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 had the old Apple IIe's at school, but can't remember typing much more than what Number Crunchers or the Oregon Trail would require. I learned a lot of early DOS on an ancient home-build that my dad got for work. I dont remember the keyboards, but it was many years before I'd discover them again.
The first board I bought was the Ducky SZ2108 (or DK2108SZ) for work a few years ago. I got it on mechmarket after long deliberations and trips to Microcenter to try others out. I had been aching for a DAS ever since I saw them on Thinkgeek a number of years ago, but the price scared me off. The Ducky, with a PayPal discount and shipping, ended up being a little over $60.
I bought the full set of Dolch DSA on Massdrop and haven't looked back. I got a Planck and GH60 as kits and built them up to my specification. I'm eyeing a bunch more at this point; I've always really enjoyed putting things together; electronics, cars, cameras, what have you... Then there's just the plain old-fashioned love of creating something usable with my hands. There is something quite addicting about keyboards. I've gotten a number of my friends hooked on the switch, and a couple more interested.
I am currently planning a keyboard for my grandmother. She has a phD in literature and writing, but she hasn't gotten much time to write lately. I've squared away a number of things for her and now I'm sourcing parts for a mech built to her specifications. I already have a bunch of the linear Gateron clears, which will be perfect and light for her fingers. I need to decide on a layout and how best to build it. REALLY sad I didn't jump on the Whitefox. I think a 65%-80% is going to be the way to go, but there are not many kits like that. Oh well. I can always try my hand at handwiring, which is the next logical step anyway!!!