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
I maybe among the lucky ones but I didn't have any issue as far as now with my 104 acrylic.
Yes, build–slices alignement, …, could be better, the USB cable is a little loose, backlighting may be uneven, but none of these are critical points.
This actually is a working keyboard that could turn into a first class one if a few critical issues were addressed:
1) sliders: while, on my board at least, the stock keycaps fit allright, I had no luck with swapping them: neither GMK nor Ducky PBT keycaps would do, the sliders are definitely too small. I have yet to try SP as soon as I receive my first set from MassDrop. Stock keycaps are not that bad, at least not worse than the one you get with most average known brands keyboards, but the font and design is anything but nice. I'd love to use that keyboard with GMK and turn the damn backlightimg off…
2) stabilizers: The keyboard rattles alot and I believe this mostly comes from the stabilized keys, so that the sound gets really annoying when using it extensively. Even my Novatouch, whose noise I don't like that much, sounds sweet in comparison.
Once again, thanks to XMIT for the effort—I easily imagine the amount of work it took—he put to offer us this keyboard, whose main assets:
1) its sealed, water and dustproof PCB
2) its no ghosting switches—which definitely is a issue with Cherry MX
are really worthwile.
If nice sounding and able to accomodate high quality keycaps, it would be a high end keyboard. Add full programmability, a wider choice of switches (tactile, clicky, stronger springs, to fit various tastes), a 68 key version, and, why not, ISO, for US europeans, and it would be a killer one.
My 2 cents, anyway…