Keychron is bringing its compact Nape Pro wireless trackball to customers outside Asia after first showing it at CES 2026. Priced at $89.99, the keyboard-focused accessory combines a thumb-operated 25 mm trackball, programmable controls and multiple wireless options in a rectangular design intended to sit beneath a keyboard’s spacebar.
Key takeaways
- Pre-orders are open for $89.99, with shipments expected in mid-August.
- The device includes two main clicks, four customizable buttons and a clickable control dial.
- Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity are joined by USB-C support.
- A 200 mAh battery is rated for up to 50 hours of use.
- Black and white versions are available.
Rather than replace a conventional mouse outright, the Nape Pro is designed as a nearby productivity controller for compact desks, portable workstations and split-keyboard setups.
A trackball designed for keyboard users
The Nape Pro has a low-profile, rectangular body that places its controls close to the keyboard’s spacebar, where a user’s thumbs can reach them. Its 25 mm resin ball works with a PixArt PAW 3222 optical sensor, allowing cursor movement without requiring a traditional mousing surface.
The layout may also suit users who work with drawing tablets or want to position a pointing device on either side of a keyboard. However, its low profile could make it less comfortable alongside thick wrist or palm rests.
Six programmable buttons and layered controls
Keychron equips the Nape Pro with two primary mouse buttons and four additional buttons. All six can be customized through the browser-based Keychron Launcher application, while the clicky control dial provides another input method for tasks such as scrolling, adjustment or shortcut control.
The device runs open-source ZMK firmware and supports as many as seven layer maps. That makes it possible to create application-specific shortcuts and macros for programming, writing, video editing and other workflows without relying solely on keyboard combinations.
Wireless connectivity and battery life
The Nape Pro supports Bluetooth 5.3 and low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity through an included USB Type-A receiver. It can also operate over USB-C, giving users a wired option for charging or desktop use.
Keychron claims up to 50 hours of battery life from the integrated 200 mAh battery. Actual endurance will depend on connection mode, usage and customization, but the rating is aimed at making the device practical for travel and everyday work.
Availability and early concerns
The Nape Pro is available in black and white and is being offered for pre-order through Keychron and Amazon at $89.99, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-August. Its compact design and programmable controls give it a different role from large, palm-supported trackballs: it is intended to complement a keyboard rather than serve as a full-size mouse replacement.
Early user feedback cited by Notebookcheck has included reports of Bluetooth compatibility problems on Mac systems. Those reports are limited initial observations, so prospective buyers may want to check compatibility and firmware updates before committing to the device.
Via Keychron