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
However, not everyone on here is a gamer, and as others have said, they want switches that are not as common. I myself use cherry MX clears, which are also hard to find. Its all a matter of personal preference.
There are a lot of keyboards here that use brown, red, or blue. Just go looking. :)
I also have keyboards with Reds and Browns, but I personally find that Green switches are extremely crisp feeling and a joy to both type and game on. They are definitely harder to use for rapid succession actions such as high-bpm rhythm games, but are otherwise fine.
So for somebody like me who spends all day at the computer, split between typing and gaming... It's a good fit. I'm already covered though...I've got a bag full of Gateron greens sitting on my workbench waiting for the Infinity ErgoDox kits from the last drop to ship so I can build mine. ;)
As the old saying goes, "Your experience may vary." I shared my experience, which is my opinion.
As far as the "gaming marketing" remark, please do not presume to know where I gleam my information when I form an opinion. If you'd really like to know where I turned when I first got into mechanical keyboards, I invite you to look at this site. You may note that this site does not attempt to "sell" any particular switch, but does go over all the mechanics on each one: http://www.keyboardco.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/an-introduction-to-cherry-mx-mechanical-switches/
Knock yourself out typing on whatever keys you like. Seriously, please do.
"Blue switches are favoured by typists due to their tactile bump and audible click, but can be less suitable for gaming as the weighting is relatively high" It is directly telling people blues aren't good for gaming, but people game on blues all the time.
I don't see the correlation between light switches and gaming, but this article sure asserts lighter is better.
Again, your experience may vary. This is not a rule book, and if you don't notice a difference or feel the correlation, that's fine. I myself noticed a significant difference typing vs gaming between linear, non-clicky, and tactile clicky switches, which followed with the article's information.
Perhaps we should just agree to disagree.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-switch-tester-with-anodized-case
Its not the same as multiple keyboards, but it can give you a good idea in comparing switch types.