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
As my first mechanical keyboard I'm looking for a smaller profile since my keyboard tray is kinda small. Being unsure whether I can live without 10-key, I'm hoping this won't leave me with any regrets down the road.
I'm pretty confident in my soldering ability so the LEDs can come later, having a choice of color gives this the edge over the Cooler Master TK for me as well, which is similarly priced at this initial price. Unlocking the lowest price would make this a no-brainer.
On the one hand, loved having my hands closer together while still being able to tap the right Enter key with my right thumb.
On the downside, I forgot I *need* both my arrow keys and numpad available at the same time while working in Photoshop. I thought I could fix this with a secondary numbpad, but forgot the num lock would toggle both the main board and add-on keypad.
Wound up selling my Quickfire TK and picking up a standard TKL board to go along with the separate numpad. I really miss that right-side Enter key. The QfTK was an amazing browsing/gaming keyboard - I just couldn't use it for work.