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
So weird. Would you be able to contact Varmilo to ask them regarding why their command key cannot register? Also, does the command key map to anything or does it simply not register with the computer?
Thanks
Just tested binding another function to the Command key and didn't work. For some reason just that key doesn't want to do anything.
Varmilo's answer when I asked was that this model is still not officially Mac compatible, but they are working one that would be.
Incompatibilities with OS X usually comes from how keyboards handle NKRO, the kernel extension above overrides what the keyboards wants the computer to think.
After talking with Varmilo some more they mentioned a board that should be coming out very soon that will be officially Mac compatible. I'll keep playing around with this board for the sake of curiosity, but if you want to sit this one out and wait a little bit there will be a Varmilo coming that won't take some weird work around.
Hope this helps some of you wavering about whether this is worth the risk.
Cheers
The model name is VA88Mac and it's a dual-os keyboard which let you switch between Apple and window modes by holding down Fn-a or Fn-w For three seconds.
It it works great on macos 10.12.6. It handles filevault booting and password entry. The backlight LED is controlled the same way as on Mac with F5/F6 but it seems to be strictly firmware based. it can be turned off and have four intensity levels when turned on A 1.5 meter mini USB cable is included as well as a keycap puller.
I have posted a few photos of it on Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/6r0lu1/my_varmilo_va88macn_dualos/?st=J5WOREN0&sh=9d6cbcc7