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
If you've ever seen him replace the keys on his keyboard, or he already has wacky keys on it, there's a very good chance it will work. Also, some of the bigger brand-name mechanical keyboards are Poker, Keycool, Razer, KBC, Ducky, and Filco - if he's using one of those, it is mechanical (and there are others brands, as well as custom and hand-made ones). There are different types of mechanical key caps, but Cherry-types are the most widely used. (Think of it sort of like car parts. They perform the same function on different cars, but the parts don't work in models for which they weren't made.)
Edit - I just noticed there are also Topre stems offered. So there is a very good chance that one of those will work, if he has a mechanical keyboard. But you have to know which it is. If you can't just ask him, and you feel OK about doing this, you could pull a key off and check. If it has a hole in the stem shaped like a cross (or the letter 'X', if you look at it sideways), it is Cherry. Topre looks a bit like two letter 'C's joined back-to-back. They go back on pretty easily. But don't do that if you're not sure it is a mechanical keyboard!