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
Feels like meeting with an old friend whom you used to hang out with all the time but have not seen for many years. It is still the same friend, and yet something feels different about her. Maybe it is not your friend that is different but you are.. it is clear that you will need some time to figure things out but it is all quite cheerful still.
The switches are nice and heavy, not bottoming out at all. It is clear that they need to be worn-in a bit. The closest thing I can compare the feel of the Buckling spring keys is probably turning the crown of really great mechanical watch or my favorite Parker pen spring mechanism. Topre *feel* is to me like the piano key or pedal.
The build quality is decent, none of the glitches that get mentioned about Unicomp keyboards so frequently. Really great keyboard but definitely not as solid as Model M. The additional buttons are nice though, no clear winner between those two.
Overall, this is a great instrument for doing actual work in a setting where people will not commit suicide or homicide because of the noise it makes. I would never game on this, I think that is the only place where fast Cherry switches are actually a better option.
I see myself ordering a blank black key set from Unicomp sometime in the future, this keys look nice, but they are too bright for my taste. I must mention once again that having this option for the drop would have been really, really nice.. Maybe it would have reduced cost a bit as well.
I think as far as keyboards go I am set for a while. This stays home, Topre goes to the office and I will sell my Cherry keyboards.. maybe keep one with browns or clears though, with nice Cherry profile PBT keys they are not *bad* after all.
One day there might be an SSK or ergonomic Buckling spring keyboard, but until then this really is the one to get.