It is possible that the previous owner flashed firmware that doesn’t bind that key to anything. So the first thing to try would be flashing firmware that does bind the key. If that doesn’t work, the switch might be the problem. You could check on the back of the pcb if the soldering looks any different from the other keys. Even if it doesn’t you could reflow the key. If that doesn’t work you can unsolder the key and pull it out, open it up to see if anything is messed up like the contact leaf. You could try a different switch in that spot. If you put in a fresh key that works in the old spot and it still doesn’t work it might be the pcb. Maybe you need to reflow or replace the diode. If that doesn’t work it might be the contact pads on the pcb for the switch or the diode. When unsoldered and with the solder removed you should see a metallic ring around where the switch pin goes. If that is (partially) missing it will be trouble. It could also be the ‘wire’ that is etched into the pcb that goes from the pad to the controller. Either fixing the pad or jumping the wire is a bit more advanced (and a pain in the ass). I don’t have experience with that. Hopefully the problem is earlier in the chain. Good luck!

In my experience you can bend them back just fine. Especially if it is not a sharp bent.

Yes, I use vim :) The spacebar is basically split into four buttons. The rightmost one is actually space. The leftmost one is shift. This means I only need one shift key as I don’t need to alternate left and right shift. The keys with arrows on them are not actually arrow keys, I use arrow keys on a layer. The left one pointing right is enter when pressed and FN when held. the right one is is -_ when pressed and a layer key when held. All the the mods on the left work like that too: tab when pressed, mouse layer when held. 0 when pressed, superkey when held. Esc when pressed, ctrl when held.

Not OP but probably just the key next to the "’ key. The text on keycaps are just labels and do not dictate what the key does.

This changes the angle at which they meet your thumb. Many find this configuration more comfortable when they use mods instead of a spacebar kit. I do this too.

If you follow the github link (https://github.com/codybloemhard/eliza) you will find a picture of the matrix! I really like the upside down mods for space bars. It depends a bit on how you angle your hands when you type, but if I put the ‘space bar’ modifiers in their regular orientation, the edge will dig into my thumb. One thing I would do differently is the position of the screws. Two of the screws are right where my thumb comes down on the board when I press down the space bars. This was slightly irritating and I had to get used to it.

Haha. They are themed after ASCII control characters. ‘BS’ stands for ‘backspace’. Maybe you’ll like the ‘F_ack’ key as well :)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_character

‘stash’ is a command for the software ‘git’ which is something programmers use a lot. This GMK set has its modifier keys themed after that software. So the functionality of the keys is not really connected to what the text reads on them. In my case they happen to be shift and space.

People usually use either their left or right thumb for space (some bring a finger down instead of using a thumb). Whatever side you are used to, you would keep space at in your split space layout. For me that is the right side. The other one is shift for me so it does also get a lot of use, but yes the right one gets used more frequently.

Yes, you can bind something to the other spacebar. Shift, a FN key, backspace, enter, a letter, whatever you want. Normally you would have 8 fingers on the alpha cluster (the letters) and use a thumb for space thus using 9 digits (before someone comes after me for calling thumbs fingers lol). By splitting the space you effectively gain the ability to type with all your digits by giving each thumb a separate key. You can also split the space in more than two keys. Personally I quite like two keys per thumb.

Can’t imagine using full spacebar again after tasting split spacebars and 40’s. I’m never typing with 9 fingers again.