Linux PC company System76 has been selling laptop and desktop computers with Linux software for over a decade. The company also develops one of the most popular Linux distribution in the market named Pop!_OS. But now, PC manufacturer System76 is becoming an accessory maker too.
In July last year, we covered the announcement of the keyboard, and it looks like the manufacturer is finally ready to spice things up. And now the company is launching a new first-party hardware product – the System76 Launch keyboard.
The Launch is a configurable mechanical keyboard made in the USA with an emphasis on open source. It has both firmware and open source hardware. Even the configuration software which runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS is open source.
If you have the necessary hardware and know-how, you can find everything you need to build or modify your own in a GitHub repository.
The keyboard will have individually addressable RGB LED backlighting and the body should be made out of a solid block of aluminum as well as a custom PCB (printed circuit board). System76’s Launch keyboard will be available in three key options – Red, Brown, and Blue and will not use Cherry MX.
In addition to the central USB-C port for connecting to your system, Launch features two high-speed USB-C and USB-A ports. The keyboard utilizes a removeable USB-C cable for connectivity. This means if the cable gets damaged, you can simply replace it.
System76 Launch keyboard is designed, engineered, and manufactured in Denver by a team of very particular keyboard nerds. After testing various configurations, they enjoyed and approved the final product unanimously.
With a wide swath of customization options, the Launch is flexible to a variety of needs and use cases. 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 one Space Bar keycap for Shift, Backspace, or Function to reduce hand fatigue while typing.
says System76
The US-made keyboard does command a high price though of $285 USD and now it’s available for pre-order. The orders expected to begin shipping in June, 2021.
