Linux hardware vendor and Pop!_OS Linux distribution maker System76 are getting closer to releasing their custom Keyboard, and they've begun teasing out a lot more info on it.
Firstly it looks like the entire code for it is now live on GitHub which goes over quite a lot of detail about it. The System76 Launch Configurable Keyboard is "designed to provide the ultimate user controlled keyboard experience, with open source mechanical and electrical design, open source firmware and associated software, and a large number of user configuration opportunities".
Some shots (click the picture for a gallery)
The units are being manufactured by System76 directly in their Denver, Colorado facility just like they do with their Thelio cases. The chassis for the System76 Launch Configurable Keyboard is milled from two solid blocks of aluminium, then powder coated for the fit and finish. They say that each "pocket, port, and hole is designed and precisely machined so that swapping switches and plugging in cables is easy and secure for the user".
Are you a fan of colourful patterns? Well good news on that front as each switch has an RGB LED that is independently controlled and so you can pick from different patterns. The whole configuration suite is open source too with the keyboard-configurator also up on GitHub and the firmware will be easily updatable with the fwupd project.
Would you be looking to buy one? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Luke_Nukem Feb 11, 2021
Arehandoro Feb 11, 2021
However, my wallet is looking everywhere else.
Quoting: ArehandoroHope they release a nice keyboard. Unfortunately, since I learned from the ZSA Moonlander my eyes can't look anywhere else: https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/
However, my wallet is looking everywhere else.
I am in the exact same situation :D
Quoting: Arehandoro
Quoting: minkiu
How do you like these keyboards? Did it take long to get used to them? I attempted to use one before I knew how to type properly and it was a mind bender.
I have issues typing on standard keyboards comfortably due to American football injuries to both hands. This led me to prefer chiclet keyboards over mechanical due to the low actuation force. It wasn't until I forced myself to learn to type properly that ergonomic keyboards started to "click" for me. I've now got the logitech Ergo K860 and I love it. If this keyboard had back-lighting and the build quality of the MX keys it would be perfect in my eyes.
The open source firmware and the fact that system76 makes this keyboard makes me want it but I'm afraid it would be physically painful for me to use. Hopefully there is an ample return window as I'd really like to try it.
Last edited by drlamb on 11 February 2021 at 3:03 pm UTC
wvstolzing Feb 11, 2021
Quoting: JanneSize looks perfect. I wonder what switches they use. I'm partial to Topre myself but I guess they're using Cherry or some other maker.
It sounds like the switches will be user swappable; so I'd expect the default models to be customizable as well.
I've been longing for a mechanical keyboard since my Unicomp died on me last year; but good ones are really expensive & usually don't even ship where I live. This Sys76 keyboard is sure to be on the expensive side as well — though I have to say I really like that they're using a solid aluminum chassis.
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