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
Keyboard features I like, in rough order of priority but I think I don't want to compromise very much. Split isn't strictly necessary but does allow for tenting and negative tilt with a custom stand. I'm currently using a Microsoft Sculpt at work and a Das with MX Blues at home, and would like something better than the best parts of both of these two.
- Tenting
- Negative tilt (down away from you rather than up and away)
- Ortholinear/Column staggered/Symmetrical(Katana60) key layouts
- Multiple thumb keys
- 60% size ish. It's possible that I could switch to a 40% but I'm not sure
- Programmable w/ layers, and modifiers that don't need to be held
Here are the keyboards I've looked at that seem close.- I've looked at/tested an ErgoDox EZ, which is just a little bit too big for me, I wish the thumb keys were a full key width closer, maybe even more.
- I'm considering Keyboardio's Model 01, which I would put alternate feet on the near side in order to achieve negative tilt.
- I suspect the Dactyl will have similar issues to the ErgoDox for me re size and thumb placement.
- The Diverge 3, but it looks like it's thumb keys are still pretty far out.
- This person's custom keyboard, though it's 40%. I could build my own from scratch and hand wire it, but haven't made the leap to that assumption yet. https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/678axy/photos_maximum_laziness_ergonomics/
- This other custom build https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/3rzavc/vertigo_a_custom_ergonomic_keyboard/
I'd be up for building a custom stand in order to achieve negative tilt and tenting from other split keyboards, such as these.- Esrille NISSE, but making a custom stand for this might be harder
- The nyquist is also nice but I think I'd like a few more keys under the thumbs.
- Raise looks okay, but no ortholinear/column offset layout.
These reviews have been helpful.- http://www.allthingsergo.com/the-best-ergonomic-mechanical-keyboards/
- http://www.allthingsergo.com/dyi-ergonomic-keyboard/
I'm interested in wood keyboards and caps, and also maybe some metal.