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 posted this question at the input.club forum, but it's very slow there, so I'll ask here too:
I use TouchCursor for programming navigation onto the home row so when I’m writing, I can quickly navigate without leaving the home row. I’m contemplating whether to get the White Fox, and I think it’s only worth it if I can program it to do the same with the configurator firmware. So I’d like to know how I would go about doing these macros with the online configurator (I looked at it and read the forum threads, but still cant’ figure it out).
The simple stuff is easy, such as programming I, K, J, L to become the arrow keys when an activation key is held down. But there doesn’t seem to be a way do combo keys macro, such as programming the M key to perform CTRL+LeftArrow, and the , key to perform CTRL+RightArrow. Basically any macro combos with two or more keys doesn’t seem possible, or it isn’t clear how to do it with the online configurator.
Also, if I want to designate a key to be the fn key, what am I supposed to do? And once I make it the fn key, does that mean its original function is now lost? So let's say I make the right-control key the fn key, does it then become just the fn key and can no longer perform the control function?
What if I want to use a key as the fn/activation key only when I hold it down (such as how it works in TouchCursor, where I can hold down the spacebar and it becomes the activation/fn key only when held down, but if I simply tap it, it behaves like a normal spacebar)?
You can have a look at one of my keyboards configuration to get an idea:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/f4b17e88b90f39f2b84d
This is my 40% keyboard and have like 5 layers on it. You see this is a very compact keyboard and It can do everything I need. I am a programmer and I use Vim too.
The online configurator is very limiting though, so combo keys you mentioned might not be possible there. Just download the firmware and edit the configuration file yourself. I have planck, infinity, hhkb with mod controller, and my own custom-designed 40%, and I use this firmware (and also TMK firmware).
What is not supported by the configurator can be edited by hand, it's a simple text file, so it's not that you need to be a developer.
Tutorial will be published in the coming weeks, I'm already working on it.
OLKB offers 2 kinds of 40%, the planck which is popular, and the quark (handwired only). I own a planck, but I can't get used to it, due to me using a staggered keyboard at work. So I designed my own and ordered a custom plate from OLKB and handwire it myself.
There are only few 40% keyboards. Mostly its DIY. Other notables are JD40, Atreus, Mobik, and of course the planck. There is also JD45 in the works, which is 45%, but it still small. They're not easily available though, except for the planck. Here's the OLKB site:
http://ortholinearkeyboards.com/
Or try designing one yourself here:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/f4b17e88b90f39f2b84d
and order a custom plate for it. It was my first time to handwire a keyboard, and everything went fine. No desoldering and resoldering whatsoever, all the switches work the first time. Not sure if I posted it here, but here's my 40% anyway.
If you want to know more about the planck, or maybe discuss more about 40%, head on to MD planck group buy discussion here: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/planck-mechanical-keyboard/talk