Background of Development
With the widespread adoption of remote work and an increasing focus on desk setups, the input device market is experiencing unprecedented growth. “Split keyboards,” which allow for typing in preferred postures, have garnered enthusiastic support from users.
Responding to these market demands, Keychron and GIZMART collaborated for a second time. The official name for the product developed as GIZMART’s ninth project has been finalized as “Keychron Orca echo,” and its specifications and features are now public.
Note: As this product is currently under development, specifications and designs are subject to change.
Four Major Features of the Newly Unveiled “Keychron Orca echo”
1. Operation Without Moving Hands from Home Row
A trackball is positioned at the right thumb, and a scroll wheel on the left side. Furthermore, both left and right units are equipped with up-down scroll pads. This design allows for all operations, from key input to mouse control and screen scrolling, to be completed without moving hands from the home row.
2. Magnetic Attachment for a “Portable Split Keyboard”
The left and right units can be attached and detached magnetically from their undersides. When traveling, they can be combined into a single compact gadget. A dedicated carrying case to protect the delicate keys will also be released simultaneously.
3. Two-Stage Tenting for Ergonomic Comfort
Two-stage tenting (tilt) stands are built into the underside of the main unit. Users can adjust the angle to their preference, supporting comfortable operation even during long typing sessions.
4. Flexible Key Customization via Browser
The 49-key layout supports the browser-based “Keychron Launcher.” There is no need for a dedicated application to be resident on the PC, and settings are saved to the keyboard’s on-device memory, allowing the same settings to be used across different operating systems and environments.
Upcoming Schedule and Exhibition Information
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June 2 – 5, 2026: “COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2026” in Taipei, Taiwan
The prototype will be publicly showcased for the first time globally, revealing its full features alongside the announcement of its official name. -
June 6, 2026: “Tenkaichi Keyboard Waiwai-kai vol.11” in Tokyo, Japan
An opportunity to experience the prototype in Japan will be provided. -
June 19, 2026: “GIZMART Summer Fair” in Tokyo, Japan & Crowdfunding Launch
The prototype will be exhibited at the event venue. Following the event, a Japan-exclusive crowdfunding (pre-sale) will commence on GIZMART.
Information about the GIZMART Summer Fair can be found here: https://www.gizmodo.jp/article/gizmart-summer-fair/
Note: The details provided are current as of now, and dates, venues, and content may change.
Sales Price and Return Details
Details regarding the pre-sale prices for each plan and the return contents for the crowdfunding campaign will be published in a future article on Gizmodo Japan.
Product Specifications
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19mm trackball operated by the thumb on the right unit
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Scroll wheel on the left unit
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Up-down scroll pads on both units
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Keychron Launcher compatible
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Settings saved to on-device memory
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Wired, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), and 2.4GHz connectivity
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Adopts power-efficient ZMK firmware
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Battery capacity: 800mAh
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Dimensions: Left unit 144 × 106 × 22 mm, Right unit 144 × 106 × 32 mm
Note: The specifications and functions listed are current as of now and may change at the time of sale.
About Keychron
Keychron is a brand specializing in the design and manufacture of high-quality keyboards and mice. With over 40 types of keyboards developed to date, Keychron products are highly regarded by keyboard enthusiasts worldwide for their functionality, design, and customization options.
About GIZMART
GIZMART is a media-linked crowdfunding platform directly operated by the technology and gadget media ‘Gizmodo Japan.’ It distinguishes itself not merely by selling products or presenting specifications, but by leveraging its editorial and content creation capabilities as a media outlet to deeply convey the ‘story of the product,’ including its development background and philosophy, thereby enhancing the brand value of products in the market. GIZMART also plays a role in directly feeding back user latent needs, made visible through the media, to manufacturers, serving as a nexus connecting users and manufacturers. It comprehensively supports the launch of Japan-first products and the market introduction of updated models. GIZMART handles various genres such as gadgets, crafts, and design, and together with its reader community, it aims to create a new form of commerce that connects media ‘information dissemination power’ with ‘monozukuri’ (craftsmanship).
GIZMART Official Website: https://www.gizmodo.jp/issue/gizmart
Gizmodo Japan: https://www.gizmodo.jp/
About Media Gene Co., Ltd.
Media Gene Co., Ltd. operates 17 media outlets targeting specific communities, including the economic media ‘Business Insider Japan’ for millennials, the technology and product information media ‘Gizmodo Japan,’ the lifestyle media ‘Roomie,’ and ‘Lifehacker Japan,’ which proposes efficient work styles. The company also operates four commerce services, including the pre-purchase EC site ‘CoSTORY’ and ‘GIZMART.’ Through a total of 21 brands, Media Gene provides information and experiences that enrich readers’ lives.
Corporate Website: https://www.mediagene.co.jp/
For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact:
Media Gene Co., Ltd.: https://www.mediagene.co.jp/contact
