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
Base Kit (Base Alphas, Base Modifiers)
Numerics, Custom Modifiers and Extras, High Roller Set
Inspired from casino poker table color scheme, I decided to create a keycap set with some unorthodox keycap concept, especially on the R1 Row for numbers and glyphs/symbols.
The typeface I used mostly are sans-serif for the alphabets, condensed sans-serif for modifiers, and some serif and/or Egyptian style typefaces. The numbers/symbols R1 row incorporate playing cards numerical typeface (1 to 0) while maintaining small but readable glyphs/symbols on top of the numbers.
I knew the typefaces used here are not common with current/existing keycap sets designed/produced by branded/renowned keycap manufacturers, but I felt that in order to create the ambience of a poker table, I was urged to utilize "irregular" typeface to make this set really felt like you're seated in a game of Texas Hold'em Poker. Playing cards' symbols and characters are implemented into the High Roller Set, along with a touch of familiar objects in a poker game such as chips, "snake eyes", as well as some terms affiliated with the game itself (small blind, big blind, dealer, etc.)
Quickly summed, this keycaps set's specification that I have in mind:
- SA Profile
- ABS Dye-sublimated (For the sake of "glossy" look of the keycaps, in order to bring out the shiny nuance of poker table elements)
- Letterings colors : White & Yellow
- Keycap colors : Jet Black, Casino Table Canvas Green and Bloody Red (more specific color swatch such as Pantone or SP's color chips are TBD)
- Manufacturer : TBD
In my opinion, I would rather have the keycaps made as SA profile keycaps rather than DSA or OEM profile, just because I believe it will look beautiful on a custom board with simple, elegant colors or textures such as Black anodized or even Wood-textured cases. I haven't had a chance to make this set rendered yet, so in the future maybe I will be posting up the rendered images of the keycaps with SA profile.As for manufacturer, I can't really say for now (to make the keycap set price/production cost reasonable enough) whether I choose SP (Signature Plastics) or a renowned China keycap manufacturer.
What do you guys think? Oh, and lastly, any helpful inputs/insights is greatly appreciated. Thank you!