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
Input Club organized a Kickstarter, which Massdrop claimed violated the terms of their agreement, since they were selling the switches outside the realm of their "website store" which they say was the limitation of the agreement. Input Club says they understood it to be a sourcing agreement, which means they could sell the switches as part of their keyboards or as replacement parts. Massdrop said they can't sell the Halo switches any more, they got into a whole lot of legal kerfuffle, I'm not sure how it shook out in the end or if it's still going on, but basically the Halo design was tweaked and IC developed a new box-style switch with Kaihua. Massdrop retained the name of the Halo switches, and I think calling the other ones "Hako" was a bit of an act of defiance from IC.
There's a good article about the drama on toms hardware: https://www.tomshardware.com/news/massdrop-input-club-halo-switches,35468.html
Different strokes for different folks - both great switches. @psiclone If you can, I'd recommend trying both to see which you like better.