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
Was it worth the wait: Absolutely it was - looking back I think it's pretty cool, you're in this group buy with like-minded people sharing their thoughts and ideas - don't get me wrong, I would have killed for the "Amazon Prime" button but it was kinda fun.
What about soldering: I've never soldered a day in my life - I did end up buying a simple "my first soldering kit" before the ergodox build - but honestly the ergodox was way easier than I had built up in my mind. You have to take your time though! I found it more about maintaining a high quality solder while doing the same thing over and over again. The SMD's were not bad at all - just remember you MUST solder them in the correct direction!! They are similar to the LED's, they do have a "polarity" to them.
What was hard: The USB was really tough to dig out of the plastic - I would recommend just tearing into the first one to get a feel for how the plastic was molded - then go for beauty on the second USB cable provided. Plus, to add complication - soldering the USB connector to the board is crazy precise! Again, take it slow and it's not bad at all.
What was fun: Yes, there is a huge lead time for actually getting the ergodox - I found enjoyment ordering custom keycaps, braided cables, and the keycap stabilizers. I also picked up some awesome stickers (github, html5, angularjs, etc..) which I plan on wedging between the acrylic. It sounds silly, but ordering each over the course of 3 months helped pass the time and I think adds some "uniqueness" to my ergodox.
Final Thoughts: I walk away with a ton of pride for this thing which I built, and I learned so much about soldering! I did take a few photos during my build and posted them on twitter #ergodoxBuild. I found the PCB board was really well designed - a huge thanks goes out to the ergodox creators and certainly Massdrop for putting all this together - just a really awesome experience!