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 took mine apart just out of curiosity to look at the PCB without breaking anything, but I also used an ifixit small plastic opening tool to do so.
As far as ping goes, I have yet to own a board with strong springs (Clears, Greens, Blacks, etc) that doesn't have any ping. I think this is due to the strength of the spring causing the switch to resonate with the plate when it returns to the normal up position. You can easily test this buy pushing down a key and releasing it, and paying attention to when the ping happens. For my Code and Pok3rs it's always when I take my fingers off the keys.
Two Duckys with clears, no ping. One Keycool with clears, no ping. One CM with greens, no ping. Filco with blacks, no ping. Varmilo with gray tactile, oh my, wonderfull mk with a lot of ping. A bunch of older Cherry mks, no ping , and a few other ones :)
Maybe i just had been lucky, even tough my eyes get worse and worse, my ears still going strong.
Wish you some nice relaxed xmas days.
Merry Christmas and happy klacking to you too! :)