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 really varies from person to person, but, consider what you are trying to achieve; a board that needs to slip into a laptop bag, and get thrown around, will have different constraints from one you are going to keep on your desk with a wrist rest. I know it sounds obvious, but, until you experience a variety of use cases, it's easy to be rather myopic. It seemed to me that SA was the bees' knees, until I regularly needed to chuck a board in a laptop bag; on arrival there would be an exciting game of hide and seek, in the bag detritus, with a missing key.
That's what made me try a DSA set; I found it to be really forgiving for layouts / plate angle, and, rather relaxing to type on - especially in situations when I wouldn't be sitting in the optimal position with all fingers on the home row, it was also very nice for gaming. I know that we are in the middle of the SA "tulip craze" at the moment, it's easy to get caught up in the rampant fanboyism, however, I'd encourage people to give DSA a try if you haven't yet - I think it'll surprise you.
As always, this is just my 2c, and YMMV...