The Launch Heavy Configurable Keyboard from System76 - Hands-on Review!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 1 лип 2024
- System76, a company that focuses on Linux-first computers, designs keyboards now. The Launch Keyboard "launched" some time ago, and for some of you the lack of a numpad was a concern. Now, the "Heavy" variation of the Launch mechanical keyboard is available - and yes, it's a full keyboard complete with a numpad. In this video, Jay will give you his thoughts on the latest input device from System76.
*Support Learn Linux TV*'S AWESOME CONTENT
Note: Commission may be earned for any and all links presented here.
• Become a channel member here on UA-cam ➜ learnlinux.link/join
• Become a Patron on Patreon ➜ learnlinux.link/patron
• Set up your own cloud server with Akamai Connected Cloud ➜ learnlinux.link/akamai
INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS
00:00 - Intro
01:14 - Review Disclaimer
01:58 - Overview of the Launch Keyboard
02:55 - The Launch Keyboard has a numpad now!
03:41 - Taking a look around the Launch Heavy Configurable Keyboard
04:24 - Typing experience and available switches
04:59 - The Split Space Bar - Does It Affect Typing?
05:51 - Some thoughts about the Backlight on the Launch Heavy
06:48 - Configuring the Launch Heavy Keyboard with the System76 Keyboard Configurator
09:08 - Can You Add Custom Keys to the Launch Heavy Keyboard?
09:59 - Testing the Built in USB 3.0 hub - does it create a bottleneck?
11:36 - Palm Rests are Hard to Find for the Launch Heavy Keyboard
13:21 - How Much Does it Cost? Is it too expensive?
14:12 - Some of the keys use non-standard sizes
15:33 - Final thoughts on the Launch Heavy Keyboard
Video Specific Links (no commission is earned for System76 links):
- Check out the Launch Keyboard Lineup ➜ system76.com/accessories/launch
LINUX BEGINNERS SHOULD WATCH THESE ESSENTIAL VIDEOS
• How to create a bootable flash drive for installing Linux ➜ linux.video/flash-usb
• Installing an operating system for Raspberry Pi ➜ linux.video/pi-imager
• Understanding Linux permissions ➜ linux.video/perms
• Essential tweaks for ALL Linux Servers ➜ linux.video/all-servers
CHECK OUT THESE LINUX COURSES TO LEVEL UP YOUR TUX POWERS
• Get up to speed with managing an OpenStack Cloud ➜ linux.video/openstack
• Learn how to write your own Bash Scripts ➜ linux.video/bash
• Install, configure, and maintain a Proxmox VE Cluster ➜ linux.video/pve
• Automate tedious setup jobs by learning Ansible ➜ linux.video/ansible
• Learn how to exit vim (and use it too) ➜ linux.video/vim
LISTEN TO A GEEKY PODCAST
• Enterprise Linux Security ➜ enterpriselinuxsecurity.show
• The Homelab Show ➜ thehomelab.show
WORK ON A FUN LINUX PROJECT
• Run your own Gitlab CE Server ➜ linux.video/gitlab
• Build a Kubernetes Cluster on Proxmox ➜ linux.video/pve-k8s
• Set up your own Nextcloud Server ➜ linux.video/nextcloud
VISIT THESE OFFICIAL Learn Linux TV on the Web
• Main site ➜ www.learnlinux.tv
• Community ➜ community.learnlinux.tv
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOST
• Personal blog ➜ www.jaylacroix.com
• Twitter ➜ learnlinux.link/twitter
FAQ
• Which distro do I use? ➜ learnlinux.link/mydistro
• My recording gear (commissions earned) ➜ learnlinux.link/recording-stuff
Learn Linux TV provides technical content that will hopefully be helpful to you and teach you something new. However, this content is provided without any warranty (expressed or implied). Learn Linux TV is not responsible for any damages that may arise from any use of this content. The person viewing Learn Linux TV's content is expected to follow their best judgement and to make their best decisions while working with any related technology. Always make sure you have written permission before working with any infrastructure. Also, be sure that you're compliant with all company rules, change control procedures, and local laws.
