Split space keys are one of the best things a programmable keyboard can have. It can help you with layer switching and potentially help take some load off your pinkies. A split keyboard like the ergodox (and others) can take almost all the load off your pinkies and put it on your index fingers and thumbs.
Split spacebars are probably the largest jump forward "mainstream" keyboards can make--users who want plug and play leave them as space and their experience is unchanged, while the more adventurous can play around with changing one of them to backspace, shift, enter, etc. It's a shame some of the more powerful features of custom firmwares like qmk are probably too unfamiliar to become mainstream, but I really hope split space becomes the norm.
Holy moly, Wendel has made incredible progress on his fitness! His hair is looking thicker, his eyes brighter and his smile is coming through more! That's so awesome!
I have a Launch Heavy, and I completely love it. I am also using it with a L1Techs KVM. Mine isn't new enough to do the 10gig USB-c, but it works well!
I got one of these and couldn't be happier! Quiet for a mechanical keyboard, but feels so good. The only quirk I have is I'll bump the CAPS key often, so I just programmed the key to do nothing unless I access Layer 2. Worth every penny.
As a QMK enthusiast myself having made a proper custom keyboard or two (no off-the-shelf PCB) It's the worst solution to the problem except for all the other ones. Must admit I've taken a shine to it too. Would also point to the non-linear non-silent Box Pink switches. They're closer to a Model M feel than any other Cherry MX compatible switch I've touched. (lower weight click than Jade)
I just started the mechanical keyboards addiction too. I totally get it! I just bought a Keychron K8 Pro and I'm about to mod it... because I can. This System76 keyboard looks pretty sweet!
Split spacebar should be a universal standard. Ever since I started gaming with two spacebar keys I can't imagine going back (In most games "Sprint" and "Jump" are now both controlled with my thumb).
I like the built in hub for hooking up a mouse or mouse receiver. I like that it's a plain jane type-c connector so you're not boned if the cable gets frayed/chewed/etc. I really dislike the split spacebar on an otherwise single piece kb, and use the numpad too much to not have one.
I've wanted to buy the Launch but I got myself a TEX Shinobi and functionally it is almost perfect for me. I just wish it used QMK and metal base and nicer quality keys.
I'm enjoying my launch heavy. Only problem I'm having is the firmware doesn't want to update and I'm not in the mood to chase down a fix. All in all, barely any complaints.
If you want to be thorough, you should test microsoft's ergo waveboard with the KVM. I've encountered some KVMs that don't work with the newer models of waveboards. My current solution to this problem is trying a different brand. I'm not aware of what secret sauce USB voodoo M$ is doing with their board.
Yo Wendell can you make an updated video about your current setups that you are using? Maybe on one of the second channels who knows. Would really appreciate it because the last one is kinda old and you inspired me in the past to get an model m, which I use pretty much for everything besides the occasional FPS game.
Hey, have you seen the System76 Virgo project? Am thinking about helping, but if you could do some suggestions on what hardware to use or some neat functionality, I would be glad.
hotswappable switches have been a godsend for mechanical keyboards. can't tell you how annoying it is to pull out the desoldering station and switch a key every few months
well worth the 200 bucks for the launch lite and the 300 for the heavy I would say.. thanks for the review !°° would it hurt to lift the skirt on that piece of tech for a second ?
I have two mechanical keyboard but have completely abandoned them for an microsoft ergonomic 4000. All these mechanical keyboards just have all the keys bunched up together and extended use (i.e more than 8+ hours a day) means I have severe pains in my wrists. I don't know how everyone keeps recommending these, do all of you not have similar pains from extended use? My hands aren't overly large but these mechanical keyboards aren't suited for mine at all.
I've moved from these styles of keyboards to minimum travel, quiet, and low feedback. Quite odd as I prefer fully weighted piano-style keys on a midi keyboard or electric piano. When I'm in the flow writing fantasy, perhaps listening to mood music, the last thing I want is a clicky distraction.
