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
Challenge accepted! :D
I've been working on a Nordic ANSI hybrid in KLE for a 60% layout, using the available kits with GMK Nautilus, and came up with two alternatives. These were optimized to relocate as few legends as possible to invisible AltGr combinations.
Green indicates changes to regular Nordic ISO layout. Invisible keys to the right indicate additional invisible symbols accessible with AltGr (~ with + = and ´ `with ' ").
The upper version keeps the 6.25u spacebar and moves backspace down a row, but lacks Esc key. Kits used: Base + Norde (6 keys) + Dvorak Colemak (3 keys). Optional: Novelty ANSI octopus-enter.
The lower version is for use with split spacebar, moves backspace to the extra spacebar key, keeps the ANSI \ | key and has an Esc key. Kits used: Base + Norde (6 keys) + Dvorak Colemak (3 keys) + Spacebars (2 keys). Optional: Novelty ANSI octopus-enter.
Disclaimer: I'm a beginner at this and might've overlooked a great many things. Comments, corrections and suggestions are much welcome!
Getting rid of a key because it's an 'edge case' doesn't really work as an argument, no ones gonna want to try to find a board with a \ when/if they start programming or messing about in the terminal. The same could be argued about the brackets or the tab key but they really shouldn't go anywhere either.
If you wanted more keys for gaming, JIS would be the layout to go for.
A keyboard redesign is unlikely to catch on for the same reason Dvorak and Colemak haven't, standard QWERTY is good enough and people are used to it.
For example in France, people only know that "our keyboard" are AZERTY and most of other countries uses variations of QWERTY. And I'm generous, because to be honest, most people don't know anything about keyboards, if they encounter a QWERTY, they just think that it is weird. And they type with 2 fingers...