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
Pretty excited about this set and board. This will be my first themed mech key set that I have purchased. I have used all kinda of keyboards through out my life, and liked the Logitech wave for a bit along with the Microsoft ergo too.
This seem to fit all the checks for a nice board for me with the caveat that there is no Bluetooth. Maybe thats an overrated feature, but would be nice to cut as many wires where I can. That being said, can not wait to get this later this month. The style of it, small form factor, cherry mx switches and the mat looks pretty slick too.
I will have to post a follow up once I get the actual board, but some of the wins for me on this are the following:
- Backlit - I think this is a must have in todays modern world.
- Aesthetically pleasing - I liked this theme, and Chinese artwork particularly. A lot to this but simply put for brevity.
- Small form factor - I was originally eyeballing a WASD TKL with the function and editing keys, still may get that in the end. We shall see.
- Standard or better key switches - this was a concern as some vendor use less than quality or off brand switches with terrible feedback, etc.
- Upgrade to the current setup - sold my old Mac Pro with the keyboard, using my Logitech tv/PS4 keyboard while I filched around for a new replacement.
- Price - This seemed decent in comparison to a lot of the other mechanical boards. There are a lot that are all over the field in terms of price/quality/functionality.
- OS agnostic - This is important as I use macOS now, but see myself migrating back towards Linux for various reasons. But never know when I might be in Windows either, work laptop or something.
- Key layout dip switches - Would be nice if it had the dip switches for the keyboard layouts , but nothing a few pulls and some software cant fix either.
Got this to tie me over until the Panda unit arrives. Super cheap, backlit, and stops me from using this weird Logitech one. (K400r)https://www.amazon.com/MechanicalEagle-Tenkeyless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Switches/dp/B01I1N6N3U/ref=pd_ybh_a_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AD6ZXC9J1CY8WPJE5VEQ
Runner ups were :
- http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/make/wasd-v2-87-key-mac-retro-custom-mechanical-keyboard.html
- https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-75-Keycaps-Cherry-Aluminium/dp/B071PC4D84/ref=pd_ybh_a_25?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KTHTWRB6ZH1P4G37ZH3K
- https://caps-unlocked.com/va87mac-dual-os-standard-edition/
- https://www.amazon.com/Released-Matias-Tactile-Keyboard-Version/dp/B06VVM2M8P/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1522979959&sr=1-8&keywords=Matias+quiet+pro+mac
Would love to hear the communities feedback. Maybe I missed something , but after weeks of looking around at tons of them on Amazon, Reddit threads, looking on here, etc. But sometimes too much information makes it even hard to make a sound decision.