@@deviantflux I mean flat like the logi craft. Similar to a laptop but full-sized. I can't stand more than a few mm of travel, fingers always touching and sliding. So fast.
Do any of these high end keyboard makers support wireless functionality, or has that just been skipped over and left for the trash mainstream garbage makers like Logitech, Razer, Corsair, Asus, etc.? It's the one feature I like from the gaming segment (could really care less about RGB)
Seriously Wendell can i meet you if i come up to Ky? i want to pick your brain so much its stupid....... and stupid for me asking...... i have wanted to work for you for years.....
@@wendelltron that's true. And if I wanted to do that I would go watch some other videos on those switches and caps. But I watched this video because I like the channel and I hadn't heard of this board and am in the market for a full size mechanical. For the asking price of this board as presented, it does seem interesting, but, I would have liked more information to make an informed decision, in this case, about its sound with those switches out of the box. Just would have been nice was my point really. Then after I heard what it sounded like, if it wasn't something I liked, and the board was still neat, I could do as you said, and gone and picked some other switches and caps. I am sure there are other videos that probably demo the sound so it's not a huge deal. Just saying a little typing/sound demo can't hurt right?
Yeah, I thought that until I got a decent keyboard too. There's as much of a gulf between my Logitech and my current keyboard as there was between crappy Dell work keyboard and my Logitech, which is why the Logitech is now at work. *8')
@@jon4715 why not a lot of people infected with one of the saddest most consumerist hobbies which is purchasing keyboards are buying custom drops of rare abs keycaps and a lot of them prefer the "acoustics" of them. Do not forget people are paying 400 dollar for abs sa keycaps. Those are the once calling themselves "enthusiasts" and would laugh at your comment. Meanwhile I wrote my phd thesis on an old microsoft ergo keyboard because the pcb on the keychron that was gifted to me died after I had to swap out some of the switches. Probably also better for my wrists. It always baffles me why does "enthusiasts" do not use split, ortholinear, keywell and so on designs which are a real upgrade over standard keyboards or none of those consumers even touches on alternative layouts (i am using the KOY layout). I would assume it is because that would take more effort then "buy product". Sorry for the wordsalad english is my third language. If you really read my rant kudos to you, best health to your family and friends.
![Eminem - Fuel (feat. JID) [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t5H_CewqpKA/mqdefault.jpg)
Split space keys are one of the best things a programmable keyboard can have. It can help you with layer switching and potentially help take some load off your pinkies. A split keyboard like the ergodox (and others) can take almost all the load off your pinkies and put it on your index fingers and thumbs.
Split spacebars are probably the largest jump forward "mainstream" keyboards can make--users who want plug and play leave them as space and their experience is unchanged, while the more adventurous can play around with changing one of them to backspace, shift, enter, etc.
It's a shame some of the more powerful features of custom firmwares like qmk are probably too unfamiliar to become mainstream, but I really hope split space becomes the norm.
Holy moly, Wendel has made incredible progress on his fitness! His hair is looking thicker, his eyes brighter and his smile is coming through more! That's so awesome!
I have a Launch Heavy, and I completely love it. I am also using it with a L1Techs KVM. Mine isn't new enough to do the 10gig USB-c, but it works well!
I also bought it with my own money, because I too am a crazy person.
I got one of these and couldn't be happier! Quiet for a mechanical keyboard, but feels so good. The only quirk I have is I'll bump the CAPS key often, so I just programmed the key to do nothing unless I access Layer 2. Worth every penny.
As a QMK enthusiast myself having made a proper custom keyboard or two (no off-the-shelf PCB)
It's the worst solution to the problem except for all the other ones.
Must admit I've taken a shine to it too.
