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
how do the clicky switches compare to actual white alps (which I love) and cherry greens?
I found that my fingers got really fatigued when I got this board with the clears. Then either I got used to them, or the keys broke in somewhat, but I can really use them now without experiencing fatigue.
It may also be that I put in clear silicone O rings which prevent the switches from dipping down into the heaviest, most fatiguing, part of the spring force curve. Now they bottom out on the O rings before they feel too heavy and fatiguing. They now feel tactile, punchy, and accurate.
Still, it's not my favorite feel, as it still feels too springy. This may be particular to clears in the V60, as clears in my two Poker 3s don't feels as objectionably springy or heavy.
I have not used Matias clicky switches in this board, but have them in a Matias Pro v2 board. I absolutely love the clicky switches in this. They are tactile, accurate, have a great feel, and a deep sounding click that's not as irritating as the higher pitched clicks on Cherry MX blues for example (which I don't actually find that irritating, myself. But the Matias clicks are still much better in that regard.)
I would jump on this with the Matias clicky switches, but I consider a 60% board a portable board, and the clicky switches may yet be too disturbing to use in a library or quiet cafe, let's say. So the two ideas are working at cross purposes. I'd more likely get quiet clicks in a V60 for that reason.
Now I do have Matias quiet switches in a V80, and those are good, but more loose and rattley feeling than quiet clicks in Matias's own compact board.
In the V80, the quiet clicks come off as kind of light and cheap feeling. The same switches in Matias's feel notably more solid and sure. So I hope the quiet clicks in the V60 don't exhibit that same losseness and rattley quality that I have in my V80.