Background and Objectives of the Partnership
This collaboration aims to leverage Gizmart’s user community and its strengths as a crowdfunding platform to directly integrate Japanese user feedback and latent needs into product development and updates. The three companies—Keychron, a global leader in the keyboard and mouse market; Kopek Japan, with extensive experience in distribution and sales in Japan; and Gizmart, with deep user relationships—will work closely to establish a robust co-development and commercialization system.
Gizmart and Kopek Japan have previously conducted two crowdfunding campaigns for the co-developed device “Nape Pro,” achieving a cumulative funding total exceeding 400 million JPY. The strong demand for trackball products and the specific feedback from Japanese users, which became evident through “Nape Pro,” led to the decision to develop the “Keychron T1 HE.” This serves as an example where Japanese user needs have driven the creation of a new product lineup for a global brand.
This user-driven crowdfunding approach will be further developed into a comprehensive system. As the first commemorative project, the Keychron T1 HE, Keychron’s first-ever trackball mouse, will be available for pre-sale on Gizmart starting in June.
This product is a commercialized model that addresses Japanese users’ requests for improved desk work efficiency and ergonomics. Keychron’s high build quality and functional aesthetics have been incorporated into its debut trackball mouse.
Furthermore, as the second project, development is underway for a “split keyboard,” a product that has seen high demand for commercialization from many users. Beyond the initial Keychron T1 HE, the three companies plan to continuously introduce products that embody user ideals into the market.
Moving forward, the three companies will continue to promote the launch of new products in Japan and update existing products based on real opinions and ideas submitted to Gizmart. Users are encouraged to anticipate these new initiatives that transform their voices into tangible products.
Keychron’s First Trackball Mouse, “Keychron T1 HE,” Debuts on Crowdfunding
Following the success of “Keychron Nape Pro,” Keychron recognized the high demand for trackball devices in the Japanese market and initiated the manufacturing of a long-planned trackball mouse. The Keychron T1 HE, the brand’s first trackball mouse, will begin its Japan-exclusive pre-sale on Gizmart from June 1st (Monday).
The Keychron T1 HE represents a new standard for trackball mice proposed by Keychron. It features a natural, egg-shaped form factor that fits comfortably in the hand, along with a unique mechanism that allows for precise adjustment of the trackball’s position in three directions: front/back, left/right, and height. This design makes it easy for trackball beginners to use, enabling more users to find their ideal grip. Additionally, its six buttons, including the scroll wheel click, and the clickable scroll wheel can be freely customized. Settings are managed via the browser-based “Keychron Launcher,” allowing users to maintain consistent settings across various environments without needing a dedicated application.
The left and right click buttons utilize Keychron’s new magnetic switch, the “Keychron MagOptic Switch.” This hybrid switch combines optical and magnetic technologies for advanced adjustability. With a lifespan of up to 100 million clicks, it maintains a stable click feel over extended use and reduces issues like chattering through non-contact detection. Furthermore, by switching to magnetic mode via the “Keychron Launcher,” users will be able to change the actuation point and utilize a “Rapid Trigger” function, which resets the key the moment a finger is lifted. This aims to provide unprecedented levels of stability and control for both gaming and work.
Product Specifications
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Thumb-operated trackball mouse
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6 buttons (including scroll wheel click) and a scroll wheel (no tilt function)
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34mm trackball
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Ceramic support balls
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Trackball position adjustable in three directions (max 3.5mm horizontal, max 3mm height)
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“Keychron MagOptic Switch” for left and right click buttons
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Keychron Launcher compatible
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Settings saved 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 600mAh, maximum continuous use 106-122 hours (wireless)
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Size: 81.3 × 119.4 × 53.3 mm
Product Information
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Project Name: Keychron T1 HE: The New Standard Trackball
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Project URL: https://costory.jp/cf-published-sku-groups/1564464666
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Project Period: June 1st (Monday) 19:00 – June 30th (Tuesday) 23:59, 2026
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Sales Platform: Gizmart (within the online store “CoSTORY”)
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Distributor: Kopek Japan Inc.
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Available Colors:
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Black
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White
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Skeleton (Gizmart exclusive color)
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Sales Prices (tax included, shipping extra):
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Super Early Bird (15% OFF): 7,480 JPY (until June 14th 23:59)
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Early Bird (12% OFF): 7,744 JPY (until June 30th 23:59)
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Regular Price: 8,800 JPY
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*Prices are as of the announcement date and are subject to change.
Joint Project for a Split Keyboard Initiated
In response to market demand for “split keyboards,” which enjoy enthusiastic support, particularly within the custom keyboard market, a second joint project is currently underway. This product, combining the strengths of Media Gene and Keychron, is scheduled to launch its crowdfunding campaign around mid-June.
About Keychron
Keychron is a brand specializing in the design and manufacture of high-quality keyboards and mice. With over 40 keyboard models to date, Keychron is highly regarded by keyboard enthusiasts worldwide for its combination of functionality, design, and customization options.
About Gizmart
Gizmart is a media-linked crowdfunding platform directly operated by the technology and gadget media “Gizmodo Japan” (https://www.gizmodo.jp/). It is characterized by its ability to enhance a product’s brand value in the market by deeply conveying the “product story,” such as its development background and philosophy, utilizing the editorial and content creation capabilities of the media, rather than merely presenting product sales or specifications. Gizmart also plays a role in directly feeding back users’ latent needs, which are visualized through the media, to manufacturers. As a nexus connecting users and manufacturers, it comprehensively supports the launch of Japan-exclusive products and updated models into the market. Gizmart handles various genres, including gadgets, crafts, and design, and aims to create new forms of commerce that connect the media’s “information dissemination power” with “monozukuri” (craftsmanship) alongside its reader community.
Gizmart Official Website: https://www.gizmodo.jp/issue/gizmart
About Media Gene Inc.
Media Gene Inc. operates 17 media outlets targeting specific communities, including the economic media for millennials “Business Insider Japan,” 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 e-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. For more information, visit https://www.mediagene.co.jp/.
