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
The squeak mentioned by an earlier poster is definitely audible on my keyboard, though it works in concert with the clicking sound made by my Gateron blues. I actually like the effect.
Typing only seems problematic if you're bothered by the shape of the keys. Personally, I've enjoyed typing on this set. For one thing, the keys have a texture.
Backlighting is completely irrelevant to a keyset like this one; you see the reflections of the LEDs on the sides and bottoms of entirely different keys. This becomes especially noticeable if your WASDs and arrows use different colors. Ideally, I'd use these keycaps on a board that didn't feature backlighting at all.
If ever I tire of my typewriter keycaps or they become too smooth to use, I'll substitute one of my backlighting-friendly sets. Until then, these look and feel fun.
Black keys against a black case with white LEDs definitely give your board a clean retro look, but silver/black against a silver case also works. Silver works especially well if you don't want it to seem as though you're trying to be old fashioned. You won't look like you want people to think you've modded an old typewriter.
Then again, I'm no one to talk. I actually own a functioning candlestick telephone that dates from the 1920s.