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
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/924r0a/video_showing_how_loose_my_epbt_9009_keys_are/
I'm not tinkering with them any more out of fear of breaking anything, but I'm still pretty upset about it.
It's a shame. It seemed like Kailh had really turned things around with the Halo switch collaboration but I guess not. Not to mention there's also the issue of stem twist with the boxes that causes keycaps to sit cockeyed on ones that have the issue.
What IS an issue though is that they stretch or crack your keycaps, making them useless either over time (to be determined, but possible if cracked) or with other boards (like in erickong's video).
I'd still recommend the Massdrop/Kailh Halos/Trues since there's definitely not an issue with those, and I personally love them them, but I would stay pretty far away from any Box switch from them until they acknowledge this issue and resolve it.
I'm going to try to shave some of the stemgate off, if I can find the time and tools...
That said, I've already written off my Laser set, which sucks, but whatever. I'll replace it if it ever re-launches but there's no sense in removing the stretched caps and attempting to use them on a non-box board at this point. I'll also be getting my hands on a set of calipers soon to do my own testing on this. It's mainly out of personal curiosity, but I'll post what I find here regardless.