System76 will soon release a larger version of its mechanical actuator keyboard. Unlike previous versions, this Launch Heavy variant comes with a number pad. PCB and housing are open again.

System 76 Heavy Launch Full size layout with a total of 84 keys. New is the addition of the number pad which was missing in Launch and Launch Lite. This also makes the keyboard larger than previous variants, with dimensions of 393.7 x 135.1 x 27.9mm. The heavy launch vehicle weighs approximately 1,315 kg.

System76 supplies the keyboard with Kailh’s Kailh Box Jade, Royal, Silent Pink, or Silent Brown switches as standard. However, the Launch Heavy also has Kailh hot swap sockets, allowing users to swap switches without having to disassemble or solder them. The Launch Heavy also gets a built-in USB hub, with two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A connectors. The keyboard comes with PBT keycaps with an XDA profile.

Like previous gaming consoles, System76 is open source for PCB design and keyboard case schematics. So users can produce the keyboard themselves, if they have the necessary equipment. The keyboard uses open source firmware based on QMK. Launch Heavy’s layout can be customized using the System76 Keyboard Configurator for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Launch Heavy will be System76’s third launch keyboard. The original version of Launch was without a design without a number pad, and the Launch Lite released this year was a 65% layout without a function key. System76 confirmed earlier this year In an interview with Tweakers That the company for the long term Distribution center in Europe, where it would sell its keyboards, among other things. The company also wants to produce ISO variants of its launchpads. It is not known if this also applies to Launch Heavy.

System76 does not yet share a specific release date or suggested retail price for Launch Heavy. The company says it will provide more details “soon.”