For over a decade, Denver-based Linux PC vendor System76 has sold some of the best Linux laptops and desktops. As the company has already entered its Phase 3, it is now implementing what it aims — in-house product design and manufacturing.
Starting with the in-house hand-crafted Thelio desktops, then Ubuntu-based Pop!_OS, and after announcing its own Linux laptop, System76 is now working on manufacturing its own custom keyboard.
Unsurprisingly, the upcoming System76 keyboard will be designed to work seamlessly with the Linux-based Pop!_OS operating system. The keyboard will feature three key sizes in the design: 1U (letter/number keys), 1.5U (tab keys), and 2U (shift keys).
And to avoid traditionally long space bars, the System76 keyboard will have the space bar broken into two 2U keys. Along with variation in key sizes, you will be able to physically change the key location on your keyboard to build a new layout.
For instance, you can put Space and Backspace next to each other to have both common keys easily accessible under your thumbs. With a redesigned and customizable keyboard, you can smoothly interact and command your computer.
As you may know, the latest Pop!_OS 20.04 was released months ago with one of the most exciting keyboard-driven extension — Pop!_Shell. Featuring new keyboard shortcuts and automatic window tiling, you can control the current Pop OS 20.04 without touching your mouse.
Now pairing Pop OS Auto-Tiling and keyboard shortcuts with the new official System76 keyboard, you can have fast navigation and easy workspace organization to ensure high efficiency and smooth workflow.
Going further, System76 will also release a software application alongside the keyboard that will let you configure your new layout easily. Furthermore, you can use the same layout on both your laptop and desktop having System76 Embedded Controller Firmware.
I guess you must now be very curious to know when you’ll get a chance to plug in and play with the new System76 keyboard. Well, it is still under the prototyping phase, and System76 has not yet hinted at any release date or even an official name.
Though it will definitely take some time to complete, the wait would be worth it.
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