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
Layout: (CM Storm Quickfire TK key layout), ANSI - That's because I sometimes work on other people's KBs and have to keep mine in line. Legends: shine-through, medium-sized, centered, pretty standard font, nothing too fancy. Color of the keycaps: black - It keeps the colors of the backlighting really pop. Keycaps: made of PBT, legends - POM plastic, double-shot injection molded Profile of the keycaps: in terms of height something between OEM/Cherry and Low Profile. I like the height of Apex M800's keycaps but I also like the *ergonomic* profile of OEM ones. Switch: SteelSeries QS1. I don't like Cherry MX Speed that much because it has non-centered LED. Case: Aluminum, frameless - BUT not the like of Corsair K70's (it gathers dust a lot), much more like Natec Genesis RX75 or Ducky Shine 5. It has to save as much width and length as possible. LEDs: RGB of course. Lightweight design: Genesis RX75've managed to keep it very close to 1 kg. Drivers: Not needed. Picking the color directly with the keyboard (with 6 RGB scale buttons, editor's buttons for example (Home, Page Up, etc.) or the way Ducky Shine 5 does) should suffice. Volume knob - Das Keyboard anyone?