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
Keyboard. Not keycap set, keyboard. Like, a metal-encased electronic device with functionality + 104 bits of plastic, as opposed to just the plastic bits. Same price, almost to the dollar.
Us lot here who really value high quality key-caps NEVER throw them away especially when it's Made in Germany by one of the best manufacturers of these type of keys. When you buy a DolchPAC it stays with you for LIFE. In fact it gets passed on to your Grand-kiddies in your last will and testament.
We are the ones safe guarding the future because we never throw away our high quality purchases, no matter what.
I think it's a really attractive set, part of me is jealous. But another part of me is insulted that the manufacturer decided to go low volume/high price for something made out of molded plastic (or in this case, low volume/insanely, alienatingly high price).
In regards to Elrick though... >>Keycaps. >>Plastic. ABS plastic, at that. >>"Safeguarding the future"
Wow, okay.
I mean the only reason I even posted is that the cult status on otherwise easily duplicated items gets a little silly. Today they have "the original machining tools", tomorrow the price goes up another 30 bucks, but they start using ABS made from only the finest Peruvian biomass, balanced in Zen temple labs by wizened plasticmeisters when the moon is full.
The world doesn't need any more Apples, even just the one is one is too many.
1) PBT is less resistant to shine than ABS
but
1) PBT feels dryer than ABS 2) PBT colors have a different shade to them than ABS 3) You can't dye-sub the Dolch colorway, so double-shot is the only option. There are no decent double-shot PBTs in the market. Tai-Haos are thin and coated, Vortex ones have fuzzy legends 4) Other double-shot ABSes like SP and Tai-Haos are thin
In summary, these are nowhere near easily duplicated items. Most other sets do not even come close in matching the following qualities of GMK key caps that make them desirable for those who appreciate them. 1) Thick 2) Doubleshot 3) Cherry Profile
And yes, key cap shine does add character to a board. And the legends will never wear away, so these do last forever.
GMK has to stop what they are doing with the molding machines, change the setup to our custom sets, run them, and change them back to the next configuration. All this costs man-hours and downtime. That cost gets passed on to us. If we were to order 10.000 sets prices would be really different.