System76 announces smaller and cheaper Launch Lite keyboard – Computer – News

System76 has announced the Launch Lite, a smaller version of the Launch keyboard. The new mechanical open source keyboard has no separate F-keys and also lacks the USB hub of the Launch. The Launch Lite costs $199, $86 less than the large Launch.

Of Launch Lite has 70 keys, 14 less than the regular Launch, which System76 announced in May last year. The top row, including the F keys and the escape button, is incorporated into the row below. In addition, the Lite does not have the two USB-C and USB-A ports that the regular Launch does.

Due to the lack of keys and USB connections, the Lite is 27.8 mm shorter than the regular Launch at 107.5 mm. The width and height have remained the same at 306.5 and 30.25 mm. At 816.46g, the Lite is also 131.6g lighter than the normal Launch.

The other specifications are the same. Both keyboards are therefore open source, both the hardware and the firmware. For example, the designs of the housing and the pcb can be found on GitHub. The keyboards also have split spacebars, allowing users to map one of the two spacebar buttons as another button. The keyboard layout is customizable and is stored on the keyboard firmware.

The keyboard comes with several keycaps of different size and color. These are made of pbt plastic and have an xda profile. Buyers can choose from four Kailh Box switches when purchasing: Jade, Royal, Pink and Brown.

System76 delivers in the Netherlands and Belgium. The Lite keyboard costs converted 198 euros. The American company sells laptops and desktops in addition to keyboards. System76 is also developing its own Linux distribution Pop_OS. Tweakers previously spoke with principal engineer Jeremy Soller from System76.

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