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 don't have a Planck or Atomic layout, and I don't believe I could ever stand actually using one. I use numbers far to frequently to EVER consider them something to hide. The closest thing I have to such a compact layout is my Apple //c keyboard, which I'll mod into a bluetooth portable keyboard (Alps SKCM Ambers... aka Taxi Yellows). It looks like what the keyboard guys call a 60%. It does have a top border, with a reset button (will be Esc), and two push to toggle switches. One will be power, the other will toggle the number row between numbers and function keys. I actually have room for 4 modifiers on it, since reset will be repurposed. Hmm... I'm drifting off topic... Alps switches won't take MX keycaps. It'll be a fun project, but it'll stick to Apple keys.
I snagged the Planck/Atomic because of the High, Low, Super, Hyper, and Meta caps, plus the 2u blue blank, which I may put on either my Kerbal controller or my number pad, if I feel like it. But seriously, I honestly couldn't turn those down. Nothing screams retro like Space Cadet keys! :D
My plan is to either make extra character layers for unicode characters I frequently use, or just have them as a few macro keys. either way, They'll look cool. As cheap as the Planck/Atomic kit is, compared to some of the child packs, I would rather just have the keys, than not.