Ready for your next keyboard? How about one that's properly open source and looks quite fantastic? System76 has today properly revealed and released the Launch Configurable Keyboard.
Sticking to their ethos, they've launched the Launch as a fully open source unit. This includes the hardware (certified by the OSHWA), firmware and configuration tooling all as open source and firmware updates can be done directly through LVFS but it's not forced - it's up to users if they want to update the firmware.
While System76 remains a Linux vendor selling their custom Thelio desktops, laptops and they continue with their Pop!_OS Linux distribution - this is their first to be fully compatible with Windows and macOS too. System76 created the System76 Keyboard Configurator app to allow full customization of the keyboard layout - with changes saved to the keyboard so you can take it anywhere.
“Launch with macOS and Windows 10 is a phenomenal, high-end keyboard with a comfortable feel and unique high-speed USB hub,” said Carl Richell, CEO of System76. “Combined with Pop!_OS and, in particular, auto-tiling, the hardware and OS blend into a holistic desktop experience that's faster and easier to navigate.”
Just like their Thelio computers, the Launch is custom-built in their own facility in Denver, CO. Featuring a chassis
milled out of a solid block of aluminium, as well as a custom PCB (printed circuit board). Created for customization, it comes with a set of red, blue, or brown keycaps to get it how you want it. It also has runner feet to keep it still, along with a magnetic foot for an optional 15% incline.
"With a wide swath of customization options, the Launch is flexible to a variety of needs and use cases. The keyboard’s thoughtful design keeps everything within reach, vastly reducing awkward hand contortions. Launch comes with additional keycaps and a convenient keycap puller, meaning one can swap keys based on personal workflow preferences to maximize efficiency. Launch also features a novel split Space Bar, which allows the user to swap out oneSpace Bar keycap for Shift, Backspace, or Function to reduce hand fatigue while typing. Launch uses only three keycap sizes to vastly expand configuration options." — System76.
Check out our gallery of pictures below, click the image to view more along with some close-ups of the switches:
Ever feel like "I don't need it but I need it"? I've got that right now. Although, I'm not sure how I would cope without the trusty numpad. Would be interested to know in the comments how many of you never use the numpad though, does it bother you it doesn't have one?
System76 Launch Configurable Keyboard Specifications:
| Chassis | System76 Open Source milled chassis design Detachable lift bar to adjust keyboard angle by 15 degrees |
| Electronics | System76 Open Source PCB design Individually addressable RGB LED backlighting N-Key Rollover |
| Sockets and Switches | Kailh MX Hotswap Sockets Kailh Box Jade or Kailh Box Royal Switches |
| Key Caps | PBT plastic Dye sublimated legend XDA profile |
| Layout | ANSI US QWERTY |
| Custom Configuration | Customize layout and lighting in firmware with the System76 Keyboard Configurator Available on Linux, Windows, and macOS |
| Integrated Hub | 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C (Up to 10 Gbps) 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A (Up to 10 Gbps) |
| Connectivity | Wired, with detachable USB cable (USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C cables included) |
| Dimensions | 12.17′′ × 5.35′′ × 1.3′′ (309mm x 136mm x 33mm) |
| Weight | 2.09 lbs (948g) |
Direct Link
Available to pre-order from May 13, 2021 with shipping starting in June - with a price of $285. We're hoping to see a review unit at some point to give our thoughts.
Check it out on the official site.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
I don't use the numpad, and I like the easy to customize keys. I'm assuming that I can shut the RGB off with the included utility.
I recently sold my Corsair mechanical keyboard, which l hated. Loud, uncomfortable to type on, tacky, huge. I got a Logitech MX Keys instead. Quiet, excellent key travel distance, elegant white backlighting, wireless with USB-C charging, uses the Unifying receiver. And as a super-special bonus, it has no Win logo key.
Edit: in other words, I appreciate their effort a lot, but it's not for me at all.
Last edited by damarrin on 14 May 2021 at 5:58 am UTC
Yeah I'd like this keyboard on principal but Logitech has got me firmly in their "ecosystem." I've got the ergonomic keyboard (K860) and the G Pro Wireless mouse. I got my My girlfriend the MX Keys and I'm definitely jealous of the build quality/back-lighting of that model compared to my more-expensive one but am not willing to go back to the painful "standard" keyboard layout.
If there was an ergonomic model however System76...
Last edited by drlamb on 14 May 2021 at 5:22 am UTC
The weight is quite ok for its size, I use a Turtle Beach Impact 100 right now, that one is 1250g (and it's great).
LED lighting that doesn't illuminate the key labels? Sorry, but that must be the most idiotic design decision ever...I didn't even see that.
You're right.
That's just... that's.... what the...
furaxhornyx May 14, 2021
LED lighting that doesn't illuminate the key labels? Sorry, but that must be the most idiotic design decision ever...
Yes and no... I have a spare keyboard which has RGB lighting. The thing is, the backlighting is quite strong, and can only be changed in color, or turned off. Problem: when turned off, the printings on the keys become invisible, and you can no longer see which key you are typing on. At least System76 design allows for turning the (annoying) RGB off, without making your keyboard unreadable.
I have a spare keyboard which has RGB lighting. The thing is, the backlighting is quite strong, and can only be changed in color, or turned off. Problem: when turned off, the printings on the keys become invisible, and you can no longer see which key you are typing on
That's just bad design, the see-through plastic should be whitish so the cut out characters stand out against the (presumably) black of the keys.
I also never noticed that characters aren't illuminated in this one. It's a very, very strange decision.
Edit: still, it's their first iteration, they wanted to keep things simple, but atm it looks a bit too compromised to be useable.
Last edited by damarrin on 14 May 2021 at 9:09 am UTC
Philadelphus May 14, 2021
Still, hopefully this is just the first iteration of a new development for System76.
Almost on a daily basis I use my numpad for accounting or product prices, other calculations etc, heck i even avoid laptops which have no numpad.
I'd also like some keys dedicated to being programmable function keys.
This kb is cool idea though. But for now I'll stick to my £10 keyboard that has a numpad and dedicated programmable keys, and backlighting that lights up the letters too😅😂
Last edited by BlackBloodRum on 14 May 2021 at 11:49 am UTC
I am also not fond of the compact-style keyboards: no numpad, strange arrangement of del/end/page up, all top keys (escape, F1-F12) are all clustered together... I'll pass
LED lighting that doesn't illuminate the key labels? Sorry, but that must be the most idiotic design decision ever...
Yes and no... I have a spare keyboard which has RGB lighting. The thing is, the backlighting is quite strong, and can only be changed in color, or turned off. Problem: when turned off, the printings on the keys become invisible, and you can no longer see which key you are typing on. At least System76 design allows for turning the (annoying) RGB off, without making your keyboard unreadable.
My HP and Lenovo laptops both come with illuminated keys which are perfectly readable without lighting, too. On the desktop I now have a Sharkoon Skiller Mech - with turned off lighting the keys are still legible, but contrast could be better. So: It's feasible. And at this price point I can expect that they put in some effort. Simple solution: Offer optional keys with transparent labels.
Mountain Man May 14, 2021
Philadelphus May 15, 2021
I already use a Max Blackbird TKL, which is decent enough. I got the Max Falcon 20 numpad as a gift, and that's great. Highly programmable, though I need to do that in a Windows VM. Everything is stored on the numpad itself. And I can push it out of the way when I need a bit more mouse space.
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