Would also point to the non-linear non-silent Box Pink switches. They're closer to a Model M feel than any other Cherry MX compatible switch I've touched. (lower weight click than Jade)
I just started the mechanical keyboards addiction too. I totally get it! I just bought a Keychron K8 Pro and I'm about to mod it... because I can. This System76 keyboard looks pretty sweet!
*Thank you for watching and enabling me as I feed my addiction!* 😂👍
Split spacebar should be a universal standard.
Ever since I started gaming with two spacebar keys I can't imagine going back (In most games "Sprint" and "Jump" are now both controlled with my thumb).
I already have the little launch... but this convinced me I needed a lvl1 kvm. I ordered one before I finished watching. 😂
Would love to see System76 integrate a fingerprint reader and add the necessary drivers and software for it to work in PopOs
Did not expect to see someone else use kailh box royals theyre so insanely underrated. Deliciously massive mid bump
I like the built in hub for hooking up a mouse or mouse receiver. I like that it's a plain jane type-c connector so you're not boned if the cable gets frayed/chewed/etc.
I really dislike the split spacebar on an otherwise single piece kb, and use the numpad too much to not have one.
I've wanted to buy the Launch but I got myself a TEX Shinobi and functionally it is almost perfect for me. I just wish it used QMK and metal base and nicer quality keys.
I'm enjoying my launch heavy.
Only problem I'm having is the firmware doesn't want to update and I'm not in the mood to chase down a fix. All in all, barely any complaints.
I'm only on a RK68 w/ Gateron Inky Blues V2's _!_
Software is Moar fun to write with a Keyboard you like 😃
I'd buy this immediately if it was standard ANSI layout
Wendel stuck with another repairable keyboard😁
If you want to be thorough, you should test microsoft's ergo waveboard with the KVM. I've encountered some KVMs that don't work with the newer models of waveboards. My current solution to this problem is trying a different brand. I'm not aware of what secret sauce USB voodoo M$ is doing with their board.
Yo Wendell can you make an updated video about your current setups that you are using? Maybe on one of the second channels who knows. Would really appreciate it because the last one is kinda old and you inspired me in the past to get an model m, which I use pretty much for everything besides the occasional FPS game.
Hey, have you seen the System76 Virgo project?
Am thinking about helping, but if you could do some suggestions on what hardware to use or some neat functionality, I would be glad.
I wanted one of these keyboards since they came out but man it’s tough to justify 300 bucks. Is this one 300 bucks? The last one was 300 at lunch.
At 1.3kg this looks like a bit of a lightweight, compared to the 2.4kg of the Keychron Q6. *8')
hotswappable switches have been a godsend for mechanical keyboards. can't tell you how annoying it is to pull out the desoldering station and switch a key every few months
well worth the 200 bucks for the launch lite and the 300 for the heavy I would say.. thanks for the review !°°
would it hurt to lift the skirt on that piece of tech for a second ?
I'm really happy to see that this hub has USB-C ports. It's infuriating whenever I see something that has USB-C in but no USB-C out...
If alt keys worked with the number rown i'd get this size keyboard, i hate that alt keys require the numberpad keys on every keyboard i've tried.
Alt+0178 does nothing on number row
But on number pad it does this ²
5:03 Vim users, rejoice!
God... I need this keyboard. My Logitech G Pro is chattering BAD.
This looks like a solid keyboard!
Yeah I love my reproduction model f, but not having the function keys does kind of suck.
quiero este tecclado, pero hay vercion en español con la letra Ñ!?!
I like a heavy metal... and keyboards too!
We ordered 25 for our office
System76 makes some nifty keyboards. I am trying to resist buying any new keyboards as I have to many though.
"...as I have too many."
do not do it consumerism will leave you feeling emtpy at the end of the day
I have two mechanical keyboard but have completely abandoned them for an microsoft ergonomic 4000.
All these mechanical keyboards just have all the keys bunched up together and extended use (i.e more than 8+ hours a day) means I have severe pains in my wrists. I don't know how everyone keeps recommending these, do all of you not have similar pains from extended use?
