Gizmodo Japan’s editors champion split keyboards as they join forces with Keychron to crowdfund the innovative Orca echo, merging ergonomic design with integrated pointing devices for a versatile typing experience.
Split keyboards have moved from niche curiosity to a serious design trend inside Gizmodo Japan, and the magazine’s own editors now appear to be among the strongest advocates. The interest has grown so much that Gizmodo and Keychron have jointly developed the Keychron Orca echo, a wireless split mechanical keyboard now running through crowdfunding. According to the product announcement and show-floor coverage from COMPUTEX Taipei 2026, the aim is to let users type, click and scroll without leaving their resting hand position.
The appeal is partly ergonomic. With the two halves separated, users can place their arms more naturally, easing shoulder strain during long sessions. The Orca echo also adds a 19mm trackball on the right unit, a wheel on the left, and scroll pads on both sides, so it tries to replace a mouse as well as a keyboard. The units can be magnetically joined for carrying, and a dedicated case is also available.
That mix of practicality and flexibility is exactly what appeals to the Gizmodo editors interviewed for the piece. One said split layouts eased shoulder tension because the arms sit wider apart. Another pointed to the extra desk space created by separating the halves, making room for notebooks, tablets, drinks and books. A third described the format as hard to give up once he began using a split board beside an iPad. Another editor said the pared-back layout and custom layer support made the keyboard feel like a personal system rather than a fixed peripheral.
The article also shows that split keyboards are not effortless. Several users said the adjustment period is real, especially when moving from standard staggered layouts to column-staggered boards. One editor noted the time needed to adapt to a different key position, while another explained that operating integrated pointing devices requires careful key assignment and, in some cases, lighter switches to avoid fatigue. Still, the consensus was that the learning curve pays off in customisation, portability and comfort.
Keychron Orca echo has also drawn attention for value. Gizmodo reported that early-bird crowdfunding started on 19 June 2026, with discounts of 5% for the standard version and 10% for the version with the carrying case. Even the editors already deep in the split-keyboard world seemed impressed by the hardware’s completeness, suggesting it could become both an entry point for newcomers and an endpoint for enthusiasts who want a single, highly integrated board.
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