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
however, there are some issues:
- the keycaps are near impossible to remove if you don't want to break them, but this is an ALPS/matias thing and will get better over time - some stablilsed keys rattle a lot (which makes my previous point all the more relevant) - thankfully the space bar is smooth as butter - there is *only* 6 key rollover:
aside from these minor complaints it's an awesome board and totally recommended. : )
also, i managed to remove some keycaps.. with a lot of precise force. you absolutely have to use a wire keycap puller, and you need to pull really hard and absolutely straight up on them. no need to worry about the switches, they are securely mounted to the metal plate in the keyboard. the reason for the unrealistic force involved is that the caps have small molding errors, which kind of fuse with the middle part of the switch slider. so although they look awesome, the low quality of the molding and the fact that they're quite thin makes them a poor choice. they're even thinner than the similar looking ones on the dell AT101W.
tl;dr: i am still really enjoying this board, so don't let what i just said deter you from requesting/buying it. just make sure to select some doubleshot keycaps for it and be aware that there's only 6KRO. that's all, i guess i'll just shut up now. : )
the mod can also be reversed if you don't misplace any of the little rubber dampeners.