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
Thanks again.
I only have a Novatouch, not a RF. It's noisier than a fully rubberdome keyboard, but not because of the tactile bump. The bump is created by the rubber sheet, just like in a rubber dome. The noise comes from bottoming and topping (?) out. For that reason, ANY mechanical switch is prone to noise, unless you modify it to have a soft landing (or use something like Matias quiet switches, which have cushioning built-in). I think the Novatouch is a bit quieter than my MX browns, and MUCH quieter than my MX blues.
I like my Novatouch a lot, but to me, the switch feel seems very different to Cherry switches. It initially felt much heavier than MX browns, despite having the same actuation force, though I think it's broken in a bit and is now more in line with the browns. But the feeling is still very different. MX switches are basically linear, with maybe a tactile bump in the middle of the slide. I think the Topre switches feel less linear, though my board is at work right now, so I can't check it. My guess is that Topres are going to feel more like rubberdome than Cherry switches.
As a Novatouch owner, I'm torn on this drop. I'd like to see what a Realforce is like... but I'm not sure that it'll be different enough to be worth the cost.
Curious, did you switch out the stock keycaps of your NT? I hear switching from ABS to PBT makes a big difference.