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
That being said, if you don't own a Tada68, I'd recommend buying it directly from the vendor. On kbdfans, a fully built Tada68 costs $99, $161 with the aluminum case, putting the difference at $62. For myself, I'll most likely be picking up one of these from the drop, but for first timers - buy the bundle.
Building your own keyboard is a slippery slope. It starts off with a kit like the Tada68 - then you evolve into something like a Clueboard. Next you're building an Ergodox with Zealios switches, and before you know it, you're harvesting switches off a HHKB for ANOTHER keyboard you're building.
So for someone like me, who's well and far down the rabbit hole, 99 dollars for a case really isn't a big deal. But to an entry level consumer, I totally get where you're coming from. :)