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
First, I'd like to let you know that although this numpad is not an ideal solution for alt-codes, I still do not regret buying it for its build quality and numeric entry use case. The price was also good. However, there are some things that maybe some of you would like to know before buying.
1. A lot of keycap inconsistencies. Mine came with a lot of misalignments. The FN, backspace, * are skewed to the right. The *, and / are too low compared to the -. The del(.) is too high compared to 0 (ins). See photo above.
2. I don't expect hitting multiple keys with this numpad, but be warned, if you will be using this for gaming, it only registers 2-4 key presses simultaneously. Thankfully the arrow keys all register all together, but if you are pressing say, for whatever reason, home and pgup, you will not be able to press 6 or some other key for example.
3. Lighting is weird. This issue might be related to number 2, but this thing seems to be wired interestingly. When I press 1,3, and 7 together, the 9 will light up also. (see photo) Some other key combos do this as well. I don't plan on using this numpad this way. But I hope this will help some of you guys who might be thinking of specific ways of using this product.
Though it could be said that your review cost Massdrop at least one sale, reviews like that is why I shop at Massdrop in the first place.
But I guess I need to look for nkro in a numpad. Is that a thing? Or is the search going to lead me back to a razer gamepad?