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
Which happens to be more expensive than plastic and made in China.
EDIT: Derp, not metal stems. Stems are plastic, rings are steel.
Retail, keyboards are going to come with keycaps though. Although you can get a wide array of keycap sets from a variety of manufacturers in the ~$30 range. it's the GMK and Signature Plastics sets that are expensive.
Do look into what keyswitches you prefer and start hunting down keyboards first!
EDIT: THanks again for the extra info.
EDIT II: Never mind I just Googled, haha! This goes deeper than I anticipated...
Typical ANSI full size is 104, I believe ISO standard (indicated be a top-heavy Enter key) is 105. So long as your layout is standard, it's very easy to find keycaps of any style.
Thanks again.
Best of luck in your search!
Because these keys are just thin plastic with a metal brim. And the key faces are basically just cheap looking paper cut outs covered with plastic.
Alas, full metal keys might just be too heavy and expensive. Not that I'd buy them either way, I like PBT squares too much :)
I am in the UK, and unfortunately there is nothing in my area - GAME for games and seemingly randomly-picked headsets and PC-World which has conglomerated with Curries and now only offer the most basic peripherals alongside washing machines and other domestic appliances!
I will put down for some testers, that sounds like a great idea. My favourites bar is filling up fast!
EDIT: Don't you just love Amazon? Switch tester wending its' way...
TheOtherDave: I will dig - this will be fun! It feels like the beginning of a beautiful obsession...
And full-metal anything is no fun...like those full-metal die I carried around for D&D! Nice to look at, ugly to use!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpnd4OVf7oo
In terms of practicality, I use a Datamancer keyboard for work (software) everyday. I won my work's speed typing competition clocking in at 135 wpm :) (Not so humble brag...) and I have played Starcraft 2 at a Master's league level as well on their keyboard.