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
http://s193.photobucket.com/user/BigBoy2k/library/Keyboard%20Reviews
Here are my first impressions of the E-Element RGB keyboard compared to my Corsair K70
Build Quality: Build quality seems to be nearly the same as my Corsair K70. Both keyboards feel about the same but the E-Element seems to be slightly larger in size. The brushed aluminium finish on the E-Element looks a bit harsher while on the Corsair K70 a bit more dull(brush look is more pronounced on the E-Element). The E-Element's wrist pad is where things look sketchy. It is nearly identical to the one on the K70 except that it is all plastic whereas on the K70 it's soft rubber finish. The cable on the E-Element also looks plain and is non-braided, very short compared to K70's braided cable.
Switches: The Outemu Blue switches feel very similar to the Cherry MX Blue switches with the differences being the force and the tactile feedback and sound. Outemu Blue switches feel stiffer and a have a lot louder clap to them. At the same time the Outemu switches feel like they have 2 bumps as you press down on the keys. The first bump is felt right when you press the key and the second when the key clicks. I suspect it may be the springs that cause the first bump. Compared to Cherry MX Blue switches, MX Blues feel a lot more smoother as you press down on them and only have one bump as you press down. The clap sound on the Cherry MX Blues is also a lot quieter.
LEDs: Well there is no comparison between RGB and non-RGBs. The LEDs on the Corsair K70 seem a bit brighter to me than the ones on the E-Element RGB when set on red color.
Keycaps: Here is the major difference in the two. I've had my Corsair K70 for over a year and the keycaps on it feel really great and smooth. The ones on the E-Element RGB feel a bit cheaper and have a rougher finish to them. Additionally the keycaps on the E-Element are slightly more concave than the ones on the K70. Lastly there is a problem with my left Shift button on my E-Element as it keeps getting stuck. I honestly didn't know what the heck was going on but for some reason my mouse kept highlighting everything i clicked. I restarted my PC and problem was still there. I then looked at the E-Element RGB and noticed the shift was stuck causing my mouse to feel weird.
As for shipping it took about a month. I was actually the very last one to join the drop (316th). From June 5th (the day the drop ended) till today July 3rd.
I'm uploading another video with RGB comparison in the dark with all modes on the E-Element next to the K70.
Lastly about the problem I had with the left Shift key getting stuck, I ended up pulling the key out and found out it was just left over plastic molding which kept catching on to the LED. I filed it away and now it doesn't get stuck anymore and feels completely smooth. So this tells you something about the quality lol. I never had to do that on my K70.
EDIT: Video doesn't seem to want to upload. Will try tomorrow morning.