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
Seems like I lucked out, as I didn't have many issues that others are seeing. All my switches (Cherry MX White) fit fine, and all of them function fine when soldered. One side of my top plate had serious scratch and burn marks, but the other side was almost perfect (didn't realize the top plate finish would be brushed metal either, but whatever). My only fitting issue was the PCB stabilizers not fitting without some resistance to the top plate. I ending up pushed down with force and scratched off some plastic off the stabilizers. Not that big a deal for me, but it was a bit worrying when I was trying initially to test fit and couldn't get it to work.
The keyboard is heavier than expected, and I also didn't realize the bottom was supposed to be anodized when it honestly feels powdercoated. Not even a good powdercoat, since the finish on mine feels really rough, and a portion of the inner part where the PCB lies didn't get evenly coated. It doesn't affect the look, but it was disappointing to see that QC wasn't exactly applied (unlike my Ergodox kit which I was very satisfied with).
The finish of the bottom case looks nowhere near as nice as it does on the picture during the drop. Also, whoever milled the K's on the lettering on the bottom never bothered to clean them up, as there's clearly excess aluminum that was milled on the right side of the letter that pushed over to the left side and was never cleaned up. I'd remove it myself, but I'm afraid if I do then I'd also remove the powdercoated section of the letter, and I definitely don't want a half silver/half painted letter.
Have still yet to figure out what the default layout is, and how to reprogram the thing. I've read a few guides, but I don't exactly have coding experience, and can't find the ATMega32U4 driver anywhere to properly install on Windows.
Overall satisfied with the build, it took me less than an hour to unpack and fully solder/assemble the keyboard which was nice. I now want a Planck for myself too, but I don't think I could go with another drop unless the QC/finer details are sorted and hammered out. Only then would I consider joining another Planck drop.