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
Initially I was amazed how different it was compared to a regular non-mechanical keyboard and how it was themed towards gamers, although I immediately regretted it because it was too loud during the night, I remember waking my family up because I was "typing too loud".
I knew I needed to change, so I got rid of the Blackwidow and purchased Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid TKL which came with Cherry MX-Brown. This was good for typing and all but, i wanted change after using the browns for while, I was interested in Cherry MX-Reds which was widely known its use amongst "gamers" playing strictly FPS (at the time I was also competing in CS:S at an amateur league). So I purchased myself a Corsair K70 with Cherry MX-Reds, this is currently my main driver. Not too long ago I've also built my own mechanical keyboard with Gateron Clear switches (this requires 10g less actuation force compared to Cherry switches) and being a 60% keyboard with no plate (direct PCB mount) and a polycarbonate case, it became much lighter and easier to carry in my backpack. I'm also considering to change my daily driver keyboard to RealForce RGB (Topre switch) which will be released "before Christmas season", I have not ever used topre switch before but I believe I can adapt to it.