bunch of metal shavings stuck in it, the base just feels wrong. It feels like it was just dipped in paint but I know for sure it isn't anodized, I have a ton of stuff that is anodized aluminum and every one of them has a very smooth glass type feel. It could be powder coated but even then it feels a lot more rough than my PC Case which I know is powder coated. It kind of feels like it's covered in baby powder. Everytime I pick it up I feel like I'm going to have orange powder all over my hands.
I decided to go ahead and assemble the keyboard for a few reason; 1. don't want to wait another 6 months for a replacement that is more than likely going to be the same horrible quality. 2. I plan on using this keyboard to travel so I doubt the finish would last very long even if it was done right so it's not a huge deal for me compared to a home user. 3. I eventually plan on ordering a custom milled base so it only needs to last until then.
overall the keyboard works and I really like the PCB. Only downside here is there is no configurator which is fine as I knew that going in but it would have made up for the horrible quality on the top plate and base.
Pictures included just because. I added white LED lighting that I got from zealpc
This is my first keyboard from Ortholinear Keyboards and it's definitely going to be my last keyboard from them, might end up being my last keyboard from Massdrop too. For the price, the amount of work I've had to put into it, how long it took to get, and the down right horrible quality control I could have just built the thing myself.