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
Wowed by the lust heaped on the 55g, I purchased one from Massdrop a few years ago. It was my first Topre keyboard.
The quality is great, as it the fabled Torpre thock. Everything people raved about is true.
For me, however, the 55g action was just a little too stiff, and fatigued my fingers after a short while.
After that, I lusted after a 45g uniform, but ended up getting a variable weight. I am very, very happy with it and rarely use my 55g uniform anymore.
So it helps to know what your preferences are when choosing a key weight. If you don’t, you may be disappointed, even while you are using an otherwise superior product.
Had I been a little more experienced at the time and known that I prefer the feel of Browns over Clears, it would have chosen something lighter from the get-go.
Of course, it’s all part of the learning process. How can you really know you’ll like or not like a particular Topre key weight until you try it?
Short of actual getting your hands on a specific Topre, the best you can do is make an educated guess.
One thing I found a bit disappointing about the white colored Topre is that it’s not actually white with grey keys. It’s more of a beige keyboard with taupe colored keys, almost like something you’d see on an 80s style computer.
While that may be cool for some, it wasn’t what the picture suggested the color would be, and certainly not what I was expecting. Just a heads up on that.
Otherwise, it’s a pretty great keyboard. Just choose your key weight wisely and there’s a good chance you’ll be happy with a Topre.