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
Is "rainbow" backlighting different from just plain RGB backlighting? Is it not possible to set the key colors individually, or to at least set the whole board to one color? Does this board have ONLY rainbow RGB effects?
I don't even know why they put rainbow backlighting effects on per-key settable LED keyboards, personally. I think it is just tacky. It should only be used to demonstrate the fact that each key can be set to any color as a store demo or something.** If this keyboard can only use rainbow effects then it is worthless to me. Sad, because it otherwise looks like it would be fun to have, and the option to add a set of gaterons makes it an even better deal.
** That said, I wouldn't begrudge a member or supporter of the LGBT community for wanting to use a rainbow effect on their keyboard to demonstrate their support, though since every RGB KB out there offers this effect, and so many people use it, there would be no way for anyone to know that is why you are using it.
In true RGB, each key color can be set individually (or rather, each key can be any color from the RGB spectrum).
As opposed to the "rainbow" keyboards, where, each entire row has a designated led color. So, keys on the first row like Esc, F1 etc will be, for example,: Red. you can toggle them on/off individually, but those keys will not be a different color. Similarly, the second row will be a different color, the third row will be a different color, leading to a top->bottom "rainbow"
Keyboard Rainbow Example: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/719A19zQfVL._SL1500_.jpg
Keyboard RGB Example: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61R2%2B6wy62L._SL1500_.jpg
If I'm misguided, or incorrect in any way, please feel free to correct me.