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
Here's what's going on: at my university, the chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department loves The Lord of the Rings. So, when the matt3o Nerd keycap set (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/71042) dropped a few days ago, I started a campaign to rally the ECE department, and we've raised enough money to buy him the keycap set and a keyboard. As the caps won't ship until January, I'm trying to shop around and figure out what keyboard to put the keycaps on.
The problem is twofold. First off, I've got a limited budget. So I'm looking for something under $60ish, preferably under $50. Secondly, this professor has probably never used a mechanical keyboard. As such, I don't really know what he'll like or dislike. He uses a Dell XPS 15 for classes, so I suppose maybe a Cherry Brown or something similar. (I have no issues with using Gateron or Outemu switches, I have to save money somewhere.)
So I'm looking for some recommendations. I need something nice enough that I won't feel bad about giving it as a gift. It also has to look pretty good with those keycaps (white alphas, purple mods) so if I can find a white case that would be awesome, but if I have to settle for black or grey to stay in budget, that's fine too. First and foremost it has to be within budget because I'm a poor college student :).
TLDR: Looking for a keyboard under $60 that looks good with the matt3o Nerd keycap set and will last a good long time.
EDIT: Probably also looking for something TKL as I only have the caps to cover that layout. 60% would save money, but I don't think the matt3o Nerd set will properly cover many 60% boards.
Thanks in advance!