Want a fancy new keyboard from a Linux vendor that makes their own? System76 are adding the Launch Heavy to their line-up that includes a full NumPad.
They've put up a teaser website, which gives some of the details on what to expect from it. Just like the previous two models, it will be fully customizable with their open source Keyboard Configurator app. Considering the excellent build quality of the original Launch Keyboard that I reviewed, I have high hopes for this one and the full size is great.
From the public details the chassis continues to be open source, it has a detachable bar on the bottom to lift it up at an angle, it has an open source PCB design, RGB LED lighting that you can customize, a few different types of switches you can choose from, 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C (Up to 10 Gbps), 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A (Up to 10 Gbps) and open source firmware.
Certainly sounds like something great. What do you think?
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
StalePopcorn Nov 25, 2022
EagleDelta Nov 25, 2022
Quoting: StalePopcornDamn that looks good, only missing volume keys [for me].
IIRC with my Launch, volume is mapped to Left-Fn + PgUp/PgDn.
I.E. The Launch Keyboard software is for mapping such things.
neon_soaked_chryssalid Nov 25, 2022
PublicNuisance Nov 25, 2022
(Apart from that I wouldn't like the cursor keys arrangement and the lack of a proper ins/del/home/end/pgup/pgdown block.)
slaapliedje Nov 26, 2022
Quoting: neon_soaked_chryssalidI'm probably going to have to get one of these at some point. I looked at the original Launch the last time I needed a keyboard, but I use the number pad a lot. So it was a pass for me then, but maybe not next time!Same here. Ha, though a big reason I do is for old dungeon crawlers that use the numpad.
mattaraxia Nov 26, 2022
Quoting: TuxeeI have yet to understand the usefulness of lighting with opaque keycaps...
(Apart from that I wouldn't like the cursor keys arrangement and the lack of a proper ins/del/home/end/pgup/pgdown block.)
It's actually really great. When you hit either function key to activate another layer, just the keys active in that layer light up, with a different color for each layer.
(I have the first gen launch, and love it so much I registered just to answer that question.)
ElectricPrism Nov 26, 2022
The layout isn't my thing (nav cluster) but at least they are being innovative and trying something new. I really do wish southpaw would catch on with a left hand nav cluster and optional numpad.
Once you break down the location of the symbols it really doesn't make much sense either besides being grandfathered in.
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/
I wouldn't mind seeing the FOSS community innovate in the keyboard space, the Planet 6 keyboard with the split layout and centered trackball concept is really neat too.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=76149.0
The traditional keyboard layout could use some improvements now that we are unshackling from the legacy since so many people have switched to touch keebs.
slaapliedje Nov 26, 2022
That being said, the most inovative keyboard I own is the Wooting keyboard. I don't use it all that much as it takes some getting used to, but it is wonderful.
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