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
I previously used a Das Keyboard 4 for several years which had brown switches and stock blank caps (recommended for anyone looking to increase their touch typing speed). I was accustomed to heavy use of the F-keys and numpad due to the nature of my work. The board, however, took up too much space on my desk and I wanted to streamline / customize my key layout.
Enter the WhiteFox (TrueFox layout w/ MX Blues). It has been a dream come true, and after a few months of use I have retrained myself to fly around the new layout using a couple well-placed function layers which have replaced the F-keys and numpad. The only thing I haven't done, and would love feedback from anyone who knows how, is to customize a keystroke to enter an entire string of text (like my email or password).
My one word of warning for all you potential TrueFoxers out there... having the backspace above the Enter key is lovely and more efficient, but after a few months you will look/feel like a fool when you go to type on anyone else's keyboard and enter a bunch of slashes when trying to backspace - so just be prepared for that.
TLDR; WhiteFox = Good Decision
Here's hoping the second round doesn't go through as many technical difficulties as the first one did.
I thought for sure that after waiting 8 months and being in the last 1% of people to receive their keyboard they would not fuck up my order. I also have a simi large scratch right where the engraving is and the lanyard for the keychain that they sent me for taking so long fell off the keychain the first time I put it in my pocket. As much as this keyboard costs there should not be scratches on the aluminum but at this point I dont wanna deal with support taking months to get me a new plate and it is a cosmetic issue.
Poor support communication is the real problem I have with this. I was told it would take a couple weeks and then my emails asking for an update were ignored for two months until I opened a new support ticket.