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
Overall - it's great.
At first I was a bit uncomfortable with the CMD being too far to the left compared to the Mac layout (where CMD is in line with the "x" key) but now I am comfortable typing on it.
I got a set of PBT keycaps from pimpmykeyboard but USPS of course messed all up and can't deliver it for a month already.
Here are the photos with replaced keycaps, I am using 3u spacebar for Mistel Barocco here. Maybe I will do a mod where the CMD is extended, but I'd have to modify a stem on the keycap for that, so, maybe, one day.
Is there a keycap that can replace the Alt key and be offset like that or would you have to get a 2u and cut it or something?
I had entirely given up on the spacebar situation, but hadn't considered a wider cmd key and a narrow spacebar. I too wish the cmd key were a bit rightward. Two birds with one stone!
So, stock is 1.25+3.5=4.75. I guess the idea would be to swap that with 1.75+3.0. I wonder if a 1.75 key with an off-center stem would be stable enough. Also do your spacebars have stabilizers?
Maybe a future rev of this board could just be designed this way to begin with. So close to standard key sizes!
https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/015/519/353/d702b00421b0b7e10f10249dda1f2e80_original.png?w=680&fit=max&v=1487185183&auto=format&lossless=true&s=c9fb9582ceae1b48093cd176f10d4c48