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
Thanks Petey
-RBG board - because I do a lot of work at night and simply enjoy LED's. -Either TKL or 75% for my first board just to slowly back away from the full size on my 17" gaming laptop that I'm really used to. -I think I want Cherry MX blue switches.
It will initially be used as a keyboard for my laptop while I'm saving up to build a desktop. Any suggestions would be really appreciated!
I'd suggest the iKBC MF87 except I can't find it being sold anywhere right now. You could always request the drop from Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ikbc-87-rgb-mechanical-keyboard) but that depends on iKBC making more.
As for a longer term, making your own board to get exactly the switches you want is probably the way to go. You'd want a switch tester and a lot of switches to test out. Maybe go to a meet up and talk to other people and try out their boards. But for the first keyboard, and just to ensure you never want to go back to anything that's non-mechanical again, pick up a pre-made board with the blue switches you think you'll like.
Finally: if you like this keyset, get in on the drop now. This one doesn't sell often and you'll thank yourself in October when you finally get to put it on the keyboard you've grown to love.
Edit: For this keyset you'll need one of the alpha options (alphas, Zambs, Rams) and one of the modifier options (Text Mods, Icon Mods, Noire) and that will fill out the TKL board completely. If you want to customize further (with Novelties, for example), go for it! And don't worry about the keys costing more than the board. Good keys are completely worth the money.
Welcome to the club!