Disassembly

Given the hot-swappable switch feature aboard the System76 Launch, I wanted to begin the disassembly page with a look inside the BOX Jade switches used on this sample. I encourage you to first go through this page to know more about how BOX switches work with the decoupled actuation and feedback mechanism, allowing for the use of a click bar on tactile and clicky switches such as the BOX Jade. The switch stem has two bumps whereby the first is used to press the so-called active block inward in the box that the switches are named after, and the second one is placed on the other side of the box where we see the metal click bar for crisp tactile feedback and a click that is nearly impossible to get with the traditional design. It also means the tactile and clicky feedback can be put anywhere along the travel pathway without incurring the same issues as other clicky switches with a tactile bump way earlier or later than expected, and the click sounding anemic in comparison.


Disassembly of the keyboard itself is quite simple owing to eight Phillips head screws on the back holding the bottom plate in place. These screws are also placed inside plastic dampers that you need to be careful with, lest you lose them. With all screws removed you can remove the underside plate to get a closer look at the PCB as well as the milled aluminium plate here. The low profile nature of the keyboard means there is no room to add in foam or silicone gaskets for keystroke dampening, but also there is no empty room for downstrokes to reverberate through either.


The PCB can be completely separated from the chassis by removing all the keycaps and switches, this will allow you to access the stabilizers easily for re-lubing or even replacement. I had everything of interest visible here on the large black PCB, as seen above. Solder quality is quite good overall, and we see the use of high-quality Kailh hot-swap switch sockets on the Launch in addition to all those USB ports up top. These are powered off a Microchip USB7206 6-port USB 3.2 Gen 2 hub controller. The keyboard's functionality comes via an Atmel (now part of Microchip) ATmega32U4 8-bit AVR RISC-based USB microcontroller with 32 KB of self-programming flash memory, 2.5 KB SRAM, and 1 KB EEPROM. All the components, including the switch sockets, SMD RGB LEDs, and capacitors, are soldered to the multi-layer PCB.

Before we move on, be advised that disassembly may void the warranty, and that TechPowerUp is not liable for any damages incurred if you decide to go ahead and do so anyway. However, this is one of the rare instances where you are freely encouraged to do as you please with the keyboard by the manufacturer, within reason of course.