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
These are the worst Cherry MX clones I have ever felt. I ordered the white/white in brown switches and it feels absolutely terrible. The wobble is something I've never seen in any respectable mechanical keyboard and the switches feel like they're on the edge of browns and reds, the tactile bump is almost non-existent and feels on the verge of wearing out and becoming completely linear.
Look elsewhere for a mechanical keyboard because these are probably scraping the bottom of the barrel of Cherry clones.
Although I like the 987, compared to the HP Mini, I am finding the 987 browns to be quite a bit lighter and/or more sensitive, so I tend to be making more typing mistakes.
Which 87 backlit keyboards do you recommend?
Edit: I do really like the 987 though, especially as I get used to the more sensitive touch.
I'm no great keyboard connoisseur, by any stretch of the imagination. I have actually never owned a keyboard with original Cherry MX switches. I have, however, used Unicomp/IBM buckling switches, and have over the past few months been typing on Kailh brown switches (on a Noppoo Spyder Lolita keyboard), which I've enjoyed quite a bit.
Having now switched between two of these R987s for over a week (one with brown Greetech switches, one with blue), all I can say is they are both a real joy to use.
I actually find the the brown Greetechs quite a bit more pleasing to type on and consistent in feel than the Kailh switches on the Noppoo. There may be other factors at work here, such as the height of the keys on the Noppoo requiring slightly greater force to push down, but all in all, my experience with the Greetech switches has been a pleasant one, despite EdzelYagos negative opinion of them, which, admittedly, nearly caused me to leave this drop.
I hope this slightly different feedback proves useful.