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
Laptop Specification: - Just a regular Dell laptop, i5 CPU with 16GB of RAM, a work laptop issued by my company. You can think of this more or less as a thin client that connects to VMs hosted from my desktop remotely for software development.
Keyboard: - Cooler Master CMSTORM Trigger Mechanical Keyboard (blue switch)
Mouse: - Mad Catz R.A.T 3 (for gaming) - Anker Vertical Mouse (for working)
Speakers/Subwoofer - Cerwin Vega XD3 Active Studio Monitor - Blue Octave SW6D Powered 6.5" Subwoofer (got it on EBay for cheap, just need a little bass)
Headset/Headphone - Creative Sound Blaster Wireless Tactic 3D Rage - Plantronics GAMECOM 818 Wireless Headset - Plantronics Wired Headset (not sure about the model, it's 10+ years old) - Sennheiser HD439 Wired Headphone
Monitor: - Acer B286HK 28" 4K monitor (middle) - AOC e2450Swd 24" FHD monitor (top) - AOC E1659FWU 16" USB monitor (bottom) Why 3 monitors? For work, top monitor is usually for e-mail and chat, middle monitor for coding, bottom monitor for reading references or editing document. When using it for joy, top monitor is typically playing video and middle monitor is for web surfing. Bottom monitor is not connected to my desktop. It is used for work only when I am on my laptop.
Network Gear: - Thecus N4100EVO NAS - 9TB in RAID5 - Motorola Arris Surfboard SBG6700-AC cable modem/wireless router combo (not using the wireless router capability) - Ubiquiti EdgeRouterX (primary needed a router to allow me to setup VLANs at home for cheap) - Netgear GS108Tv2 8 ports smart switch - Netgear GS108Ev3 8 ports smart switch (not using at this moment but shown on picture) - Ancient Raspberry Pi 2 Model B using it as a wireless G router for my wireless printers
Others: - Z-Line Belaire Glass L Desk - Varidesk 48" Pro Plus stand desk conversion - Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer (keep my coffee warm, extremely important! Highly recommended!) - A bunch of Raspberry Pi(s)... - A bunch of hot wheels just because I collect them for fun.