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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]

4 clusters · 5 sources · 14 days · First seen · Last updated

Keychron Orca echo keyboard development and launch

Overview

Keychron and Gizmodo Japan collaborated to develop the Orca echo, a split ergonomic keyboard designed to improve typing posture and reduce physical strain by allowing a more natural arm position.

Following its development, the Orca echo entered a crowdfunding phase that saw significant commercial interest. The project, a collaboration between Keychron and GIZMART, concluded after approximately three months with over 700 million yen in total funding. This achievement attracted 26,165 supporters, setting a record for the highest funding amount in GIZMART history.

The device features a 49-key layout with two-stage tenting stands and a magnetic design for joining the two units. To minimize hand movement, the keyboard integrates multiple interfaces: 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 support for wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz connections, along with hot-swappable switches. The device is customizable via the Keychron Launcher. While users have noted that the unique input methods—such as using a specific ‘fn1’ key combined with ‘J’ and ‘K’ for clicking—require a brief adjustment period, the design is intended to allow for efficient operation from the home position. The split design also allows users to place items, such as microphones or small gadgets, in the center space between the two halves.

Entities

Keychron · Gizmodo Japan · Allone · Keychron Orca echo · MediaGene

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Keychron Orca echo project raises over 700 million yen

    The Keychron and GIZMART joint project for the Orca echo split keyboard raised over 700 million yen, setting a record with 26,165 supporters.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Keychron Orca echo split keyboard enters crowdfunding

    Keychron and Gizmodo Japan have co-developed the Keychron Orca echo, a split ergonomic keyboard featuring integrated trackballs and scroll pads, currently seeing significant crowdfunding success.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    New gaming and computer peripherals including Keychron split keyboards

    A variety of new computer and gaming peripherals are entering the market, including Keychron's Orca echo split keyboard, EPOMAKER's retro-style wireless keyboard, and specialized mobile controllers.

  4. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Keychron and Gizmodo Japan develop Orca echo split keyboard

    Keychron and Gizmodo Japan have developed the Orca echo, a split ergonomic keyboard designed to reduce wrist strain and improve typing posture through a more natural arm alignment.

Sources

ascii.jp · gizmodo.jp · lifehacker.jp · mediagene.co.jp · roomie.jp

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history