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
Many of you had had problems with stabilizer clearance. I've got a pretty good handle on what happened and have written a post about it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/clueboard/comments/7qf41g/stabilizer_clearance_problems_with_latest/
TL;DR: You will be receiving a part to correct this problem in a few weeks.
I apologize for this. I know this hasn't been the smoothest drop but I'm committed to solving this problem.
As always you can ask me questions here, in the reddit post above, or through our support channels: https://clueboard.co/support
After testing out several materials and methods I have settled on 0.85 mm acrylic as the best available option. I have designed and cut several test pieces and will be shipping them to select people to test. If these tests look good I will be shipping out these pieces to everyone.
These spacers do shift the USB port down, which is not ideal. I will be including a frosted white spacer in every fix kit to address this. I know for some of you this will be a bonus, and for others it will be a detraction. If you can't live with the spacer please contact me and I will see what I can do.
We've sent out several fix kits, with a couple people reporting back success. I've started on production of the frosted white spacers, and have ordered super-thin acrylic for the pcb spacers. This means I should have the fix kits assembled and ready to start shipping in 2-3 weeks. We have a couple of the prototype spacers left, if you'd like to give us feedback and get your fix kit early just drop an email to info@clueboard.co with your address and massdrop order number.
I have also received feedback that some people would prefer a color other than frosted white for their spacer. If you'd like to choose your color you can email info@clueboard.co with your massdrop order number, and specify one of the following:
Production of the fix kits is underway. I expect to start sending them out in about 2 weeks.
So, I'm making new PCB's. The bad news is we'll be delayed by the Chinese New Year holiday, but the good news is you'll have a keyboard that looks and works exactly as promised. If you do nothing you'll receive a new PCB in the mail.
We also have cases that are compatible with the existing PCB now! If you would rather exchange your case now instead of waiting for a replacement PCB we can do that! You will have to pay to ship the case to us, but we will pay for the shipping back to you. Simply email us (info@clueboard.co) and we'll get that setup for you.
https://www.reddit.com/r/clueboard/comments/7qf41g/stabilizer_clearance_problems_with_latest/ said they should be shipping about now. Still on schedule?
I built 3 using the new PCB's. There's still some stickiness/weirdness that happens, I think because there's not enough clearance at the usb port. On all 3 the spacers work and move without issue. When I set the top on the bottom 2/3 work fine still, the 3rd one gets sticky. As I tighten the screws the stickiness gets worse on all 3.
I tried 0.85mm spacers which improved it a little, but not completely. I tried 1.1mm spacers which improved more, but not completely. With a 1.5mm spacer even my most stubborn build was working completely fine. The good news is that it's a much smaller spacer than the ones designed for underlight. I think you'll find it doesn't detract from the aesthetics, although it does change them slightly.
1. This new spacer goes between case top & bottom? 2. With the new spacer & PCB, there's no insert anymore, right? (i.e. https://clueboard.co/support/clueboard-66-fix-kit?#6) 3. Would the 3mm underlight spacer + new PCB also work with the cases from this drop? 4. Will the original PCBs from this drop work with the next round of cases?
Thanks for continuing to follow through on a fix.