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
A special limited edition Realforce 87UB Silent with 30g domes. They've released a few ANSI 104 boards but nothing 87 ANSI. This board would counter the compact 35g Plum boards that have popped up. They already make 30g NIS boards in Japan so they already have the formulas/domes.
A full size 104 55g board. Realforce already has two SKU's for this so I don't know what the hold up is. The only unsubstantiated theory I have is Elite Keyboards has some sort of deathlock or contract on the 55g domes themselves. My guess is Topre has a huge MOQ on these that EK won't buy into but at the same time EK won't give permission for anyone to use the 55g domes in any keyboard but theirs. Stalemate and the consumer loses. Topre needs to figure it out because the clones are getting closer by the year; In Korea you can now buy 62g EC models for example.
Also, I would like to see more options for Devlin Q-Series low profile caps. The sticking point is they do not have the molds for 6.25" space bars. Mechsupply used SP DSA for that but I think an even better option would be Devlin L-Series which is currently used on the Cherry G80-3850 models.
Speaking of low profile, I would love to purchase a board using Kailh's new low profile ML clone switches.
Also I would like to see a group buy for Cherry MX Silent Red switches.
I think that's it :)