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
At first, I connected it to my macbook using a usb-c to usb-c cable, which didn't work. Then I connected using the usb-c to usb-A cable that comes bundled into a usb-hub first and it worked.
Is it not supposed to work connected directly to a usb-c port?
In any case, I did not come here to rant about the keyboard. I will wait for an answer from support before commenting further on this issue.
Universal in this sense is like the Lightning connector for iPhones. USB-C can be plugged in right side up or upside down, it makes no difference. Contrast that to mini/micro USB that can only be plugged in one way. Also contrast USB-C durability to that of mini/micro USB which are known to break easily.
I did find that some USB-C to USB-C cables do work. I found it on Reddit. Here's an example: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/837zjn/help_dz60_cannot_connect_with_a_usbc_to_usbc_cable/
I hope that helps you get things resolved with Massdrop.
I understand what you mean by reversibility of the plug but realize that if you use a usb-c to usb-a cable, you can plug right side up or down only on the keyboard, not on the computer.
In any case, thank you for the reddit link! I will read through it while I wait for an answer from them. You might be interested on this though: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-ctrl-mechanical-keyboard/talk/2188217
They may have a better explanation, but I was relieved to see that I can still use a USB-C to USB-C cable with my new keyboard.
However, that will not satisfy me. The point of USB-C as a universal port for me is that I can use any cable, connecting in any direction. This keyboard should work with something as standard as the USB-C cable that comes bundled with the MBP to charge or the one that comes with a USB-C monitor to connect the video. If I have to pick a specific USB-C cable to connect my keyboard, it is no different than having a micro/mini-USB cable just to connect the keyboard. My standards of universal means that the same cable can be used to connect a charger, monitor, external HD, mobile, tablet or a keyboard. The burden of universality is primarily on the device implementation, then on the cable, not the other way. My charger, monitor and external HD can satisfy this fundamental criterion, so why can't a $200 keyboard?
I will accept something like flashing the keyboard or even replacing a relatively simple component such as a resistor. In other words, I will accept a fix to the problem. However, buying a specific cable is not acceptable. That is not only a workaround, not a fix, but is also shifting the blame and the burden somewhere else.