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'll edit this with the soldering tutorial I learned from when I get home tonight.
Soldering tutorial video Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qps9woUGkvI&t=6s
Build guide (granted it's for a different board, but it gives you the basic gist of how to put these together)- https://input.club/devices/infinity-keyboard/infinity-60-build-guide/
Soldering iron I use- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MQD7M4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I keep mine set to 420f on the dial. This is a little on the warm side but if you're using lead free solder you'll need it that toasty. A soldering station with variable temp is ideal, but this will get you by for a fraction of the price. I also recommend something like this- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZPGDLA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 to clean your iron with, and a solder sucker (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FHYL7I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) if you end up needing to de/resolder something.
This is the solder I prefer for doing small electronics like this- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B61TWGY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you have any questions after reading through the build guide and watching the video, feel free to hit me up :)
Video-
PCB mounted stabs will anchor to the PCB via the pins on the stabilizer pieces whereas plate mounted ones just clip onto the plate.