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
- Device selection: this is the biggest flaw of this otherwise perfect keyboard. I would have loved to switch between devices without having to go through the pairing process.
- Varmilo stopped making BT keyboards: their website is full of amazing keyboards, but not a single one of them comes with BT. Big shame.
Basically I am calling on Varmilo to up the ante and start developing the next VB87M. We can start from the solid foundation of the VB87M and add:- Bluetooth 5.0 (yes, it's time)
- Hot-swappable switches
- Programmable RGB LED
- QMK or something similar to remap keys via hardware
- More choice for chassis (wood, aluminum, steel etc..)
- Dual mode (wired and wireless)
- Multiple devices support (3 would suffice, 5 would be awesome)
- More choice for switches (definitely Silent need to be an option)
- Sound dampener with different thickness (nice little touch if done right)
I would definitely give Varmilo my money if they would ever come up with a new TKL or 100%/110% full fledged Bluetooth keyboard. If you have any question hit me up, but I can tell you it's been smooth sailing since I got a proper BT driver for Windows 10.