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
The only downside that I can see at the moment is the lack of replacement keycaps. A board this good ought to be fitted with some attractive dye-sub PBT keycaps, preferably in OEM or a similar profile (but not DSA). Until these become available, I will be looking for vintage Alps boards to harvest some good keycaps. Now I am curious about the Matias Tactile Click switch, which some say feels even better than the Matias Quiet Click switch, although it is said to be very loud.
You also mentioned the HHKB, how do the switches compare to that? I have heard some people compare them to topre, or a really nice rubber dome.