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
After removing a surface mounted resistor from the trackpoint module to disable the push-to-click functionality everything has been working pretty well. (See one of my earlier comments for a picture of the component I removed) The sensitivity on OSX is still poorly tuned and I haven't been able to get it to my liking yet (USB Overdrive doesn't offer enough customization of the acceleration curve) but it is usable.
I got the cherry mx blue switches, and typing on these is wonderful. My backtick/escape key did stop functioning a few days after the keyboard arrived, but I just reset the solder of the switch and the surface mounted resistor next to it and it started working again. The keyboard is easy to disassemble and service, which is a nice change from most consumer electronics.
Yeah, their quality control probably could have been a bit better, but when you buy from a small electronics shop you're bound to have some trouble. And if you're enthusiastic enough to buy this keyboard, then a couple solderings is not a big deal.
I would still have bought the keyboard, despite the difficulties I have had. I do wish it had dedicated arrow keys, though. If they make another model with arrow keys I'll buy that one, too.
I would also buy a model with arrow keys. This is easily the best keyboard I have ever used, but sometimes I miss the arrow keys (especially when using programs without a "vi-mode").