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
Nothing to do with actual case ergonomics.
The literal definition of ergonomics is "an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely"; before the era of re-programmable keyboards the HHKB layout was/is more efficient and comfortable to use (even if marginally so) for most people than a regular ANSI-US board because of its shorter travel from homing in daily use.
That, by definition, makes it ergonomic. Just because the ergodox is ortholinear rather than staggered it doesn't mean anything that is staggered isn't ergonomic. Whether you agree or disagree with the notions I've provided is irrelevant to the argument at hand, as per Oxford's definition of ergonomics as well as the study of it as a science Massdrop's use of the word is correct. It's inarguable.