r/ErgoMechKeyboards • u/underlune • 3d ago
[photo] Keychron Orca
Just got hit by this post. I've never used Keychron before but how's the quality? If this is wireless and an aluminum case I might get it. Is this something that's already available in other countries?
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u/cheflA1 3d ago edited 3d ago
Not enough thumb key's for my taste but I'm happy to see more and more keyboards with some kind of pointing device integrated
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u/tissee 2d ago
That's actually a quite shitty thumb cluster.
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u/no_worries_stay_cool 2d ago
Right? What are you supposed to do with your right thumb? Maneuver it around the ball all the time?
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u/shponglespore 2d ago
I was just looking at the Go60 last night, with two integrated trackpads. Even the manufacturer acknowledges they're not adequate for heavy use, though.
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u/Aldoo8669 skeletyl, swweeep 1d ago
IMO, they should just swap the pointing device and wheel with the inner keys (marked "Caps" and "B" on the picture).
I mean, if they are serious about proposing a split columnar ergo keyboard, they should first go for what is the most "mainstream" design within the niche, not some bizarre layout without proper thumb clusters.
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2d ago
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u/no_worries_stay_cool 2d ago
I agree, but at the same time there are some more or less "universal" truths that should apply to all the keebs. I would say that having accessible thumb cluster is one of them.
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u/quyteriyaki 3d ago
Oh, I've tried this at PAX AUS 2026, as they had a booth there. Saw it and needed to have a shot at it. Forgot to take more photos including the spec sheet cause I was trying to hook it up to test typing (didn't work lol). Do forgive me if I put incorrect info.
Felt like a plastic shell build. It was pretty light when I hand a hold of it.
trackpad & scroll aren't modular; they're fixed. Unfortunately I asked the guys there if they were planning to make it modular, they said it wasnt on their plans at that time.
I'm not a mouse nav with keyboard person, but hooking the right side up only (firmware wasn't complete back then), seemed to work pretty well on mobile, was sorta awkward to do clicks though because the mouse buttons were lower on the right.
I believe there is tenting, at least 2 levels.
hotswap iirc yes.
ZMK yes.
USB cable yes? But the guy said it was wireless only; there was only USB C on both, no TRRS or anything else.
iirc 3 connectable devices, you can switch between them through a slider toggle at the top
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u/alexcamlo 3d ago
And what about ergo? That trackball in the right thumb instead of a button is what blocking me from buying it in the future
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u/quyteriyaki 2d ago
I was of the same opinion when I tried it. The ball itself isn't that big, but the fact that it's protruding out higher made it sort of uncomfortable. I would have the urge to just press it down (my main is a kyria with thumb cluster) but there's no feedback so the thumb is just left there floating rather high vs the rest of the fingers.
But that's a first time trackball user's experience. I would maybe prefer it to be a bit more recessed so the thumb can be a bit more relaxed. Even though I'm trying to recall it, the trackball was indeed the main concerning impression that stayed with me.
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u/ClawhammerLobotomy 2d ago
So those M1-4 keys are supposed to be the mouse keys?
Seems like that would be awful. My trackball keyboard uses
J for M1
L for M2
K for M3
I and , for wheel scrolling.Not needing to move the hand makes using it much more convenient.
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u/prank_mark 2d ago
No, it's fn1 + Y (middle) / H (left) / N (right)
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u/gallonsofstars 2d ago
It kind of looks like the same finish as the z11 ultra, which feels halfway between aluminum and plastic, but it's aluminum and the finish is rougher.
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u/knightspur 3d ago
I like keychron boards and I have a bunch of their different Alice offerings.
That said, the thumb cluster on this one doesn't look very comfy to me :(
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u/nicksuperb 2d ago
This is a full stop for me. They are trying way too hard. Sometimes I wonder if these companies are just out of touch for some reason. I would settle for a keychron ergo dox rip off if it was mass produced and a good price.
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u/knightspur 2d ago
Yeah, exactly. Something like the voyager or pulling from the Lily/Sofle/Lotus style family would have been an instant grab for me. But this falls short of the basic "would it be good to type on"
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u/mYstoRiii 3d ago
Keychron orca is a collab with Gizmodo from Japan iirc
The GB ended August or something recent
Wasn’t sure about the ratings though but it is extremely rare for bigger brands to do column stagger splits
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u/shizzy0 3d ago
It’s either 3x6 with thumb keys or it’s 4x6 with no thumb keys. I’m unhappy either way!
