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
The tricky bits are that biased 1.5u ESC, and 1U CTRL and ALTS: looks like I need to get both the Cadet Ergo and a Cadet TSangan to accomplish this. Unfortunately that's $55 for three keys, yikes. Not sure if I missed another combination to accomplish this.
Anyway, thanks for making this fabulous set. Very much looking forward to it.
About your question, have you thought about using novelty legends instead of regular ESC, TAB, etc?
There are other kit combinations that would save more but they involve having more than three keys with alternate legends.
If you want to spend even less money, you could use keys such as Sys from Base Set or Ares legends from GodX set for the Escape and maybe Ares legends or 1.5u Code from Tsangan (not currently used) for Del.
Another thing Ive seen race 3 users do is simply using 1u key for Escape (and/or Del) which in my opinion works just fine. That way you will be able to use yellow Abort or Mal for them.