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 found that the silenced version was very nice and smooth because almost all of the sound was gone, but was not a fan of the variable weighting. The 45g felt smoother than the 55g because of the reduced actuation force on the bump. The 55g bump takes a little longer which to me reduced the time you spent on the smooth smooth Topre downstroke. Probably a time ratio thing per keystroke.
The Novatouch feels cheap compared to the Realforce, I didn't weigh it but to me it felt like it was half the weight and hollow. The switches felt more or less the same but the rest of the board changes your experience dramatically. I personally was underwhelmed by the Novatouch just because of the keyboard's weight.
Honestly I'm still fairly undecided as to whether I want this 55g or the all 45g EK Version.
EDIT: Oh also, which silenced keyboard did you try? A RF or HHKB? Because I cannot find any mention if the silenced RF uses elongated stems to compensate for the landing pads like the HHKB Type-S does.
The bottoming out on the Novatouch felt more hollow since the materials were cheaper and allowed the sound to resonate a bit more.
I tried both of the silenced boards, 45g HHKB Type-S and Ergo-weighted Realforce Silenced. I wasn't really impressed by the HHKB Type-S, probably because of how small it is, makes the sound more obvious since less metal is used. The Realforce was nice, I know they use landing pads, not as nice as the ones you can buy from EK but from what I can remember Brian at EK mentioned they do use landing pads in the Realforce, didn't ask him about the stems.
I for one would love a silenced all 45/55g Realforce. I really liked the feel and sound combination for some reason.
EDIT: I remember Brian mentioned that the Novatouch might use cheaper rubber in their switches than Topre does, since he has his own spec for the 45g Realforce.