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
1) No swappable CTRL/CAPSLOCK. This is an extremely common option on most keycap set drops, a lot of people like this setup, and they want to be able to have the keys marked properly.
2) No FC660C / HHKB options. Yes, there are more Topre Realforce keyboards worldwide in the wild, but Leopold and HHKB are quite prevalent in the mkb enthusiast community that shops on MD and cares about aesthetically modding their keyboard.
3) No blank modifiers or interesting alternative modifiers. This set is Skull Squadron, but there aren't cool mods like we've seen in similarly themed keycap sets? Also, alternate/blank modifiers can be used to fill in gaps when support for a specific kb is lacking.
4) No love for the TKL or 60% community by making the number pad optional.
Speaking personally, lack of HHKB support was a show-stopper. I am not going to pay over $100 for a set of matched keycaps that doesn't work with a few of my keys. Participating, like some suggested, "for the good of getting more Topre keycap sets out there" would have just sent Topre the wrong message that it's ok to limit our options like this.