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 am an artist and craftsman and I've used it every day for over 2 years. My main application is for dusting off surfaces prior to lamination, and to clean my workspace. I had been going though 2-4 cans of air each month, so this was a big savings, but the Hurricane also worked better than compressed air for most applications - primarily because you could run it as long as needed without it freezing up to turning to liquid.
What the Hurricane doesn't do is a highly concentrated shot blast in a very small spot - when that is needed, I grab my can of air (and I've been using the same can for over a year - that's how rarely I need it).
The "tube" and other attachments are fairly useless, imho, since they don't actually increase the wind force (like those little red tubs on cans). I just use the blaster without any attachments, which produces a rather wide and forceful wind speed - and unlike the can "bursts", you can run it continuously. I can quickly dust off an entire work table in a few seconds.
The battery life is quite remarkable. I use mine every day, but I only charge it every week or 2. I don't know what they put in this thing, but it takes a long while before the battery shows any sign of dying. In fact, I have never run down the battery, even after 2 years. When the unit seems like it's just not at 100%, I plug it in for a charge.
Another note is that it is LOUD. I use it in my art studio and it's no big deal, but if you intend to use this in an environment where a small high-pitched vacuum cleaner running would be a problem, I'd stick with cans.
I was very hesitant to buy this (I got mine from Thinkgeek), but it turned out to be a fantastic device for my purposes.