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
It's most likely the last KB you'll ever need.
Unless you want something different lol.
But really, Hot-swap switches, Aluminum Body, Open Source Design, QMK (Or KLL with the K-Type), USB-C, RGB Per-key Backlighting, and Under/Side lighting. It can be anything you want it to be, and I absolutely love my K-Type. I'm sure this will be just as superlative, and if you have the slightest fear of missing out, I'd jump on this.
@TaylorD Thanks for the suggestion, though honestly I prefer to have a numpad...and yeah, I've been told it's more ergonomic to have it separate on the other side of your mouse. Would be nice if there was a numpad version or even separate numpad with the same design as this. I'm also still rocking a MX blue K70 in gunmetal(feels a bit limited edition since they stopped offering this color), though it would be nice to have RGB LED's instead of just blue. I also love having dedicated media keys even though I guess these days I listen to more pandora than my own music.
That being said, there are 10-key stand-alone options available. I've seen a few on mechanicalkeyboards.com
But, I realize that's not everyone's cup of tea either. Input Club is, I guess going to release a new Keyboard, called the Kira, which is a condensed full-layout. It DOES have a numpad, but it crams everything into a smaller form factor. It will also be hot-swap switch, and does have per key RGB (as per IC, nogoodnames and abrakspear), I don't think, though it does have a really cool underlighting gimmick. https://kono.store/products/kira-mechanical-keyboard
There's that link if you wanna look into the Kira, it might be what you need. I will say again though, I think you'll really like the CTRL and/or the K-Type a lot if you pick one up. To each their own of course.
Lastly, if you just want a 100% RGB Keyboard with Hot-swap switches, you can always check out the Glorious PC Gaming Race's GMMK (Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard), it's still programmable and hot-swap, just not firmware programmable to my knowledge. https://www.pcgamingrace.com/products/gmmk-full-customized
There's that link, and I will note that you can get one with keycaps and Gateron Browns pre-installed, instead of adding them to the custom version. The LEDs aren't super bright, the cable is non-removable and USB-A, but it's still 1khz, and NKRO, so, that's something at least.
Edit: changed doesn't have RGB to does and gave credit to the sources