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
" I just receive this keyboard on Massdrop and there is a lot of troubles with it:
1) Your example doesn't work: Fn+Shift (move to layer 1, red light) Fn+Ctrl (enter programing mode) a123 (reprogram "a" to "123") Pn (save progammed shortcut) Fn+Ctrl (quit programing mode) Now, when I press "a" it print "123" and when I press Pn+a it print "a"... I want the invert: When I press "a" it print "a" when I press Pn+a it print 123. 2) Default layer can't be programmed .
I want to be able to reprogram default layer as any other. How can we fix this?
Regards,"
I got this:
"Dear Sir, 1. Fn + Right shift to enter the layer. 2. Fn + Right ctrl then press A +what you want it + Pn + right ctrl 3. When you press A , the A key will display what you want to show out. 4. You can't do the macro on Default , we have layer 1 or 2 or 3, it's enough for Macro. 5. We will release Fn layer for Macro or Remapping. thanks."
Point 3 is the actual problem of this keyboard. Who don't wants to switch to layer 1 using Fn+Shift just to type on few keys (sometime just one) then switch again to layer 2 and 3 and finally being in default layer to continue to type... That's crazy...
I want to use Pn+A to "display what you want to show out.". Not switching layers with Fn+Shift all the day... So basically only default layer is useful and Pn key is totally useless.
I really hope they will find a better way to use layers.
"Hello and thanks for the answer. :) So, if I understand correctly. Pn key can't be combined with other keys in default layer? The problem with this keyboard is actually the point 3. In the default layer, I want to use Pn+A to do the A macro saved in the layer 1. I don't want to switch layers with Fn+Shift each time I need to do use a macro. Please also consider release a layer for the Pn key on default layer. For now, Pn key is useless in default layer. I want to use Pn and Pn+Fn for macro on the default layer. Thanks in advance, Regards, "
PN should be usable on default layer, and pressing the PN+key should invoke the macro, not the reverse.
I do really like the board overall, but I feel like, although a great idea, the macro system is completely messed up.