System76 Launch - A Very Well Built, Highly Configurable, Open-Source Keyboard

The configurator worked well during my testing and was easy to use... With most keyboard vendors not providing official Linux support and leaving any configuration up to the community open-source projects, it's nice having an official application that allows making full (and official) use of the keyboard.

So the System76 Launch keyboard is built meticulously and very well within the US, has a useful integrated USB 3.2 hub, and is fully open-source down to the firmware and hardware designs along with a full-featured Linux configuration app. It's like a dream come true. Unfortunately, it comes with a hefty price.

The System76 Launch Configurable Keyboard prices start at $285 USD for the keyboard. Yes, quite a hefty price tag given the small scale manufacturing of System76 and other costs involved with its manufacturing. Unfortunately, this price will put it out of reach to many Linux/open-source enthusiasts, but if you can afford it, from my experience with this keyboard over the past two weeks it is one hell of a keyboard.

Besides the price, the only other somewhat negative/mixed feeling over the keyboard may be its size. Initially when seeing pictures and first getting my hands on the keyboard, it felt rather small and compact. With time its size/compactness didn't prove to be much of an issue at all and became comfortable in using it and its layout.

Long story short, if $285+ USD for a keyboard isn't out of your budget, the System76 Launch is indeed a hell of a keyboard that is built very well and fully open-source. More details on this keyboard can be found at System76.com.