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
I'm avoiding all SP buys after this...
Massdrop made the mistake of assuming that SP's original ship date applied to an unlimited number of keycaps, and then had to scramble at the nth hour once they realized they'd far surpassed the order size SP had been expecting when they gave their original estimate. SP probably ran into a production error in making the RGB modifiers and had to resupply before making the rest of the batch. Since that would extend the shipping deadline, they probably approached Massdrop to let them know about the delay, and Massdrop opted to go for this split shipping schedule in order to at meet their original shipping deadline for at least some of the users in this drop.
Either way, both companies have proven themselves to be more than willing to make up for their mistakes in my eyes. Looking over my past Massdrop orders, I've had notable quality or delay issues with 2 of 22 completed drops, but in both cases I feel that Massdrop made a fair effort to compensate for the issue at hand. Likewise, when I ordered the Galaxy Class set from SP, they ensured that all involved in the group buy were aware of the (rather egregious) delays that occurred due to their difficulty in sourcing some kind of coloring paper. This kind of responsiveness was seen again when SP put a rush order on remaking a small novelty key set that they'd accidentally moulded for row three instead of row one, and then shipped the recreated keys free of charge to everyone who had received keys for the wrong row.
At the end of the day it isn't like these keys are a time-critical product. Whether they arrive this week or next, I'll still have a board to put them on.
Although Massdrop's tendency to meet update deadlines at the last minute is a little tiring. (All eyes on you @HassanS -- would love to see that promised 12/10 update for my AKG K7XX and Amber Rix Gaming Dice orders.)
Maybe they will update with some good information soon.
So I won't actually be seeing these caps till next year sadly.
After joining the ill-fated 'Wood Omega Style Headphone Stand' drop, Massdrop offered to either accept a full return and refund for the product, or to apply a 15$ credit to my account. The other order I was referring to was a seriously delayed order for the Aune T1; although I can't remember what, if anything, Massdrop did about that. I think that in the case of the Aune it was more the distributor's fault than Massdrop's, and I was just happy to be receiving regular shipping updates.