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
First, in use this thing feels awesome. It has a really nice heft despite the plastic case, and the rest of the build feels solid. My only other long term mech experience is with a G710+, with Cherry Brown switches. These Gaterons are so smooth compared to those old switches. PBT caps are amazing compared to the ABS on the G710 too. Overall, I love typing on this keyboard.
That said, it's not without some issues given my use case. I have a workstation with three computers (a Windows 10 desktop, Surface Pro, and Macbook Pro). I was a little worried about MacOS compatibility, and with being able to easily switch between devices.
Descriptions everywhere indicate that it can store 3 (though sometimes I've seen 7) device pairings, and FN + → will switch devices. That's not the case, instead this shortcut puts it in pairing mode. Every device I have just snatches it right back. A workaround I've found is to just have one paired device on at a time. It kind of sucks, but I don't actually use all three of these at the same time (one is a work machine, one a gaming machine, and the other my wife's work machine). So, when I'm done with work, I shut down the Mac, turn on the desktop, and it pairs no problem.
As for MacOS, everything actually works perfectly for me there. I have no issues with it reconnecting on wake, in fact the keyboard will wake my Mac from sleep itself, just like any other paired or wired keyboard would. This is on Sierra, 10.12.4.
The only other issue is the light leaking through these white caps really badly. It's probably to be expected, and I actually have darker replacement caps already on the way, but it's pretty rough looking with the backlighting on.