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
The expansion The Workman layout was introduced in 2010, Norman about three years later, and then the DH revision of Colemak in 2014. Keycaps were added to support more layouts, and various kit names were used to reflect the increased coverage. Let's use Colevrak+ here. The kit render below illustrates why various keycaps were added. Additional support did not necessarily follow the order listed here.
Wide mod is not a unique layout, but rather a modification intended to improve ergonomics by increasing the gap between hands. I've shown it first because it works for all alt layouts mentioned above, with the exception of Dvorak. It can even be used on QWERTY. Only two unique keycaps are needed, one of which is already included for Dvorak.
ColemaQ is Nyfee’s rearrangement of Colemak DH.
Workman was introduced by OJ Bucao in 2010.
Niro was introduced by kessentchaz in 2021. It uses Workman’s R2 D.
Norman was introduced by David Norman in 2013.
QWPR was introduced by chema_quinn in 2013. It uses Norman’s R2 K.
QGMLWY was introduced by Martin Krzywinski in 2010. It requires the addition of R2 M and homing A.
Programmer Dvorak was developed between 1997 and 2012 by Roland Kaufmann (see here and here). While it uses 19 keycaps from standard Dvorak and one from Colemak, TKL support requires an additional 15 unique keycaps: R2 at/caret, R4 apostrophe/quote, and 13 R1 keycaps with unique legends. Occasionally Colevrak+ has included just one of these keycaps – R4 apostrophe/quote – for partial support. An additional 6 unique keycaps are needed to cover the numpad: R2 is 1/2/3 and R4 is 7/8/9 to match the telephone layout.
Sculpted-profile summary table The table below highlights the keycaps needed by each of the eleven alt layouts mentioned above.
Eight-finger homing coverage is shown in honor of sets that included QWERTY eight-finger homing kits. Four examples are SA Jukebox's Deep Dish Homing Row, MT3 Serika r1's Super Homing, MT3 Serika r2's Geometries & Novelties, and MT3 Extended 2048’s Homing Addon. These were probably inspired by the home row of the Realforce HiPro keyboard. The eight-finger kit will also satisfy those who prefer middle finger homing, which was not uncommon before the turn of the century. Take early Apple keyboards, for example. (photo curtesy mr_a500)