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
For anyone with the patience, here is my situation and objectives – if based on that you confirm my order I'd be grateful.
* I am purchasing these keycaps for an ISO WhiteFox which has already been ordered, and which may or may not arrive in a few months.
* Because I am building the WhiteFox myself and that project might burn up on the launch pad ...AND because I might not be able to survive deep space without a full function row – I need this set to be compatible with other popular mech keyboard platforms/layouts I might escape to ...especially those with a full function row.
* I like the Solar Alphas. I am running a Danish layout, so I'll need the Norde Kit. I've gathered this much.
So....
Solar Alphas + Norde Kit + TSAFOX ? or... Solar Alphas + Cockpit + Norde Kit + TSAFOX ? or... Solar Alphas + Modifiers + Norde Kit + TSAFOX ? or...
Help, Godspeed.
And you're right, I'll also need the novelty...This is getting expensive. A full set of caps will rival the cost of a WF itself.
Can this be right?
My objectives are the same however – Danish ISO layout on the WhiteFox, but fully portable to another keyboard with a function row (though not necessarily a number pad). I understand this means I will have some number of keys that don't get used on the WF...maybe the space bar.
Do I need to go ahead and pick out my backup keyboard now?
So you'll Alphas (of your choice) + mods + tsafox + Norde for your danish keys. Mods include function row keys as is so... You'd be set right? If you want to cover numpad possibilities grab the calculus as well, other than that I think you'd be good to go with the above mentioned for the most part when fitting standardized modifier sized keyboards. You might miss a couple mods for 60% layouts à la Pok3r/HHKB-esque but you just said if you cannot get used to the WF's small form factor you'll go back to a keyboard with an F row so I'm assuming you won't go into boards that are even smaller than that.
The spacebar will always get use, Whitefox' one is standardized at 6.25, most other boards you'll be buying will share the same size. Only a select few use 6.5 nowadays, if anything the 7u one you get with the Tsafox kit won't see use but I that's probably not a big deal, you won't use it with the WF either so it is "wasted" regardless.
Alphas + Modifiers + TsaFox + Norde
Add novelties/lunar for extra style, if you want.
The important question to ask here is whether you want all of your keyboards with the Danish layout or not, and if you want 223333 or 112343 sculpt.
Click on MORE in the link below so you can read and understand the differences between 223333 or 112343.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=84090.msg2242037#msg2242037
And let me know what other concerns you have, I'm absolutely sure we'll be able to figure this out okay?