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 went ahead and broke open my KBD19X kit I've been sitting on meaning to build that I bought specifically for GMK Laser when its drop started, and ironically I never got around to building it in time, lol. I kept telling myself, "you have plenty of time!"...days rolled to weeks...months.... and now GMK Laser is sitting on one of the worktables in the shop, unopened, and collecting dust. Hahah. One of these days I'll get around to it! --probably when the drop for the KBD19X PCB shows up, that is.
So I went ahead and designed and made an acrylic-cased deck using the PCB I have from the kit, using lubed ZealPC Zilents with 63.5g springs (85g on spacebar), ZealPC PCB-mount stabs, pink 1.8mm LEDs, and a gradient Cherry profile PBT keycap set I've been sitting on from KBDFans that went great with the theme I wanted to go for. GMK Laser would also work on it too, but that's still going on the main deck. ;) This one I'll use as my work deck for the time being.
Enjoy!