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 have personally switched to Kaihua Speed Silvers in a couple of recent builds, and again in my opinion I think they are in a different class when compared to MX Reds. Super fast response and an almost friction-less key press feel which I have not found is as consistent in boards I have owned with MX Reds in.
I also took the slightly unnecessary step to lube them which made them insanely smooth, but even without this I thought they were far better feeling then Reds out of the box.
If you are looking to get this board for gaming first I think from the list of options the Kaihua Speed Silvers are the obvious choice. However I would say if you want to type a lot on the board, you may want to consider a more tactile or even clicky switch, as speed silvers are insanely easy to actuate, and it is easy to make mistakes/have other key strokes register when typing fast. Although that might just be me and my clumsy hands haha!
And hey with the hotswap nature of the board, if you don't like them swap them out for MX Reds later!
After some responses and a great deal (almost a full hour!) of research, I settled on the Speed Silvers. They seem to be, of the options available, the most similar to the reds.
Here's hoping I chose wisely.