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 novelties are also currently twice as popular as your hiragana Nishi set, so....
Perhaps you have a point. Massdrop is after all for the "masses". This might not be the best place for the enthusiast MechKeys scene to live... there are a lot of very serious collectors on here, mixed in with a lot of folks that just want a "nice" mechanical keyboard at a decent price. I've been observing this community's comments for a while, and most of the clashes regarding what a base set should be, come down to very small details, but IMO, details that are important to refine the scene standards.
It's a double edged sword really... the point is to get as many people to join so the price goes down... but this means the offerings might not "speak" to the smaller subset of discerning collectors.... yet somehow they all agree on classics like Choclatier, Nautilus, and the like.
There's a lot to be said for popularity. In footwear, Crocs are super popular.
I'm personally waiting for someone to step up and create another channel to GMK, SP or any of the other mfrs. Problem there is volume. The die hard enthusiasts won't be able to match the numbers of MD for reasonable prices, and will have to hope for like-minded designers to offer up something really worthy.
Now that the pure Hiragana mold exists, hopefully there will be another set that takes advantage of it.
Thanks to @Moeeed for keeping the peace.
Edit: For the overly sensitive - Not trying to single out Crocs users.. I only meant to distinguish between those and something like a Balenciaga.. I'm sure Crocs are more popular.. but for collectors and enthusiasts... ugh... nevermind. cue Crocs user uprising. (oh well)
New keycap profiles on the other hand are emerging. HuB and mgsickler's project could bring some nice alternatives to the Big 2, at attractive price points. SP's own DSS could be interesting too.
Patience. 🐱👓🐱👤🐱💻