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
Things to note:
*Caps Lock key just looks...wrong to me. Definitely personal preference, but my brain tells me the arrow should be facing up, just like Shift.
The space bar has two quirks with my personal board: a) the spacebar does not have a cutout for the backlight. This is fine, but the light still shines through it and shows the imperfections in the plastic, which makes the key itself look out of place in dark settings. b) the spacebar doesn't bounce back like my stock one does. I've pulled the cap off three or four times tonight and tried to tell myself it's not doing that, but if I'm typing a long sentence like this one, the key doesn't "pop" back all the way up. I don't know if my spacebar switch is just weak or what...
For those of you who bought these for a ducky board, you will be pleased to know that the included keys DO include the volume keys. The only one that isn't a 1:1 match is the calculator key, which I've placed the Squirrel key instead. After you set the keys, you should have one extra: a Windows key.
Also another quirk, but I don't care: The top number row is illuminated at the TOP, meaning the symbols are illuminated.
For the space bar LED, you could cover it with a cleverly placed small strip of electric tape. I do agree though that a small line may have went well with this set. But I do have my spacebar upside-down so it wouldn't work for me either way.
I'm slated to get the board back tomorrow, so hopefully I put the keys back on there and they work fine.