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'm really, truly confused that the split-spacebar/backspace configuration never really caught on. (i guess MightGrowSoft has produced a few here and there, but AFAIK they haven't been mechanical.) why would you waste so much space on a button you only need 1 thumb to press? why would you keep the backspace key so far out of the way that you need to move your hand to reach it? there are a lot of questions, but the bottom line is: for a daily driver, i don't want to compromise on this. i shouldn't have to lift a pinky to delete a single character.
i'm no stranger to soldering components onto boards and so on, but i'm a brand-new dad, so time is at a premium. basically, i'm looking for an end product of "a DAS Ultimate but with a split spacebar" or this cougar thing https://www.amazon.com/Cougar-Aluminum-Mechanical-Keyboard-KBC700-4IS/dp/B00TA4H6UO but with blank keycaps (i do want my numpad, arrows and F keys, but don't need all the other bells and whistles, like USB ports and volume controls and lighting and so on). i use only GNU/Linux, so any reprogramming i can really do from the OS side (although this isn't necessary for the NMB). the infinity ergodox looks awesome and wouldn't be a bad solution, but again, i can't make the time commitment just now.
tl;dr: mechanical keyboard (cherry MX browns), split spacebar, blank caps. does this spark anyone's imagination? thanks for any pointers.
*i realize i should post a pic of my NMB but lemme put a coat of paint on it first.