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
Sorry - I am NOT an expert on keyboards, but I am seriously considering this one... but can't figure out what makes it so super special.
What makes this keyboard super special? It uses electro capacitive switches, of which Realforce makes the highest quality version. Each key has a rubber dome that gives great tactile feedback compared to something like Cherry MX Brown switches.
The core of the name Mechanical Keyboards is that instead of the cheaper alternatives provided over the years ("membrane"), mechanical keyboards use individual switches of different types which trigger at an 'actuation point' rather than bottoming out a key to enter a letter. They are costlier to produce, but feel a lot nicer to type on, since you don't have to press every key down completely. Overall, much more comfortable and enjoyable to type on.
Cherry MX type switches are some of the more common, as there are a lot of variants to choose from, and users can easily build their own keyboards since switches are self-contained. Electro capacitive Topre switches use a rubber dome and a spring, and the PCB detects the keypress via capacitance (I can't really explain it well). Switches all have actuation points either high up or somewhere around the midpoint of the total key travel, some of which even have tuning, like the Realforce RGB.
Topre keyboards like this are costlier not only because of quality, but availability. Elitekeyboards.com is the only actual US distributor for Realforce boards, so acquiring them any other way requires other sites like this, or people selling direct from Japan for a premium (often around $250~$300USD).
I don't suppose this keyboard is ever made with the extra number pad over on the right side, is it? That wouldn't be a possibility, would it?
Thank you again.
There are definitely full size variants (with numpads)! I think you just missed the drop here for the Realforce 104U boards that ended right before this one started. For reference, the two industry standard sizes are a full size 104 key, or the tenkeyless (without numpad) 87 key variant you see here. The 'U' is unit typically. Most major manufacturers sell both of those variants. In fact, if you do a lot of number entry, I would definitely recommend searching for a full size instead of the keyboard here.
What to do, what to do.
Go for it! You won't regret owning a Realforce board (unless you're broke).