#System76 #LaunchKeyboard #MechanicalKeyboard - Наука та технологія
I love their OS, has been my primary for years now in all my machines .... and I am paying the price of the keyboard just to support their work and open source business. Also, native Linux support is gold. I hope they make a light mouse and a trackball some day. Jay, can you ask them to do a campaign for mouse and trackball. I'll pay the price, and I think a lot of other people will.
Great looking Keyboard, love the usb at the back. Pricey though!
Nice review. I love Pop!_OS and System76. I wish you would have mentioned more about QMK.
@Learn Linux TV This looks like a 96% layout keyboard, maybe slightly wider because of the space left of the numblock. You can probably find a matching palmrest if you look for this layout. I use a 96% Keychron with a matching palmrest (38cm) that might be similar in size to the Launch Heavy.
Definitely would be my choice if I didn’t already have an expensive long term solution. Good video
I prefer the 60% version, but in reality, the only sin of this keyboard is the non-standard form factor for some of the keys. I value looks a lot when customizing a keyboard, and having to order specific form factors for some of the keys is really a challenge.
But I'm glad to finally have an open-source 60%(ish) mechanical keyboard that is supported in every operating system as well as having open-source and feature complete. If I ever manage to get personalized keycaps at a good price for it, it will be the best keyboard I could ever imagine.
I always appreciate a heavy, solidly built keyboard. If all else fails, you can always use it as a weapon in self-defense.
How do you update the keyboard firmware on pop os? Or does it do it by itself? through terminal update?
What about spill resistance? Important factor.
I noticed I always type space with my right hand, so remapping the left space bar is nice. I have mine mapped to escape for vim.
Keychron Wooden Palm rest Q5/V5/K4 Pro fits perfect
I LOVE the clickity-clack 💪😁
Me too, reminds me of the IBM keyboard days.
Would have loved to get myself a Launch Heavy, unfortunatelly I already got another one already :(
I'm a system76 customer. I'm interested in these keyboards. I wonder how "silent" the silent version is. My silent is apparently different than other people's.
I preordered this keyboard and got it just before Christmas. I love it with the num pad on it.
What are those non standard key caps that he ordered? I don’t see any mention of them anywhere.
Sorry about that! I totally forgot to add it. Here’s the affiliate link: amzn.to/3GCXcDf
@@LearnLinuxTV Thanks!
the price is definitely high. I have a couple of Keychron mechanical keyboards and I don't believe I paid more than $90 each, which was for a low-profile TKL with Gateron blue switches. Keyboards are highly subjective and I think it's worth paying as much as you like for one that fits your typing style perfectly.
Would be awesome if you review the Kinesis 360
If they send me one, I’ll definitely consider it. (I just spent a lot of money on a new camera right after I filmed that video).
Does anybody know if the letter keys are a uniform shape so I can pull them and put them back in the Dvorak layout or do I need custom caps?
The letter keys are uniform. The qwerty finger notches are on two of the keys but that's it. I swapped mine to colemak without issues.
Any open source split keyboards?
I’d like to know that too - I haven’t had one cross my radar yet.
Wished there was a hubless, wireless (ultra capacitor) version
would like to buy, but it is expensive. Unless it is ~100-150, not going to buy.
I want one but I also like a clean desk and have 2 or 3 computers I jump between so the Logitech MX series is for me
MX Keys is an awesome keyboard, I use one on another computer. MX Master 3 is great too.
I think I'll need to find some cheesecake Jay. 😆.
I can't wait to buy some cheesecake with this keyboard.
One of the many QMK/VIA compatible keyboards on the market would be a good alternative. The Keychron Q5 and Q6 would lose the hub, but gain standard keys, save at least $100, and work with Linux out of the box. I think maybe, just maybe, S76 are spending time and resources on a product others currently do better, and that would be better spent focusing on their specialty. I reserve the right to be wrong.
I think that’s something for people to consider, at least. Comparing things agains other things on the market is always a good idea. I haven’t checked out those keyboards yet.