My hands aren't overly large but these mechanical keyboards aren't suited for mine at all.
I wish they put programmable keyboards in their laptops
The Keyboard Configurator works on our open firmware laptops!
@@aaronhoneycutt2181 well I know who's laptops I probably going to buy next
I just daily drive a Keychron Q3.
Do you think Wendell likes his keyboards? I'm not sure ....
Glad to see you're not using one of those moronic "aviator" connector cables
What profile shape are the System76 key caps?
Cool cool.
The key caps are XDA profile I believe. I have the original launch keyboard and love it.
go get a set of holy panda switches
When Level1Techs turn in to a keebs.
I've moved from these styles of keyboards to minimum travel, quiet, and low feedback. Quite odd as I prefer fully weighted piano-style keys on a midi keyboard or electric piano. When I'm in the flow writing fantasy, perhaps listening to mood music, the last thing I want is a clicky distraction.
What are your preferences around low profile and quiet? Currently using a HHKB but curious what else is out there
@@deviantflux I mean flat like the logi craft. Similar to a laptop but full-sized. I can't stand more than a few mm of travel, fingers always touching and sliding. So fast.
Do any of these high end keyboard makers support wireless functionality, or has that just been skipped over and left for the trash mainstream garbage makers like Logitech, Razer, Corsair, Asus, etc.?
It's the one feature I like from the gaming segment (could really care less about RGB)
A $200 keyboard
I prefer to have the space bar be one key instead of split.
Nah... 9u spacebar or gtfo. The rest of the layout looks... intriguing, though.
Seriously Wendell can i meet you if i come up to Ky? i want to pick your brain so much its stupid....... and stupid for me asking...... i have wanted to work for you for years.....
feels like this is a business expense write-off )
No proper sound test or typing test. Come on man.
You know you pick your own key switches/caps right?
@@wendelltron that's true. And if I wanted to do that I would go watch some other videos on those switches and caps. But I watched this video because I like the channel and I hadn't heard of this board and am in the market for a full size mechanical. For the asking price of this board as presented, it does seem interesting, but, I would have liked more information to make an informed decision, in this case, about its sound with those switches out of the box. Just would have been nice was my point really. Then after I heard what it sounded like, if it wasn't something I liked, and the board was still neat, I could do as you said, and gone and picked some other switches and caps.
I am sure there are other videos that probably demo the sound so it's not a huge deal. Just saying a little typing/sound demo can't hurt right?
@@Porknbeans419 there are some sound clips on the Launch page for the switches that we offer.
@@aaronhoneycutt2181thanks! I'll check it out after work.
Not my layout.... TKL or GTFO!
Sorry, I'm going to have to fail the engagement challenge this time. Keyboards are a bit too nerdy for my tastes, I'm content with my Logitech.
Once you have PBT keycaps, you can't go back to ABS.
Yeah, I thought that until I got a decent keyboard too. There's as much of a gulf between my Logitech and my current keyboard as there was between crappy Dell work keyboard and my Logitech, which is why the Logitech is now at work. *8')
@@jon4715 why not a lot of people infected with one of the saddest most consumerist hobbies which is purchasing keyboards are buying custom drops of rare abs keycaps and a lot of them prefer the "acoustics" of them. Do not forget people are paying 400 dollar for abs sa keycaps. Those are the once calling themselves "enthusiasts" and would laugh at your comment. Meanwhile I wrote my phd thesis on an old microsoft ergo keyboard because the pcb on the keychron that was gifted to me died after I had to swap out some of the switches. Probably also better for my wrists. It always baffles me why does "enthusiasts" do not use split, ortholinear, keywell and so on designs which are a real upgrade over standard keyboards or none of those consumers even touches on alternative layouts (i am using the KOY layout). I would assume it is because that would take more effort then "buy product". Sorry for the wordsalad english is my third language. If you really read my rant kudos to you, best health to your family and friends.