System76 Releases Open Source Mechanical Launch Keyboard for $285
System76 has released its Launch keyboard. This mechanical keyboard is completely open source, has replaceable switches, and is configurable with accompanying software. The first Launch keyboards will ship in June and will cost $285.
The System76 Launch features a tenkeyless design with a split space bar. The keyboard comes standard with Kailh Box Jade or Box Royal switches. These can be replaced by the user with other MX-like switches, as the Launch comes with hot-swap sockets. Users cannot choose to buy the keyboard without supplied switches. The supplied keycaps are made of pbt plastic and have an xda profile.
The manufacturer writes that the keyboard is 100 percent open source. For example, the PCB and housing designs are open source. The schematics of this hardware are on GitHub. Users can therefore replicate the keyboard themselves, provided they have the equipment to do so. The Launch keyboard firmware is based on QMK and is also completely open source. System76 has also published the source code of the software on GitHub.
The System76 Launch keyboard. Image via System76
Furthermore, the keyboard can be fully customized via software. Users can customize the layout of their keyboard through the open source System76 Keyboard Configurator application. The Launch keyboard supports up to four layers, allowing users to set shortcuts, for example. Users can also switch between different keyboard layouts via these layers, such as colemak or dvorak.
Users can connect the keyboard with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 type-C connector. The manufacturer includes USB C-to-C and USB C-to-A cables. The keyboard also includes an integrated USB hub with four USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections, two of which are type-C and two are type-A. The keyboard measures 309x136x33mm and weighs 948 grams.
System76 is an American hardware vendor specializing in Linux systems. The manufacturer sells, among other things, Thelio desktops and various laptops with Linux, which are supplied with open source hardware or firmware, for example. The company also makes its own Linux distribution called Pop!_OS. This operating system is based on Ubuntu and the Gnome desktop environment, although the company is introducing its own desktop environment in Pop!_OS 21.04 in June.
Images via System76