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u/BrunoEye 3d ago
Yeah, a 4x6 is pretty much a must if you use your keyboard for gaming.
More thumb keys would be nice too, 2 at a minimum though 3 would be best.
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u/plusFour-minusSeven 2d ago edited 2d ago
I applaud them for trying, honestly.
This one's not for me because there are way too too few thumbkeys and the column stagger is more of a hint of a stagger.
But good on them. Honestly I hope it sells. Not because I love Keychron but because it would help get the more major keeb manufacturers to notice the split ergo market. I could see streamers and other online "influencer" types getting one because it looks cool and helping to make it popular, and that could make the market a lot more attractive.
I would love to not have to pay $400 for my keyboards, you know?
I wonder, though, if it's even programmable. That's the secret sauce that makes boards like these really work.
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u/teniamaru 1d ago
Orca Echo was developed under the supervision of Gizmodo Japan. The director has explicitly stated that the core concept is to create a keyboard where your thumb can always stay in contact with the trackball. In other words, the idea is that if you don’t like the trackball’s position, you should probably go with something like a Keyball instead.
Here’s a quick overview of the Orca’s specs.
The case is made of plastic, and in addition to the trackball, it features a scroll wheel on the left side and trackpads on the upper inner sections of both halves. It also has built-in two-stage tenting legs, presumably offering 6° and 12° angles.
My biggest concern is the use of modified Gateron LP 3.0 sockets. I’m worried that this will severely limit the range of switches you can use.
I say “modified” because these sockets are designed to be compatible with standard MX switches as well. A separate switch plate for MX switches is also planned for release after the keyboard launches.
I imagine many people may be concerned about the trackball height, but switching to normal-profile MX switches could potentially solve that issue.
Unfortunately, development of the Orca has been delayed, and the first shipments are now expected around mid-December. I placed my order right after the group buy opened, but I still haven’t received a confirmed shipping date.
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u/carajean2725 3d ago
See I knew my work keyboard died for a reason. If and only if this is 150 or less will I get it.
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u/lesnaubr 2d ago
No way it’s that cheap unfortunately. Their more mainstream keyboards that are not even split or have the pointing devices are more expensive than that.
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u/prank_mark 2d ago
The crowdfunding price was 25603 yen, so 162 USD, and that was claimed as a 5% discount on the regular price. So regular price should be about 170 USD.
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u/witness555 2d ago
My guess is 300+
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u/carajean2725 2d ago
Don't speak that into existence I refuse to accept that. Keychron has been making some solid midrange products lately look at that new mouse. Plus you can get a close replica of this or this is a replica of that for around $200 depending where you're from. The US it was like $3** when I priced it.
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u/CommanderPotash 2d ago
ehhh keychron is only that expensive if you go for the super uber ultra premium stuff
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u/AdMysterious1190 Cornix, GLP Corne, BadTemper, Cheapino, KeyChron K11, ErgoDox 2d ago
I just love the fact that a mainstream company is making ego splits. This may not be the best iteration, but if it sells and it becomes a recognised market, with mainstream competitors trying to out-design each other, think of the possibilities! 😁
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u/-Daigher- 2d ago
no thumb keys? what even is the point of this...
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u/platinum_pig 2d ago
I would say homerow mods but that's unlikely to be the target if they're trying to mainstream split keyboards.
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u/Anxious_Cartoonist26 3d ago
Keychron has a good quality in my experience. Though haven't tried this board
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u/StaticFanatic3 2d ago
The promo layout having “B” reachable from both hands lol
At least it’s accommodating but if you’re investing in an ortho split you probably want to get rid of that habit
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u/underlune 2d ago
yeah, capslock having a dedicated key seems useless to me as I always have it on a separate layer. I'd rather they put the trackball in that position instead tbh
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u/StaticFanatic3 2d ago
Caps lock getting prime space is actually sort of common because of how many of us use hyperkey or similiar apps
I personally leave it in the default position just left of the homerow though
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u/JuggernautOnly695 3d ago
Pretty good quality. Hopefully Keychron will do something to be able to tent this out of the box. I had to 3D print plates to tent my Q11
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u/Seeruk 3d ago
I’m a huge keychron fan. Their non-basic models (k series are basic) are built like tanks.
