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
We realize that MD is desperately trying to capitalize on the growing interest of artisan keycaps. We also realize that drops like this may seem appealing to those who are new to the scene. Given the discourse that has already occurred, please consider the following:
Z0M0 on TaoBao was selling these Kitty Paw caps at $25 Best case scenario for MD is a 50% margin (let's round off to $13) At $32.99 MSRP, let's tack on the $2.99 of each unit for transport/custom fees.
Best case scenario, MD is getting a margin of $15-17 per unit. Worst case, a margin of $8-12. At 84 units currently sold, MD will receive between $672 - $1428 from this drop.
We implore you Mr. Louie, is that margin worth losing the respect of some established artisan collectors/makers in the community?
The way I see it, if the mech community is to grow - and grow in a healthy way - people need to stop clinging to all this exclusivity in terms of colorways, artisan designs, and so forth. If this isn't an exact replica or marketed to be an authentic KK cap, I don't see any issues.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5665cb2a841aba81f139953d/t/590f9ce21b631b5048280fe6/1494195436412/?format=750w
If the shape was even remotely similar I'd understand. This is a stretch and I think you know it.
CNC is not capable of creating the curvature (undercut) from KK's Meowcap in a practical way. Please see the below diagram:
https://image.slidesharecdn.com/fabacademy2015cncmilling-150319092115-conversion-gate01/95/fab-academy-2015-cnc-milling-57-638.jpg?cb=1426775410
I understand low yield exclusivity.. what are the people in the custom artisan market going to do... when the community pretty much dies out. Cause the exclusivity of it really makes it unwelcoming to new comers. I think people need to understand that there has to be balance between pleasing the old and welcoming the new. Then these people having hiss fits over a artsen that shaped like something from nature! While entertaining is also kinda a turn off to anyone new to the community who might look in and go wow!... I sure don't want to deal with the Artisan crowed. You know what I think I take my mech and go home not bother checking any of this now the community is little less robust cause of people acting out over nothing.
Finally. I'm not alone.
PS don't ever post about your opinion in this regard to raffles on Reddit. I tried. I lost.
The only saving grace back then was that it wasn't nearly as easy to ship things out of China or nearby regions (mostly only Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong) which could flood the market with ease.