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
But it's just impossible with this price and what with all the other exciting stuff that has dropped lately; i.e. BananaSplit 60, XD60, SA Carbon, Miami Dolch and all the accessories they come with (cables, switches, stabilizers etc).
I'm sorry, Clueboard. The timing for us is just wrong. :(
How far into the future might the next drop be?
Hoping you'll get a chance soon again at a better time with fewer big drops right before it :)
I'd say the appeal of Carbon for me are all those led-windowed keys and the massive nostalgia associated with orange terminal screens. :D
Right now I'm aiming for two builds: XD60 with Miami Dolch and BananaSplit 60 with SA Carbon. Might switch the key sets between them depending on if I can source the VE.A bars from the Miami dolch drop - I wasn't planning a split spacebar build yet when I joined the drop.
I have my eyes on the GMK Laser as well! It looks amazingly synthwave-y!
I just finished on my XMIT 60% bamboo with SA 1976, next in line is purple clueboard with split space and 1.25u shifts on both left and right with GMK Laser, maybe ISO enter, not sure if i'd want to go back after getting used to ANSI enter, Although i really like my SA i don't want to buy a set i don't adore due to the wait time :P
Re: the BananaSplit, for me, I'd likely use it for AltGr. In almost every single keyset drop, the AltGr key in the international kits is 1.25u (like on a full size keyboard) while on a 60% layout that key is almost always 1u. The BananaSplit could perhaps solve that, provided that it feels ok to hit AltGr between the two space bars.
Both shifts at 1.25u? What does that row look like? Always thought rshift is too long and taking up unnecessary keyboard real estate.