System76's Open Source Launch Keyboard Leaks Ahead of Its Own Launch Later Today

Linux system specialist System76 is branching out, with details of its open source, QMK-based programmable 84-key USB keyboard leaking out ahead of its official launch later today.

The System76 Launch, details published and then retracted ahead of a formal "Launch launch" later today reveal, is an open source compact mechanical keyboard based on the equally open source QMK firmware. Housed in a milled chassis, the PCB includes 84 Kail MX hotswap sockets - which can be filled with Kailh Box Jade or Box Royal switches, chosen at the time of purchase and swappable without soldering if you later chance your minds — and PBT XDA-profile keycaps with dye sublimated markings.

With just 84 keys, the Launch is a few keys short of a full layout — something System76 has worked around by offering four layers, selectable by holding down modifier keys. What exactly goes on each layer is up to the user: A software configuration tool will be available at launch, the company has confirmed, for Linux, Windows, and macOS systems.

As well as the keyboard functionality, System76 has thought to include a little extra connectivity: The detachable USB cable at the rear of the keyboard not only wires up the keys themselves but also four USB 3.2 Gen. 2 ports, two Type C and two Type A. As is de rigueur for a modern keyboard, there's also per-key RGB LED backlighting — again customizable in software.

System76 has been working on Launch for some time, with initial design files having been uploaded to the project's GitHub repository - under the GNU General Public License 3.0 — in December 2019. Now, it's preparing to take pre-orders for fully-assembled units — shipping, the company hopes, in June — at $285 including the board, spare key caps and switching tool, and a magnetic bar that tilts the keyboard forward for more comfortable typing.

The System76 Launch is to go up for sale on the company website later today.