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
Cylindrical Profiles To recap the previous article on the topic, one of the most basic ways to separate various keycap profiles is by shape (cylindrical, spherical, or flat). DCX, DCD, and DCL are all cylindrical profiles. The most famous cylindrical profile is Cherry profile, as defined by the original manufacturer of the keycaps—Cherry. GMK now owns those tools, and as such, only they can technically claim to produce “Cherry” profile keycaps. Similar keycap profiles are often called Cherry profile colloquially, but are in actuality slightly different. For the sake of not splitting hairs, all of the cylindrical profiles discussed here are “close enough” to Cherry that you would probably not be able to tell a difference from shape alone when typing. What differentiates DCX, DCD, and DCL then?
DCX - Drop Cylindrical “X” (ABS or PBT, double-shot (PBT can also then be dye-subbed as well)) DCD - Drop Cylindrical Dye-Sub (PBT, dye-sub) DCL - Drop Cylindrical Lumen (ABS, laser-ablated shine-through) Keysterine - Transparent ABS, UV thermal legends (unlikely to be confused for the others, included for completeness)
Left: DCD, Right: DCX A combination of material options and legending methods are what ultimately separate the three “DC” cylindrical profiles. DCX tooling can be used to make either ABS or PBT keycaps, and they will always be double-shot. DCX PBT can then be dye-subbed after injection, since the material is compatible. DCD, on the other hand, is limited to PBT material, single shot—so must be dye-subbed to impart legends on the caps. DCL is focused solely on shine-through capabilities, featuring a coated translucent base which is exposed in the legending process.
DCX Novelty Tooling
Spherical Profile Rounding out Drop’s profile portfolio is MT3, our in-house spherical profile developed in partnership with Matt3o. There are actually two different sets of MT3 tooling, for the two types of materials/legends available. This is one reason why kitting can sometimes be different depending on material choice for the keycap set. MT3 ABS - ABS, double-shot MT3 PBT - PBT, dye-sub
Image credit: @modest.gg Which profile is your favorite? What sets should be re-run in a new profile?