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
What time is it? MASSIVE UPDATE TIME.
Leopold FC660M: We're calling Leopold every couple nights in an effort to speak with someone (ideally in English or Mandarin) about sourcing their FC660M and a variety of other keyboards they make. So far we've left a few messages but we're expecting to speak with someone in charge of international sales within the next few days. Additionally, we're speaking with the rest of our overseas vendors to see if any of them have the ability to list the FC660M on Massdrop.
KBT Poker II: Right now, KBT isn't making any Poker II keyboards. They're focusing on the Pure Pro and a couple other new keyboards. The new keyboards aren't finished yet but we'll be listing them as soon as they are. In the mean time, you'll have to wait on the Poker II until they start making them again (if they do).
Filco Majestoucj MINILA: Sadly, Filco isn't interested in expanding their North American distribution right now. That said, we're checking with our vendors and looking around for an introduction. Massdrop is a new sales channel for these companies and it's often hard for them to understand it without the proper introductions. In short, we're working on sourcing everything from Filco but it's going to take some time. We appreciate your unending patience!
KBT Race: We're talking with KBT about arranging a listing ASAP. Right now we're waiting on quantity confirmation (switch types, LED colors, etc) but once that's done we'll try to get a buy launched ASAP.
CM Storm QuickFire TK - Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with CHERRY MX BROWN: We've been in contact with CM Storm over the last couple weeks and I'm pleased to say they'll be listing the Quick Fire Stealth w/ MX Brown switches on Massdrop soon. This is a direct listing from CM Storm so you can bet the price and delivery times will be exceptional (I'd love to tell you specifics on pricing but they're not decided yet). Additionally, this first buy will act as a test for our community. Just like AKG, if CM Storm's first couple buys go well, we'll be able to work with them on listing a broad variety of other products in their lineup. If the buy goes REALLY WELL, we might be able to talk with them about listing the Novatouch very shortly after it's release later this year.
HHKB: As you know, we've been told (by PFU Fujitsu) that the HHKB has FCC compliance issues. If that's the case, then how are a select few businesses able to import and sell them in the United States? We started asking around and we haven't been able to pinpoint the reason behind these compliance problems. Given that, we're ignoring them and moving forward in our efforts to find a vendor to list these on Massdrop. We're speaking with a few of our existing vendors and hopefully we'll have more news soon.
That covers all of the top options for now. Hopefully we'll be able to list some of these options soon but for right now, sit tight and rest assured knowing we're doing everything possible to source vendors to list the keyboards you voted for.
I'll update you as more information becomes available.