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
If you are not too familiar with soldering, be careful with Zealios. The clear plastic casing has a lower melting point than the usual black/white ones. If you end up overheating a switch, the plastic surrounding the contacts can melt, allowing them to touch/short out.
Read this thread for more info: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74807.msg1917974#msg1917974
This can be prevented by keeping the soldering iron at a low temperature (which is why everyone recommends investing in a good soldering iron with temp control).
If this happens to you, don't worry! The switch isn't destroyed, and the fix is fairly simple. Just open the switch and pull the smaller contact away with a flathead screwdriver, like in the following picture.
Otherwise, have fun with the Zealios, they're great switches.
I did some reading. i dont know what type of solder to get (with lead?) or if i have to use a tinner for the head. Is there some kit that has a sort of ready for Zealio , so I can focus on my skill
As for a soldering station, look for anything _temperature_ controlled which goes up to at least 350 degrees celsius, make sure to also buy a chisel tip for the soldering iron, most seem to come with conical tips which aren't that great to work with.
Buy an electronics kit to teach you soldering, practice on it, these can go as cheap as $5 or £5 (Not sure where you're from).
Finally, when soldering one of the silliest things people do is melt a load of solder onto the iron tip and try to scrape it onto the component leg. This will _not_ work. When soldering you heat the leg and the pad first (simultaneously) and apply the solder to the gap between the two from the opposing side. If you're worried about overheating components it may be easier to use a higher temperature which will heat things up much faster and let you solder faster therefore hopefully heating the component for less time in total.
And as a side note, if you are worried, you can always do one of these things: Find a local hackerspace (These seem to be all over america and the UK) and ask them to help you. Or send the keyboard to be soldered to someone who has done it before (you can get surprisingly good deals) (Check the /r/MechanicalKeyboards subreddit and ask there for help).