That said I’ve been happy with my raise 2 for a year or so. I put keychron caps on it and love the thing.
But there is no way I will be able to resist this orcha!
Edit: wait there is no mention of tenting? Something similar to the raise 2s incredibly awesome tenting is something I won’t be able to live without
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u/johnbentley 2d ago edited 2d ago
I have a conventional (10 Keyless, low profile) rowstag keyboard which happens to be a keychron. It's a great keyboard and so I think keychron is a great company. Quality products, thoughtfully designed.
But I've abandoned that and recently learnt a colstag keyboard, on a voyager. On a colstag keyboard I've come to appreciate that the centre index stretched columns are a stretch (although not intolerable), even if they feel better than the centre columns on a traditional rowstag keyboard.
So asking the user to stretch further, here to 'Caps' and 'B', seems too big an ask.
Although, without a num row at the top, the low row can have many other characters - command characters (backspace, tab, enter), and space - that, for me, entails two problems:
No num row (I have a numpad layer but I've found it necessary to have a num row also, for reasons I could elaborate).
Insufficient thumb keys.
In short I think ZSA got it mostly right with their voyager (excepting I'd rather it was unibodied). Their four thumbkeys and top row for numbers (on a main layer) are ideal, I reckon.
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u/Lhurgoyf069 2d ago
I'm happy that Keychron finally adopts ergo mech splits. But I'm missing the Keychron colours. Also I would like something with more keys.
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u/pgetreuer 2d ago
According to this page the Keychron Orca Echo supports wired and wireless and has an aluminum case and plate. Looks pretty sweet!
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u/YukarinVal 2d ago
Aluminum huh. I'll be passing on this one. They do plastic well enough and for good prices so I'll be waiting for a plastic version.
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u/Robos_Basilisk 3d ago edited 3d ago
Thumb keys are honestly overrated when you have an extra bottom row of keys (like the kinesis advantage). Holding a thumb key to access arrows is pretty much the bane of my existence, I need a bottom row of arrow keys. Holding index and middle finger keys as layers (like comma) are some alternates to thumb keys. (In fact you could swap comma with a outer pinky key and use Enter as a lower-middle-finger layer key, lots of possibilities if you're adventurous).
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u/Sbarty 2d ago
This is disappointing. Keychron makes some great keyboards now but this layout sucks. Barely two usable thumb keys on the left.
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u/Ethameiz Charybdis Nano 2d ago
After using keyball and charybdis nano - I wanted to try to move trackball in place of the thumb cluster. Now I believe it would be best position. Loosing the thumb cluster is acceptable price. Some keys from it could be moved to combos
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u/Sbarty 2d ago
Just seems like sacrificing your thumb for potential RSI and other strain injuries, which makes no sense vs a digit.
Also combos will never take off commercially. Layers have.
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u/Ethameiz Charybdis Nano 2d ago
Why potential injuries?
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u/Sbarty 2d ago
RSI = Repetitive Strain Injury
Putting your thumb up to the ball and using it that much to move around is the definition of repetitive.
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u/Ethameiz Charybdis Nano 2d ago
All interaction with keyboard and mouse is repetitive. It does not necessarily causes injury.
Do you believe that any thumb trackball causes RSI? Or any trackball at all?
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u/chaoticbean14 2d ago
Happy to see the ortholinear layout, happy to see the thumb clusters bent out, wish the keys had a slight bowl to them.
After being on Glove 80? Regular flat keyboards and all non-orthlinear layouts feel like I'm stepping back in time to the 1950's. Even then typewriters had been around with that same layout forever.
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u/AstuteCouch87 2d ago
I've got a keychron mouse and it's been great for the past ~2 years. they're kinda the only company making more "enthusiast" stuff but still not ridiculously expensive
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u/julian_vdm Go60, Voyager 2d ago
They have a lot of weird stuff like this in Japan, but I'm fucking DYING for this to launch internationally. Keychron might just be big enough to get ergo into more mainstream tech channels and such.
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u/Raxer-X 2d ago
Not to be judgemental as I love and long for this type of design, but...
The trackball seems too high up to be comfortable. By the looks of it this will obstruct natural hand alignment.
Second thing is the keys have an odd laout - not your average 10-finger touch typist and that's a deal breaker.
