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
Manufacturer's site: http://www.brightekeurope.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=2039
PDF Spec Sheet: http://www.brightekeurope.com/productcart/pc/catalog/N0M25S71.pdf
These are 3228 PLCC4 package SMD emitters. Manufacturer calls them "top view" -- I was told to look for "reverse" but this seems to fit the bill IF it's the correct pin orientation. It's hard to say without having the PCB in my hands. I'll keep looking.
Props to Xi Kuang @ Massdrop for the lead, and Yanbo for passing it on. <3
Web site: http://www.sunledusa.com/SearchResult.asp?Series=XZxxxxxx45S-9&SubCategoryDescription=Multi-Color%20SMD%20LEDs
Spec Sheet: http://www.sunledusa.com/products/spec/XZMDKCBDDG45S-9.pdf
These might be a little easier to get. I can't find a source for the Brightek.
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=1497-1257-1-ND
Edit: Don't buy anything yet. I suspect this one doesn't have the correct pinout. 2nd Edit: Scratch that. These are the right part.
Buy at your own risk, though. None of this has been validated on a production PCB. It's possible that people who participated in an earlier drop (not me) could get some of these LEDs and try them on their boards. That would be the best confirmation we can get. Short of that, I'm hoping someone from Vortex can tell us if we've got the right part.
Can anyone measure the diameter of the hole in the PCB that was cut/drilled for LEDs? I need a reference.
Full album here: http://imgur.com/a/AnZ1c
If anyone is interested in the full process let me know and I'll make a post in the Talk section.
*EDIT - nevermind, there is a brightness adjustment =D
I'm curious why it is necessary to source one's own LEDs, as the kit optionally includes 30 RGB LEDs. Is something wrong with the LEDs available from Massdrop?