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
I recently bought a left-handed keyboard, the DSI one below, and it's much better to use for me as a right-hander - the keyboard is centred with the monitor, mouse/trackball has tons of space on the right, and the left hand has quickly gotten up to speed on the numpad and arrows with way more keys accessible without taking your hand off the mouse . Hell, even Logitech knows to add 12 bonus keys on the left - why not use the right hand cluster which is already there and just shift it to the left? I don't take my hand off the mouse anymore unless I'm typing long missives like this one - anything with AutoCAD, Excel, FE analysis, gaming, all these use-cases keep my mouse hand fixed, keyboard exclusively with the left.
Calling on the keyboard designers to embrace a left hand layout and bring something original to market rather than forever tweaking 60% boards or adding more coloured LEDs. This form works so well I can't believe it's not more prevalent. The DSI is decent (Cherry Reds) but can be improved. Let's go!