System76 have revealed the Launch Lite, a smaller version of their rather fancy and highly customizable keyboard that will properly launch for ordering tomorrow.
Featuring the same fancy tricks as the bigger Launch keyboard like custom multi-layer layouts, solid aluminum chassis, RGB LED patterns, magnetic angle bar and secure open source firmware. The difference of course is the size. This is a 67% keyboard and doesn't have the USB hub integrated so overall it's a bit more portable.
You will be able to customize the layout with the updated System76 Keyboard Configurator application allowing you to set 4 different layers, LED patterns and more with it all saved directly to the keyboard so you can take the layout with you anywhere to any system.
System76 say the Launch Lite comes with a "key and switch puller, as well as a few extra essential keys (Esc, Shift, arrows) in different sizes and accent colors" and in addition to the Jade and Royal switches you can also pick it up with either Silent Pink or Silent Brown switches. Additionally, the newer switch options will also be available for the bigger Launch keyboard too!
Direct Link
More info on their teaser page.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Quoting: BogomipsI still don't understand why nobody wants to take the ortholinear route as an option.
Fortunately, a lot of custom keyboards are available in the OS/OH world but still not cheap and for tech savvy people.
I present you: https://www.zsa.io/planck
Small, portable, mechanical, open source, completely customizable in layout/button functionality & keycaps ortholinear keyboard.
That being said, I still wouldn't use it as my main kb. It's fantastic for portability though. Just imagine this with a ~14" portable monitor, a 10 yr warranty USB dock, and a Steam Deck. All you need for a portable office + spectacular gaming station.
Oh, and maybe a trackball mouse. Spoiler, click me
I'm with you guys. As much as I want to trade in my Logitech G910 kb for a ZSA Moonlander, I like the 9 extra G keys, number pad, multimedia keys, and especially the volume roller. I wish it had better software support and even more G keys.
---
System76 thinks they're cleaver by releasing a 67 somethingsomething, don't they?!
306.5mm x 107.5mm is still too big compared to the ZSA Planck measuring 234mm x 82mm which they claim is pocket size.
I do like a few extra keys but, it still feels like it fits into this weird middle area.
---
Keep in mind that the QMK keyboard firmware that S76 forked allows any key to be mapped to any other key so you can still have a number pad, multimedia keys, et. al. You just have to hit an extra key to get there (and maybe get back). It's just a matter of playing around with different layouts. :D
Quoting: EWGQuoting: BogomipsI still don't understand why nobody wants to take the ortholinear route as an option.
Fortunately, a lot of custom keyboards are available in the OS/OH world but still not cheap and for tech savvy people.
I present you: https://www.zsa.io/planck
Small, portable, mechanical, open source, completely customizable in layout/button functionality & keycaps ortholinear keyboard.
That being said, I still wouldn't use it as my main kb. It's fantastic for portability though. Just imagine this with a ~14" portable monitor, a 10 yr warranty USB dock, and a Steam Deck. All you need for a portable office + spectacular gaming station.Spoiler, click me
I haven't tested it. Feel free to send me one! XD
I'm with you guys. As much as I want to trade in my Logitech G910 kb for a ZSA Moonlander, I like the 9 extra G keys, number pad, multimedia keys, and especially the volume roller. I wish it had better software support and even more G keys.
---
System76 thinks they're cleaver by releasing a 67 somethingsomething, don't they?!
306.5mm x 107.5mm is still too big compared to the ZSA Planck measuring 234mm x 82mm which they claim is pocket size.
I do like a few extra keys but, it still feels like it fits into this weird middle area.
---
Keep in mind that the QMK keyboard firmware that S76 forked allows any key to be mapped to any other key so you can still have a number pad, multimedia keys, et. al. You just have to hit an extra key to get there (and maybe get back). It's just a matter of playing around with different layouts. :D
I know the ZSA keyboards I considered an ergodox for a while ^^
Strangely I am fully ortholinear with a very old G13, a TypeMatrix 2030 and a N305 numpad.
And somewhere in boxes ready to be soldered a Lily58 with nice nano v2 and zmk with gateron ink black is waiting for me.
I'm still not sure if it will be ok for me with the layout shifting but why not.
What I would love to see is an ortholinear option for laptops, because for work I have a TypeMatrix on top of a MBP keyboard, it is fine but cumbersome.
Patreon
PayPal
See more from me