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
If anyone's interested in the keycaps, they are almost certainly Cherry clones made by PLUM (like on their other keyboards), with font copied from Topre Realforce. PLUM keycaps could be available separately somewhere in China, I'm not sure. You can harvest thick Cherry-profile PBT keycaps from older Cherry G80/G81 keyboards though, only beware of stem placement. edit: Also, don't forget about group buys with keycap sets made by companies with original Cherry Corp. tooling (GMK).
About the "Topre experience",. The feel of such capacitive switches is completely determined by the rubber dome, sliders/mounting and keycaps. These variable aren't constant across different Topre keyboards (Realforce, HHKB, Novatouch, FC660M, Type Heaven, microTron, vintage Topre keyboards) and this Noppoo isn't even Topre. If you're familiar with some high-quality vintage rubber domes, they varied a lot (just like there are quite big differences among different "mechanical" switches). I'm not aware of any up-to-date reviews in English (or any other European language), only impressions of engineering samples that stated the keyboard felt cheap at that stage (and the expected price was about $65 back then!).
I'm interested in detailed comparison with actual Topre keyboards and more importantly, whether it's possible to put these stems in Topre keyboards (listed above), although there would be still a problem with modifiers.