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
Thanks
nvm, got it. gotta push the little tab at the very top (after removing the switch itself) then rotate up from the back.
EDIT 2 - Holy cow, so much quieter. the new stabilizers are a bit stiffer though - that's gonna take some getting used to.
They're actually a little too large for the cutout in the plate, to the point that some plastic on the stabs themselves gets shaved off as you press it in. Also, the stock spacebar stabilizer is less rattly than the switchtop one, so I put that one back on and chose not to use the new stab there
Bummer. Gotta be quick, apparently.
Keep an eye out, I'm sure they'll be back in stock asap
Also, in terms of the look...not really. I'll post some photos when I get home - but like I said I ended up keeping the stock spacebar stabs, so they're still clear. And those are the only ones you really "see" and you dont even really SEE them during use.
But I will test out just changing the wire when I get home and I'll come back and let you know!
I highly recommend clipping your stabs and definitely lubing them. Clipping removes the mushiness from them so they feel like any other key, and lubing helps with noise and I wouldn't ever want to use unlubed stabilizers (lack of lube is probably a bigger contributor to everyone hating the K Type stabs than the quality of stabs themselves).
How would I go about clipping the stabilizers?
And yeah I was looking at some lube to pick up. Any specific brands you recommend?
I used this super lube from Switchtop: http://www.switchtop.com/product/super-lube-stabilizer-lube You want to use a very viscous lube like this for stabilizers (but never for switches). Anything thick enough will work.
The authentic cherry stabs on the spacebar are worse than the stock ones.
Everything else is better with the authentics.
I snipped them, like in the video @TelFiRE posted. No mushiness (though I didn't notice too much before anyway), but it sounds a little more metallic now. I think the mushiness being gone means it's hitting the tactile bump a little harder (I also bottom out anyway) so it doesn't reduce the metallic noise as much. Still don't mind it.
Will order some lube later today and give that a shot just for fun at this point.
And now with the spacebar you need to lube and perhaps clip them (stock or new ones)?
I wouldn't say *solved* because I don't know what a perfect stabilizer actually is at this point, but it's much better than it was when I was running the stock ones on all keys.
So I would say go for it with the different stabilizers.