Prebuilt mechanical keyboards typically neglect Linux help. Customers steadily report success in getting a mechanical keyboard’s fundamental capabilities to work, however many of those peripherals do not accommodate software program for controlling superior options, like macros, with Linux. Since final yr, System76’s Launch keyboard has been making an attempt to handle that downside. However quantity crunchers shall be way more within the new Launch Heavy.
Launched this week, the Launch Heavy is a numpad-equipped model of the 84-key Launch. As detailed in our System76 Launch overview, the keyboard is among the most customizable Linux-focused mechanical keyboards one can discover. Nonetheless, an absent numpad made the Launch an instantaneous ‘no’ for a lot of. Now, the newly launched Launch Heavy is addressing many, however not all, of its smaller counterpart’s shortcomings.
Scharon Harding
As you may see, the Launch Heavy’s 105 keys aren’t a standard format. System76 had its manner with the keys to the left of the numpad, eliminating some utterly. However in comparison with the Launch, the Launch Heavy provides keys above the numpad for media management. Sadly, there are nonetheless no buttons for controlling the amount out of the field.
System76 was gracious sufficient to replace the mechanical switches provided with its keyboards since we reviewed the Launch in March. Along with the supremely stiff clicky Kailh Field Jades and tactile Field Royals (every require 75 grams of drive to actuate), you will get the Launch Heavy and the remainder of the lineup with quieter, tactile Kailh Field Silent Browns (50 g) or lighter, linear Silent Pinks (35 g).
You do not have to stay with any of these, although, for the reason that keyboard’s switches are simply detachable sans soldering iron. However for $300, you will most likely need to begin off with switches you are completely happy to make use of straight away.
Oh, did we overlook to say the Launch Heavy’s value? It is solely $14 greater than the smaller Launch however nonetheless a large ask for a keyboard. Many will choose among the finest wi-fi mechanical keyboards, one thing with quantity keys, or constructing their very own mechanical keyboard for that value vary as an alternative.
Nonetheless, the Launch Heavy (2.8 lbs, to be precise) has some standout options for these prepared to spend the cash.
System76’s Launch mechanical keyboards, which additionally embrace the 70-key Launch Lite, characterize a number of the few mechanical keyboards that declare Linux help (they work with Home windows and macOS, too). The seller pushes its Pop!_OS Linux distribution by having the Launch Heavy help keyboard shortcuts inside it, resembling organizing tiled home windows and not using a mouse or opening apps.
The Launch sequence can be an admirably tinker-friendly one, from its open supply, QMK-based software program for programming its keys and open supply chassis and PCB to the hot-swappable switches, which embrace two for the break up spacebar. Maybe the sequence’ handiest function is the hub on the highest of the keyboard’s edge with 4 more and more omitted USB-A ports.
Whereas the Launch Heavy’s value continues to be overwhelming, there’s sufficient right here for it to be a singular consideration for quantity crunchers, particularly Linux customers, in search of a customizable mechanical keyboard.
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