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
In any case, as I said the unit I received doesn't work at all. I get no response from the system when plugged in with the USB cable. When it's plugged in there is one slowly blinking single backlight on the insert key. If I hold that key down the blinking changes, but that's it. It isn't detected via bluetooth at all. I tested with multiple devices, PC (Windows 10) and Mac (OS X Yosemite).
Physically, the keyboard is extremely similar to my CM Storm Quickfire Rapid -- the only major difference is that it's a bit lower profile (which is good) and it's heavier, due to the battery I assume. My primary criticism is on the horrible mini-USB connection and cord channel. Admittedly, that shouldn't be as big a deal when it's connected via BT, since the cord doesn't need to be connected all the time, but it's a negative regardless.
The key caps -- as others have mentioned -- are not as pictured. I knew that from the email Massdrop sent out, but worse than that, I ordered the backlit version and the caps aren't even shine-through. What is the point of a backlight when the keys are opaque? It's just a drain on the battery for no benefit (assuming the backlight is intended to work when the keyboard isn't plugged in).
The fold-out feet are also defective. Initially they wouldn't fold out at all. Eventually I managed to coax one side to open, but I'm afraid if I pull any harder on the other one it's going to break off.
The key switches feel very nice though. Too bad they don't do anything when I hit them =P
Energy aspects, Varmilo VB87M integrates many function keys, some of the features did not reflected in the keycap characters, so before using basically have to view a manual.
WIN system under FN functions:
FN + F1: Brightness - FN + F2: brightness + FN + F3: Search FN + F7 ~ F12: multimedia shortcut keys FN + Insert: Power FN + Delete: clear all memory of Bluetooth devices FN + Ctrl (Right): Application Key FN + ↑: increase the brightness of the keyboard FN + ↓: lower keyboard brightness FN + →: disconnect the current Bluetooth link, enter pairing mode search FN + WIN (short press): shielded WIN key FN + WIN (press 3 seconds): Left WIN key and FN swap FN + Left Ctrl (press 3 seconds): as Ctrl key exchange with Caplock
On the other hand I probably would have guessed at something like the above if the keyboard had worked at all over USB. It's really bad design that it doesn't, in my opinion -- unless there's some other hidden key command to make it work =/
It could be that others have a more electronically noisy environment, but I have multiple routers, two computers, three UPSs, cell phones etc. in the room. It could be an issue with a particular BT module, or an issue with the computer itself. It could also be a defective keyboard.