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
good to see that you got some help at DT regarding your problem. For me you're on the safe side, that the stem is off-centered on the stepped one. Selling/producing a stepped capslock with centered stem without notice/hint upfront would be good for a lot of drama and popcorn from my point of view and i havn't seen that before. A centered stepped one would be a "novelty" keycap from my understanding and not a regular one.
Good luck with further building your dream!
Now, I think I'm over thinking things...
A: There are already guides to modding MX stems to let stepped Caps Lock keys fit standard keyboards. B: Modding my plate is a VERY no going back thing... If I screw it up, my Goose is cooked! ;_; C: How many people bought this set? No, seriously... There's a LOT of people who bought this, and not every one of them is going to be using the stepped Caps Lock key on their keyboard
I'm reluctant to chop up my stepped Caps Lock, without a backup on hand, incase I screw it up.
So my question then, is anyone willing to sell me an unused stepped Caps Lock key? Maybe even some other random extra key, to serve as a donor stem? Maybe I'd have an extra key from one of the child packs I bought that I myself won't use, and can do a trade instead. Who knows. I really would like to have a backup before I go hacking things up, and if I can spend a few bucks to have a spare (or two) around, I'll happily do it.
I think I'll go back to the light pipe idea, and the MX LED mounting. I can certainly use some of the various shrouding ideas I thought about to prevent light spill. Painting the LED and light pipe would actually work quite well. Heck... For all I know, maybe I'll LIKE some Caps Lock underside light spill AS an indicator. Can't hurt to try.
Even if I can't get a spare... I'll probably still mod the key instead of the plate. I have also considered another mod. People who have performed the stem mod state that the key can bow left if pressed in the center of the raised key surface. To me, Caps Lock is a key I don't want to accidentally hit. I was thinking of experimenting with some manner of "side" spring that would provide additional support to the far side of the key, to balance it out. Not a proper stabilizer, just a second spring. I might have to play with the idea. It'll add actuation force to the key, further preventing accidental keypresses, while keeping the switch balanced when you press at the natural center of the raised portion. In theory, I could switch to pair of lighter springs if I felt it was too heavy.
If you wanna get in touch with me to arrange contact info, I have threads on my keyboard at both Deskthority and Geekhack. I'm sure you could PM me there. I presume you're building an ErgoDox, from your other comments. I wish you luck on that, and hope it turns out perfect!
I realize that I could totally mod the cap I'll get, but I think I'd simply be far more comfortable having a backup, incase I biff the first attempt to mod it.
THANK you! ᴖᴗᴖ
The ergo build went great. Just waiting on these keys to finish her up :)
Who else is gonna be reloading that transactions page, praying for the Drop Status to show "Shipped"! :D