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 posted a picture in the Jukebox discussion: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/jukebox-sa-keyset/talk/580935
Enjoy!
To be honest the Jukebox keycaps were the only set I could find with decent labels :) I'd much rather have ordered the Graphite set but that's not available anymore. But the vintage look is starting to grow on my :) It's a bit of a contrast with the rest of my desk though.
I did change the layout a bit: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/885b6e87a832cdd96470ec89a9bb57eb
Main differences: - Moved some modifiers around to make them more useful on a Mac - Moved the left/right arrow, weird default location - Layer 1 under the 'rubout' key. This is much more accessible than the 'A/B Side' keys - Extra arrow keys under home row - Added some media keys and controls for the backlight - Added frequently used parenthesis etc close to the homerow on L1
That being said, I too initially was drawn to the Carbon set (from the pictures) but realized how beautiful the Jukebox keys were when I saw the ones @SwefffyMo bought in the first run. I'll post another picture here when I finish the formica pattern on the left hand.
Nice work, @smoyer! How did you add the layer?
To make the layer, I took the keyboard(s) apart and used the second layer of acrylic and a sharp pencil to draw the pattern onto the material. Then it was a lot of careful cutting! Once it was cut out, I just sandwiched it between the top and second layer of acrylic. I did have some edges that were binding a little bit when combined with an imperfect alignment of the acrylic. Remember when using an existing piece as a template that you have to cut away the pencil lines on both the inside and outside of your part.