I don't want to be "that guy" but, surely you should have mentioned the lifter? The original Launch Keyboard had a long metal lifter secured with magnets, I understand this keyboard is different and this is now split into two. How well does that work, is it just as stable? Also you didn't mention the placement of the USB pass throughs, the original has them equally distant from the keyboard's edges and the USB connection at the mid point but that doesn't seem to be true on this keyboard either.
Okay, that's the nitpicks of the review over - sorry, but usually you cover all the bases so I was a little disappointed. I think it would also have been useful to compare ALL the LCKs side-by-side for people wanting to figure out which they might like in one video. Maybe this is an idea for a future video, if you can get/have the LCK Lite in addition.
More generally, do you think System76 should offer a separate numpad in the same style? I think that actually this could have real appeal as both a numpad for people who want to use it on the left, or people who want to use it as a macropad. Personally, I think this might have been a better choice than a who new keyboard.
I'd like to see them make a split ortholinear keyboard like this (maybe in the popular Ergodox layout) what do you think?
Anyway, thanks for the review and sorry for the nitpicks - I am a fan of your work.
Personally, I hate mechanical keyboards (too noisy for one, and usually too tall). I wish I could find reviews for decent non-mechanical boards as easily as I can find mechanical keyboard reviews 😂
I'm using a Logitech K750 and I love it, and it lays almost completely flat against the desk, feels wonderful.
This keyboard looks interesting. If I liked mechanical keyboards I'd be interested. Thanks for the review.
need to add Grab handle in these heavy keyboards
@Jay
That definitely is a cool keyboard. though that price is high for what would amount to a 'toy' mostly on my part. Aside from that I'd like to have the money to burn on it :)
Do you happen to know what the 'life expectancy' is for a keyboard like that one? Obviously barring any insane stuff happening to it
was about to say the same. nice keyboard but way to expensive with loads of other models out there alot cheaper. - saying that it is a nice keyboard :)
The longevity is definitely really good. Key caps are a big part of this. I won’t accept any keyboard without PBT key caps, they always last for me (and I put keyboards through hell).
Do not think it is a toy. Having a keyboard that can be programmed with four layers for macros can be a huge help for productivity. I use multiple Genovation macropads and while I love them they only have two layers.
Where's Scroll Lock key? One of my most often used keys.
It’s where ever you want it to be 🙂
I haven't watched the video yet, but I was wondering why people like loud clicky keyboards. I'm - not - a big gamer, and I try to be someone quiet in my living space. I also enjoy the quietest keyboards possible. But obviously many love the loud keyboards. What is the reason for that?
You can get quieter keys. You can also install dampeners if you want to make it even quieter. We love the switches, basically. They don’t have to be loud (but often are).
seems like it gives extra feedback to offset the drudgery of constant typing. it allows you to calibrate your typing force just right, don't need to press any harder than necessary.
Jay love you buddy, but it is RAL---eeey Raleigh NC lol
LOL. I actually know that - but I’m trying really hard to break that habit 😂
$299 Jesus!
Yeah, it’s a bit pricey for sure.
why System 76 sell their keyboard on amazon or flip-kart.
Nice hardware but the price is a bit too steep for me to justify the purchase.
I totally understand.
Size of the Enter key is infuriating
Nice keyboard, I’m just more of an ergo guy
Are those making a comeback? I used to love those so much! I only stopped using mine back in the day because it was hard to switch to a normal notebook keyboard while on the go.
I'm not saying it's not worth it, but that price tag is a large pill to swallow, even with the usb hub factored in.
I'm still not a fan of the split spacebar, and where my thumb falls /IS/ dead center. I'm certain they could put out a bridge space bar for weirdos like me tho.
I'll stick with my red dragon.
Unfortunately not for the left handed gamer...so no buy...cheers info 👍
Mmmmm. Cheesecake.
I was going to buy a System76 keyboard ... until I bought a laptop from them. It was unusable. I will never again trust them to sell me a product that actually works. All of Jay's thoughts are his own but, if you act on his advice, you will be sorry.
The laptops are created by Clevo for System76. The launch keyboards are designed and built by System76.
i am well versed in keyboard land , that thing is ugly as
Lol my keyboard costs 20$