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
1. This keyboard is not Topre and does not feel like it. However, it is the closest mechanical keyboard that I know that comes close to the feeling. This royal kludge is missing the snappiness i.e. a major source of tactility that comes with the true Topre like Novatouch, HHKB, Realforce, etc. A common quote that I agree with "like smooth cherry mx browns:
2. This keyboard is dental banded from the factory. Since a big part of the noise from Topre keyboard is the slider, i.e. the plastic piece below the keycap hitting the frame on the upstroke, a rubber ring on it cushions the upstroke and reduce noise. Some people say that dental banding removes tactility from the keyboard. So I removed the dental bands and I don't think there was a significant difference in noise, but did get a slight increase in better feeling.
3. If you want to open up the keyboard, there is no screws. Insert a plastic knife into the crack between the two plastic frames, slide along the knife to pop the plastic clips holding the upper and lower half.
4. The keyboard that I received had super scratchy plastic sliders. I lubed them and enjoyed the smoother keypresses. HOWEVER, opening up the keyboard is super annoying. I did not realize how easy it was for Topre springs to fall out of the rubber dome and spent a fun hour trying to get all the springs back into their domes. Don't make my mistake!
5. Programming can be a bit annoying. Once you get the hang of the provided software, pretty easy and cool to do. Can do macros, change most if not all the key assignments, switch on mouse emulations, and many more. Programming can only be done and used when the keyboard is set to write protection off mode. *If this post helps people and programming is a subject of interest, I will edit this post to include tutorial on how to program keyboard.