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'll give you my 2 cents worth, having typed on a model 209 now for a year and a half. I got mine on ebay used at the time, so don't have direct experience with the company itself:
1. I have experienced the double tapping issues, but using their own instructions on changing some settings in the firmware, I was able to make that go away. So, that issue can come up, but it seems to be surmountable.
2. This model has changed the layout from the previous version, and unfortunately that changed the TAB key to the DASH-UNDERLINE key right in the middle between DEL and BACKSPACE. I was using the online configurator to update some key assignments a few months ago when to my surprise, they no longer even had a baseline file for my model anymore to start from! I think this says something about their support, as in "that's an old model, so screw it". Once again, not insurmountable, just an annoying detail. To me, the TAB key in the middle where it can be hit by both hands is great. But I can see how programmers and folks who use Underlines and dashes a lot might like the newer layout. Note that that is a custom, non-swappable keycap, though. It would nice if they offered up some blank keycaps or different printing options for the funky shaped ones in the middle to support the programmability.
3. In previous versions, TEK was strongly suggestive about selling their suggested, and default, position for the SHIFT keys, which is at the end of the home rows (look at the current pics and swap the CTRL keys for SHIFT keys). This little bit of key-swappery was very hard to get used to, but I bought the line and retrained my hands. I'll admit, once you get used to this positioning, you realize that it does make a lot more sense for the hands, as you realize how much hand twisting and reaching you actually do to hit the SHIFT buttons on the bottom row. But in spite of their adamant "we are right about this, so trust us" attitude back then, they have obviously caved to the opinions of the masses and moved the default SHIFT positions back to the lower row. Once again, the keyboard is re-configurable, and these keycaps are interchangeable, so not a big deal, except that it is easy to miss this little detail in the configurator program.
4. The enter key location takes quite a bit of getting used to, as I have to actually stretch/move my hand to get my thumbs to reach it (I have pretty small hands). Two, configurable (or more) keys located in a location more along the lines of the thumb cluster on the Ergodox would have made a whole lot of sense.
So, in spite of the issues I have with the attitudes of the company (which from launch was "we are right and this is THE keyboard everyone should use") and the apparent lack of customer support, I thoroughly like my TEK keyboard. It has ruined my ability to type on a "normal" keyboard, though. The cherry MX browns are nice to type on. The feel is solid. It is much more portable than an Ergodox. It has Function keys. This keyboard gets a lot of stuff "right" and a lot of stuff "almost right". But in the world of ergo-keyboards, individual user needs play a very big part, and I honestly don't think there is one "right" keyboard that fits everyone. I will say that if you like the layout and configurability, give it a try. Last I checked, they still had a 60 day money back guarantee.
I'm anxiously awaiting the Axios (from Acidfire on Geekhack) or the Keyboard.io launch, however, for my next keyboard.
Lately, some people seem to have finally been realizing that the traditional keyboard layout is extremely arbitrary and not necessarily the best and we're starting to see some more experimental products out there. More likely, it's because all "geekhackers" already have 10 keyboards of the same old layout and it's getting harder and harder to sell them more. Whatever the reason, it now seems that we're in for a new trend. Queue exciting new products like the ergodox and keyboard.io that dare to challenge the traditional layout by essentially cutting it in half down the middle. How epic! What a huge step outside our comfort zone, right?
Ironically, alternative/better layouts and ergonomic keyboards have been available for at least 2 decades already. Sadly, the new products that we're starting to see seem pale in comparison to such other products that are already on the market. The sad truth is that the real motivation behind these new products is not a better layout or ergonomics, it's simply doing something that's a bit trendy at the moment.
I have to applaud Truly Ergonomic for at least putting some effort and creativity into their layout and doing something more unique than 99% of other keyboard manufacturers have dared to do. It's not surprising that they receive a lot of hate given the nature of the community.
The whole thing about the Kailh switches is great evidence for the insanity around here. I'm confident that the vast majority have never actually tried these switches, yet everyone complains about them. Similarly everyone praises Cherry switches -- almost religiously -- yet most people have never done a fair assessment of different switch types. This community merely echoes the common opinion shared by the rest of the herd, waiting for one of the trusted shepherds to steer them in a new direction and towards the next new upcoming product that they can consume. Ignorance abounds. This is how trendiness works.
Most people can't afford a fair assessment of different switch types. Switch testers only hint at what it'll feel like to actually type on a given switch.