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
On the plus side, I tested all by switches as working and the circuit board seems to be functioning as expected. I wasn't able to test the LEDs I installed as I guess they are not programmed to come on be default. I'll need to retest it all after I tear it apart and put it back together.
On a side note, I found that one of the screws I received did not have a hole in it for putting the Allen wrench into. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a replacement at the hardware store, or maybe I'll just go without a screw.
When you start separating the switches from the pcb, be gentle and desolder the same pin a couple times until it's loose, poke it with a pair of pliers, it should wiggle
So I got the space bar stabilizer in without desoldering much; however, it is upside down and the bar goes on the top side not the bottom. I found this out after seeing that the holes in the PCB are the incorrect size to snap in correctly (there is a larger hole and a small hole and the space bar is different than the others). This means that the entire thing needs to be desoldered. I am not looking forward to this. :(
If you already have the LEDs installed, look at the LED and note that inside, one side is larger than the other, so you can determine orientation off of that (I took pictures to help remind me of the orientation). To remove them, I just touched both legs with my soldering iron and pulled/wiggled the LED out when the solder was melted on both legs. Removing the LEDs did make things easier in the long run and putting them back in wasn't too bad (assuming you take the time to clean out the through holes on the circuit board).
Again, best of luck and I'll try to answer any questions you have if you run into trouble.