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
So, to start off, I'll go over some of the supported layouts (I'm sure there are ones I will miss, so if you don't see your layout mentioned here, please check the main page and see if the keys you need are supported. To be noted, there will be a separate buy for Planck, Ergodox and VE.A-esque layout support if the main set is successful enough.
So, the supported layouts are as follows: Standard 104, TKL and 60% (Pok3r and similar), 1800, 75%, WKL, HHKB (layout, these keycaps are not Topre stem), Whitefox (most variants), UK-ISO, FC660M/Clueboard. Includes a 6u, 6.25u and 7u spacebar, which can be used for whatever you see fit.
As for the colours, these are not GMK standard colours anyone else will be able to use. These are hand-picked, custom colours, and as such, there are no real-world examples. However, should the buy succeed and is concluded, I will receive colour samples shortly after which will give production a complete green light. High quality pictures will be posted, of course.
If it tickles your fancy, there is also a GeekHack thread where I post updates and any news about Plum! GH thread is here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83969.0
Warm regards, Jessica
It's amazing. Great work.
One question, HHKB as in the set is Topre compatible?
One thing I am eager to know, will there be a space bars kit of various sizes? There was a space bar kit that got produced for the GMK Carbon with different sizes. I'm after two 2u space bars. A Blanks kit too. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gmk-carbon-add-on-kit
I saw this drop pop up in my feed and was taken immediately by the colours :) Buying this set as a birthday gift to myself, my first keycap set as well. Keep up the good work, hope the drop goes well _b
I do have one question, though. You posted renders of this set previously on /r/MK and I saw that F1-F4 and F9-F12 had purple/violet/plum colored keys which are not shown on the set being sold. Any chance we may be able to get these keys at some point?
(Referencing this render here: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/57sf51/gmk_plum_coming_to_a_groupbuy_near_you_soon/ OR http://i.imgur.com/BJYoFs8.jpg)
It is incorrect and I'm sorry for that.
What is shown in the GMK render (the one that has a whole bunch of keys and no keyboard) is what's included, no more no less.
Thanks for understanding.
Thank you for the response!
Thanks!
It's a render of an MX HHKB keyboard (similar to a Duck Viper) with backlighting, not a normal HHKB.