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
Is it worth buying this keyboard considering my current keyboard is fine? Should I wait until my current keyboard fails? Thank you for your time and opinions! :)
"I did a bit of research and it feels like the clears are perfect for me." Research doesn't help, in the end you've to try! To make it even worse, it's not the switch only in the end, it's the composition of the whole mk, build quality, case ... The same clear switches pinging like hell at a Code mk might be hell, clear switches at a Ducky Black Mamba for example might be heaven.
"Is it worth buying this keyboard considering my current keyboard is fine? Should I wait until my current keyboard fails?"
It's up to you, some people like to have only one mk, others like to collect/hording them, rotate or only look at them from time to time. There's no right or wrong, personal decision, which is fine what ever you prefer!
As you can probably tell I'm an amateur when it comes to MK, so any and all tips are much appreciated.
Stylewise the same direction, the caps would be neglected by me anyway, but the opportunities for switchmodding without (de)soldering are very tempting, one could get some clear switches to fool around, too. Of course some work needed: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/epicgear-defiant-modular-mechanical-keyboard/talk/393943, and that orange stylebreaker at the top of the mk needs to get painted :)
Boards using the exact same switches from different manufacturers, and even within the same manufacturer with a different model, do feel different! I've been through over half a dozen boards with MX Browns (switch of choice) and no two 'felt' the same. It's all subjective and comes down to how much you're willing to spend on a potential bust.
I'm lucky to be surrounded by other mech board enthusiasts so I've had a chance to try most of the mass produced MX switches from the main manufacturers. That being said, I was never a fan of Logitech, Ducky, Das, and Razer.
As for my collection, I'm down to four: 2 x Leopold FC660M (MX Brown with Leopold profile PBT caps) 1 x CODE 104 key (MX Clear with Cherry profile PBT caps) 1 x WASD v2 (MX Brown with Cherry profile PBT caps)