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 was really curious to try Topre since I was unhappy with the Cherrys I had tried, but they're kinda overrated. They really feel much more like a plain rubber dome, but they're a bit stiffer and they're more solid feeling as you press the keys. I do like being able to type virtually silently with the Topre, though unimportant for me personally. I find with my Realforce I accidentally press keys sometimes because they're so light, only occasionally when I game (I cannot imagine how anyone games on the non-uniform weight where the outer keys are 35 g...).
If I had to do it all over again, I'd just stick with the Model M or in this case the Unicomp. Not as good if you want to be "trendy" and dump tons of money on custom key caps like some people I know, but if you genuinely just want a good keyboard to type on that rocks you'll be hard pressed to do better. Just know the key presses require a fair bit of force. I did on rare occasion find myself thinking the IBM was a bit heavy to use, but it never got to a point that I couldn't use it anymore for the day. You really get used to it over time as well.