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
- being a GMK already defaults it ahead of any non GMK sets - the worn out, yellowing of the modifiers gives it a classic vintage look - the contrast between the teal modifiers and the darker blue of the alphas gives out an unintentional "pop" - the history/rarity of the original keyboard itself.
TLDR: it's a freakin classic unique vintage GMK!
i know that TA has such a huge prestige among serious keyboard enthusiasts but i did not expect the mainstream keyboard users to appreciate its beautry right off the bat.
I would agree that in general, this would not likely to be the type drop to attract very many typical MD users. That is not a knock against those people at all, as I too have purchased many things from here. It is just that "vintage" anything is not something you normally see in the keyboarding section of MD.
Once you have actual GMK's in your hands and they are installed into your favourite keyboard then we'll see if they still want to keep their PBT's.
Have numerous BSP sets and I still love the GMK's over them any day of the week. I don't get why there is this STUPID comparison of PBT and ABS, trying hard to put down one or the other.
I personally prefer the GMK's because they have an imbedded Font within the plastic that is so deep compared to BSP's dye-subbed application, so when you wear out both over a period of decades the GMK's will still show a clear, easily read font or number whilst the BSP's would be worn away over time.
(Rugged probably isn't the best word to describe it)
It's not what others prefer, and the amount of other people that prefer something, it's your own preference that really counts.
ABS Colors: http://www.keycapsdirect.com/abscolors.php PBT Colors: http://www.keycapsdirect.com/pbtcolors.php
Sure we all have our preferences [mine is POM] but lets stop drinking the kool-aid by eliminating an entire plastic material type because one set of PBT caps you tried didn't jive with you.
The problem I have with ABS is it tends to show signs of wear (go smooth and shiny) inside of 12 months and I got tired of replacing my keycaps annually.
I personally prefer PBT because I don't want/need legends/rainbow colors/backlit keys etc, and I just prefer keycaps that can maintain texturing on their faces.
4 days left and we're at 603 sets. About to beat Hyperfuse!
Thanks.