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
What you're getting is a keyboard. It's not a fancy keyboard. It doesn't have DIP switches. It doesn't have RGB lighting. It doesn't have fancy logos, or a wrist rest. It's just a 2.75lb keyboard. That's pretty heavy for a keyboard. It's not a heavy as a Model M, but it doesn't really matter. It still feels like you could use it to pry a door open, or smack your annoying office mate who claims that his $20 rubber domes are better because they're quieter. And you know what? You probably could.
Now, you'll notice that there's a pretty short feature list with this keyboard. It's true, this isn't a feature rich keyboard. It's simply a solidly built keyboard. The media keys are handy, but make matching caps a bit of a chore.
I do want to address the LEDs under the space bar. The switch under the bar is mounted upside-down, so that the led is on the bottom. This seems a bit odd, but they compensate for it by mounting 2 more LEDs on pipes coming off the PCB, so that they're at a plate mount height. And if you're one of the weirdos that mount their space-bar upside down, like me, it works out great.
The aesthetic is quite nice, in my opinion. The design overall seems to point to a gleaming industrial future, but the sandblasted aluminum case has the nice property of reflecting the inner color of your caps, taking on their mood as it were.
Overall, it's a nice keyboard, with solid build quality. You're probably paying a bit of a premium for it, but it's hard to say where and how much.
Also, Massdrop, if you're listening, you should really bring out a TLK of this, with Gat and Cherry switch options. I suspect people would eat it up.
Thanks!
2. What switches and keycaps are you using? I'm using Cherry MX Whites, with the Blue RK Doubleshots from https://www.massdrop.com/buy/19144 and the "Sky Blue" mods from https://www.massdrop.com/buy/18231 . I'm planning on switching the mods to the blue ones from https://www.massdrop.com/buy/21488 as soon as they come in.
3. So there is no Fn functionality with this keyboard like the Shine 5? There is some Fn functionality there. Have a look at the manual! http://www75.zippyshare.com/v/pcXCWvtz/file.html Not uploaded by me.
4. Any additional comments on the aluminum case? Does it get dinged up easily? The case is 2mm thick, and has nicely rounded corners. The plate does have a gap all the way around, where it doesn't meet the case. It's a minor aesthetic thing. I haven't noticed any dinging, but it just sits on my desk at work. I suspect it wouldn't damage easily. EDIT: I was just playing around with a magnet and noticed something. The case is not magnetic, probably is aluminum. The plate, on the other hand, is magnetic. Very probably a steel top plate.
5. Cherry or Costar stabilizers? It's using Cherry stabs, but with the Cherry Whites that's really not noticeable.