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'm really happy with the results. I love my DasKeyboard, but the switches were a huge letdown. Now it has cool stealth laser engraved PBT keycaps, awesome switches, and I love having a volume dial and USB 3.0 hub.
For those of you thinking about modding a Das, beware of the super fragile ribbon cable. After breaking mine I reached out to Das Keyboard and they were nice enough to actually mail me a replacement PCB at no charge. I guess they had a few spares in their parts department. Best of all it came with Greentech browns which I actually like very much so no need to do a desolder job.
The smoothest switches I have ever experienced are ALPS SCCC linear switches, followed closely by ALPS SKCL linear switches. These Box Pale Blues are a very close third; they are genuinely really smooth. As far as comparison to other switch types, I think they actually feel closest to the membrane buckling spring switches in Model M’s, but the Box Pale Blues are smoother and the tactility is sharper. I like the noise the Pale Blues make better than the Model M too, but that’s a completely subjective opinion of course.