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 am a tinkerer, and as such, ever since I first heard about mechanical keyboards I've been interested in designing my own keycaps - not just in terms of layout and colour, but completely from the ground-up. I know that this is not necessarily the most cost-effective way to go about things, but I am naturally just very curious and love to take on new challenging projects, so making an entire keyboard essentially from scratch is something I'd like to do at some point; the keycaps are just the aspect I'd like to tackle first (I have CAD/CAM skills and am finishing design school so I am fairly confident that I can do the case design and soldering etc.).
I have a couple ideas about manufacturing methods, but the one thing that I see as the biggest challenge is the stems, and getting a perfect fit. I could take an existing keycap and work off a silicone mould of it, but I am also entertaining the possiblity of downloading CAD models of the stem or purchasing some kind of pre-made mould of just the stem profile.
Does anyone have experience DIY-ing keycaps and know good resources to look to as far as parts I could buy to work off of of can just offer me advice? Anything would be appreciated - although I've learned so much about mechanical keyboards I'm sure a lot of you have more expertise on the subject!
Cheers!