Keychron Orca echo split keyboard enters crowdfunding

Keychron and Gizmodo Japan have collaborated to develop the Keychron Orca echo, a split ergonomic keyboard currently undergoing crowdfunding. The project has reportedly reached approximately 650 million yen in total purchases.

The Orca echo is designed to minimize hand movement by integrating multiple interfaces directly into the keyboard units. The right unit features a trackball, the left unit includes a wheel, and both sides are equipped with scroll pads. This configuration aims to allow users to perform typing, cursor movement, and scrolling without leaving the home position.

Technical specifications include a 49-key layout, two-stage tenting stands, a magnetic design for joining the units, and support for wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz connections. The device is customizable via the Keychron Launcher and supports hot-swappable switches. The split design is intended to promote more natural typing postures and allow users to place items, such as microphones or small gadgets, in the center space between the two halves.