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
If like me this if your first board, and your struggling with flashing it here is some simple documentation to follow.
- Under your PCB is a small (RESET) button, pressing this will put your board into its "Boot/Flashing" mode - Check to see if your board has drivers by going to Device Manager and see if there's a "Warning Triangle" next to your ATm32u4dfu - My Board (and most) come without drivers, so download: http://zadig.akeo.ie/ - Make sure your board appears as " ATm32u4dfu" (Atmega 32u4 - DFU Programming) by pressing the "RESET" button - Install the Drivers (WinUSB) - Board should reboot and display as GH60 or XD60 in Windows Devices (If not unplug/replug) - Build your layout with KLE: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/f249c49347e68c8b383a9ca16abd6623 - That is the XD60 default layout - Set your board to XD60 RevXD_Mod (If your only doing one layer - Choose simple) - Copy your Raw Data from KLE to the Composite Layer on http://yang.tkg.io/ (If this site doesn't load correctly, try googling for it instead - It has to be YANG if you want underglow to work) Language is Top Right drop down - To copy the default FN keys go back to KLE > Keyboard Properties > Copy then go to YANG and hit Tools > Import FN keys > Paste - To understand the Chinese custom functions go here: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/6pnpq7/xd64_layout_flashing_guide/ - Hit the Reset button and then you should be allowed to hit burn.eep
- Now that you have used TKG your board can now be put into boot mode by press LSHIFT+RSHIFT+Pause Break If you leave Pus Brk in the FN layer like i did you also have to hold FN, it will take a second or so, no more unscrewing :D
Enjoy your new flashed board!!
Useful links & Info: List of all TKG supported KLE buttons: http://yang.tkg.io/#help Don't worry if Zadig says you have no WCID - Mine works fine with a Red X in there Another write up can be found here too: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/6pnpq7/xd64_layout_flashing_guide/
My Build: https://goo.gl/LfCRnN
Extras
Red = When Caps Lock is Reversed (e.g. Not on - CapsLock needs to be pressed on and off once for this to apply) Green = When Layer 1 is active Blue = When Caps lock is On
I still don't understand the other two I believe Caps lock is there to allow you to toggle on that specific LED Not sure about Backlight - Don't have any LED's in mine yet
I have mine setup like this as i don't use the traditional LAYER setup just SIMPLE
Thanks
Here is a link to the KLE File so you can visualise the layout easily.