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
PROS: 1. I absolutely love that you have potentially brought a new switch to the community. (There were others, but this one seems to have real thought behind it) 2. The 50g switches feel really great after I lubed them all. 3. The keyboard is VERY easy to take apart. It's a little time consuming, but the switches come out and go in smoothly. 4. The back-lighting is really nice: great colors, solid presets, and even lighting. (except for a single key on one of the boards that isn't very bright. 1/208 isn't bad) 5. The adjustable riser on the bottom of the keyboard. 6. The extra freebies included! Replacement switches, a keycap puller, usb cable, AND a handy, dandy manual!? 7. It was affordable. 8. The packaging. (I'm a sucker for simple boxes)
CONS: 1. The quality control. I'm including this to describe what was specifically wrong with the two bamboo 104-key boards I bought to hopefully help improve future runs. -- The bamboo cases are good overall for me, but there is some cracking and the layers are a little uneven. -- The switch sliders aren't consistent. Some of the sliders hold the key very firmly, while some other barely hold it at all. 2. The key wobble is real! Maybe you could fix this with even heavier springs? 3. The stabilizers. I was hesitant to include these, since they are just fine after I lubed them. However, fresh out of the package, they were pretty awful.
All and all though I really like the keyboard. I had to do a little bit of work to it for personal preference, but it was relatively painless. The keycaps are pretty terrible. I didn't put them in the CONS, because for the price, I consider them freebies, but I will certainly be replacing them. I wish I would have gotten the acrylic case... (Do you have an extra 104-key acrylic case for sale? I'll trade you for a nice bamboo case :P)
Thanks for all the hard work, and your transparency throughout this whole process! I'm excited for future Hall Effect keyboards :)
P.S. I can add a few pics if you'd like, but all I have are crappy phone cameras.
Sadly I don't just have another 104-key acrylic case.