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
you should really waste 5 minutes to read livingspeedbump's review at keychatter: https://www.keychatter.com/2015/03/12/review-royal-kludge-rc930-87-rgb/
Some little copycat from there:
So no, these switches don’t provide a faithful reproduction of the Topre sound and feel. They’re:
Less tactile, more linear Less thocky More whooshy and whistly Still very smooth, with a cushioned bottom-out In short, not quite capturing that je ne sais quoi / mystery sauce of genuine Topre
His review has given me the last kick to wait for Alex setting up a drop for a Realforce 87U Tenkeyless 55g (White/Gray). Do you hear me mate :-)
Have a nice weekend
But honestly, I've tried the Keyboard and Aaron nailed it. Does it feel remotely as refined as the 55g Topre switch? Not even close. Is it worth the price tag? Without a doubt.
In the end, I wouldn't label this as a "substitute" for Topre, but rather an "alternative." The feeling is...familiar, but at the same time it is very obviously not Topre.
I'm actually in the drop just to tear it apart as soon as I get it to answer some of the questions about it. "Are the sliders interchangeable with Topre keyboards? Are the springs interchangeable (I hear not), direct dome comparisons outside of the keyboard, etc"