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
Low-Profile vs High-Profile
What Do “Low-Profile” and “High-Profile” Mean Low and high profile are referring to the keyboard case surrounding the switches and keycaps. If you’re coming from a standard rubber dome keyboard, you’ve almost certainly been using what would be considered a high-profile keyboard. High-profile case designs feature a top piece that has a height equal to the bottom of the keycaps. When keys are pressed, the keycaps will travel down below the case level. Low-profile on the left vs High-profile on the right:
Why Bother With Low-Profile If high-profile is the historical standard for keyboards, why even bother with low-profile designs? Simply put, low-profile case designs are easier, faster, and cheaper to prototype and produce than high-profile designs. This is particularly true for metal constructions. Low-profile metal cases can be laser cut from a stack of layered sheets of metal, with or without plastic diffusers sandwiched between. Some of my favorite keyboards in my personal collection were produced this way, in fact—extremely small production batches of custom boards made by acquaintances in the hobby.
Is High-Profile Better The obvious follow-up question then is to ask—is high-profile better than low-profile? Well, if weight is what you’re after, then high-profile is probably the way to go. More material in the case means high-profile designs are heavier. One more fairly minor consideration is durability. Since low-profile cases are a bit more exposed on the sides, transporting a low-profile keyboard in a backpack or bag is more likely to result in keycaps catching and putting sideways pressure on switches. If you’re not doing anything too crazy with your keyboard this shouldn’t be much of a concern. If you’re an RGB fan, a positive side to low-profile keyboards is a less obstructed view of per-key LED RGB. Especially if the board contains a south-facing style switch setup, which means the LEDs will shine towards the user, rather than away from, with a north-facing switch setup. At the end of the day, the main determining factor is probably going to be aesthetics. Some people prefer the “buttoned up” look of a high-profile case. Others like the exposed switches on a low-profile board. Which look matches your style?
Edit: Formatting