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
Both are programmed with the same layout, so the small differences in how both are labelled don't really matter. Up until last week, I was using one as my daily driver on my Windows box - the other is still connected to my Mac mini, which I use daily but not as my primary computer. I have started using an ErgoDox as my daily driver.
Personally, I love the columnular layout of the TECK. I find I am significantly more accurate at touchtyping than on a staggered keyboard, including the number row. I love the compact size, but it has a decent heft due to the steel plate in it. I've used it regularly, both on a desk and on my lap, and both positions work really well for me. I do wish there was some tenting, so I wouldn't need to rotate my wrists to be completely horizontal, but for the most part, it's a minor gripe compared to rest of the benefits.
Note, this was not my first ergonomic keyboard, so I was already used to the angled layout, and was used to hitting backspace with my left thumb, and hitting enter with my right thumb.
Here's my current custom layout (Dvorak on the main, and Qwerty on the alt): https://www.trulyergonomic.com/store/layout-designer--configurator--reprogrammable--truly-ergonomic-mechanical-keyboard/#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