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
Imagine the caps you have on a Dell rubber-dome keyboard to be your dad's old banger - Feels like it'll fall to bits any moment and you just drive it because you can't or don't want to splash out for anything newer or more flashy.
Then, a Tai-Hao PBT set might be an Audi or something similar - Feels pretty good to drive, and is fairly rugged, but doesn't exactly leave you penniless.
And finally - at least from what I've heard - GMK sets are like Jaguars - High-quality creation that's smooth and uses rare parts (in this case, Cherry's moulds, which use a slightly different profile to 'standard' sets). I've never used a GMK set myself, but I've heard it's not the usual kind of ABS that's barely touched before it feels slick.
Looking at other things from GMK - let's say the (in)famous Sky Dolch - you're looking at USD$180. Hell, looking things up just now, I've found a nearly-identical set for USD$180: https://originative.co/products/originative
So, yeah, it's a pretty boring colour set and it's just a standard font, but I don't know about you, but I've been looking for WoB for quite a while because it's apparently rare as hell.
I'll be honest - it's a lot of cash. I can't say for sure whether or not it's worth it. I'm not even sure if I'm going to make the dive myself, but of all of the brands to have a price tag like this, GMK makes the most sense.
Of course, the people who want that kind of quality are those more willing to pay the higher tiers of price. I'm rather interested in a GMK set to see if it lives up to the hype, and I'm considering picking this set up as a result, but I wouldn't think less of someone who'd not be willing to front the cost.
Would there be a market for everything that would be left over after doing a TKL board? I can't see myself ever leaving the form factor and selling the downfall would be a great way of softening the cost.