Keychron has revealed the Orca Echo, a 49-key split ergonomic keyboard that combines a built-in thumb trackball with extra navigation controls. It also introduces a switch socket designed to accommodate low-profile or full-height MX switches, though changing between those formats requires swapping the plate. Pricing and a launch date have not been announced.
Key takeaways
The Orca Echo pairs a compact split layout with pointing and scrolling controls intended to keep hands near the keyboard. Keychron has also outlined wireless and wired connectivity, ZMK support, and multiple switch options.
- 49-key layout with a right-thumb trackball and roller
- Two touch-sensitive scroll pads for document and web navigation
- Supports low-profile or full-height MX switches with a plate change
- USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity
- A $5 reservation offer runs through November 17; price and release date remain unconfirmed
Built-in controls and split design
The Orca Echo uses a moderate columnar stagger, dividing its keys between two halves. A trackball and roller sit beneath the right thumb, while touch-sensitive scroll pads are positioned above the Caps key on the left half and the B key on the right. The controls add pointer and scrolling functions to a peripheral aimed at users who want to navigate without reaching for a separate mouse.
Magnets in the case let the two halves attach for travel. Fold-out feet on each half provide tenting, raising the inner edges to create an angled typing position. The connection between the halves appears to be wireless, though Keychron has not provided further details in the announcement.
Switch compatibility and construction
Keychron’s new Nova socket sits partly within the PCB and is intended to enable a lower-profile design than conventional MX-style sockets. The keyboard is expected to ship with a new switch using a pin layout similar to Gateron Low-Profile 3.0 switches. It will not work with Keychron Milk POM switches, and moving between low-profile and full-height MX switches requires changing the plate.
A hands-on report from a Tokyo tech show described an ABS plastic case and an aluminum switch plate. The crowdfunding page also lists linear and tactile switch choices. These details point to a configurable design, although the company has not published a complete specification sheet.
Connectivity, software, and availability
The Orca Echo is set to support wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. It will run ZMK firmware, which is designed with wireless efficiency in mind, and work with Keychron’s browser-based Launcher configuration software—features that may appeal to PC users who want to customize layouts and connectivity behavior.
Keychron has not confirmed a retail price or release date. Its $5 reservation program is scheduled to end November 17, suggesting a launch may follow around that time, but the timing remains unconfirmed.
Via Keychron
