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
Layer 0 - Default Layer
Toggle Keys
Keymapping The is pretty much a default keyboard layout except for the layer toggles. Layer 1 - LED / Fn Layer
Colors
Keymapping
Layer 2 - VIM / Word / Outlook Layer
Toggle Keys
Colors The yellow and orange are kind of hard to distinguish in the photos.
Keymapping
Navigation
Vim
Word Helpers
- U = ctrl + page up (Beginning of paragraph)
- M = ctrl + page down (End of paragraph)
- W = ctrl + right arrow (Navigates to next word)
- B = ctrl + left arrow (Navigates to previous word)
- 4$ = ctrl + home (Navigates to end of line)
- 0) = ctrl + end (Navigates to start of line)
I tried to figure out a way to navigate sentences but I didn’t want to write VB macros. Excel HelperShortcuts
Outlook
Word
Layer 3 - Excel Layer
Toggle Keys The Drop configurator has an option to toggle a layer for one keypress. I use this to toggle this layer from the Default layer and the Vim layer. After I press a shortcut, the keyboard reverts back to the previous layer. Colors
Keymapping
Formatting
Excel Commands
Excel Navigation
Conclusion This set up as worked out really well so far. I will probably make a couple tweaks here and there but I’ve gotten used to the layout after a full day’s use. It’s worked out so well I’m considering buying another one for home to replace my dev keyboard, an Apple Magic Keyboard. At $200 shipped, the Alt Keyboard isn’t cheap but what would you pay to finally learn all the Vim keybindings?