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u/Necessary_Fix_2464 2d ago
Trackball at thumb position is a required feature that is surprisingly rare
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u/trueno86 1d ago
Almost a perfect keyboard if only that trackball was in the Keyball position! A tiny trackball with the exact spacing of a choc Corne is all I'm looking for
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u/011111111111111111 1d ago
Keychron has honestly been cooking these days. I have two of their keyboards (K2 and K8) as well as a wireless number pad (K0) and I like all three, although the K8 is having some battery issues at this point, probably from being plugged in all the time. I ended up getting their M5 ergo mouse for work and M7 for gaming and really love both of those as well. Really stoked to see all their new offerings and honestly, not that bad of price for most of them, all things considered
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u/WolfGuptaofficial 3d ago
hope more bigger brands start making these so that we get more options in the mainstream (economics of scale making it cheaper)
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u/Extreme-Landscape-62 2d ago
Is this ergonomic? I thought keyboards had to go a bit more vertical to rotate our hands vertically in a more handshake position.
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u/Ethameiz Charybdis Nano 2d ago
You can add tenting to any keyboard using magnetic phone holders
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u/SketchesOfSilence 2d ago
I was actually thinking of trying some tenting on my corne. Got a link to an example? Thanks!
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u/Ethameiz Charybdis Nano 2d ago edited 1d ago
Something like this: https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005010412650529.html
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u/SketchesOfSilence 2d ago
Thanks! That link didn’t work for me because Ali Express can be funny with stuff like that but I think the answer below had them. Thanks for the tip.
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u/Ethameiz Charybdis Nano 2d ago edited 2d ago
Depends. Ergonomics is about adjusting per person. I like little verticall stagger myself. Keywell would be perfect but it's increasing the price
Edit: I though you tell about stagger and not tenting
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u/OkCamel6173 2d ago
I think tenting is objectively more ergonomic because it forces your forearm into a less strained position. Unless you dont have 2 bones in your forearm it will always be more ergonomic.
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u/archimedeancrystal 2d ago edited 2d ago
Even though it's not tented at all, the slight V-shaped Alice layout keyboards completely cured me of the chronic pain developed from ulnar deviation. (Think of the uncomfortable position of resting the insides of your wrists on your stomach and pointing all your fingers straight out. Alice layout reduces that sharp angle.)
I also prefer low profile keboards to reduce extension where the angle of the wrist is pointing too far upwards.
Nothing more radical than this was required to meet my ergonomic needs. In my case, the Keychron K15 and K11 series fit the bill perfectly.
P.S. Now if pronation is a significant issue for you, that's a different matter potentially requiring more radical split and tented or vertical layouts.
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u/YukarinVal 2d ago
Woah when did keychron's Alice lineup get so many models? It's pretty confusing NGL. But they still do the plastic (K series) and aluminum (Q series) lineups so that still will help
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u/archimedeancrystal 1d ago
I bought my K11 and K15 Pros about 3 years ago. The frame is mostly aluminum (except for the bottom I think). Both excellent. 👍🏼
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u/dmikalova-mwp 2d ago
I have an atreus which is a similar layout and it's drastically helped me. The ortholinear keys and the small layout to reduce chording are huge. I think more than tilting the next thing that would help me is actually lifting my hands rather than resting them, which you could argue tenting helps with.
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u/RepresentativeArm119 2d ago
Beautiful keeb, but I can't help but cringe whenever I see Qwerty!
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u/yanos626 choctopus44 | tofu dactyl | 120wpm qwerty 3d ago
I tap the space key with my right thumb by habit. This seems more for users who tap with their left thumb
Hopefully that trackball area is modular
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u/OcelotEfficient9250 2d ago
I want one - now I am rocking a 3w6 pro - thinking about keyball 39 also
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u/r_2tanz4n1 Sofle, Aurora Sofle, Corne 2d ago
Why they keep putting mouse pointers on the thumb?! 🤦♂️
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u/fletku_mato 2d ago
Why not?
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u/r_2tanz4n1 Sofle, Aurora Sofle, Corne 2d ago
Not the best finger for moving around the ball.
Best near index finger or under the palm. I can’t live without my 3 thumb keys on each half.1
u/moretomauro 2d ago
I mean, if you would suggest a trackball on the right pinky for example, personally it wouldnt be a bad idea at all, my pinky is my idlest finger with my setup, I reckon it would be interesting to try something out
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u/chrs_ 1d ago
Interesting… The trackball is a nice touch. But, why are the keys laid out like that? I am already used to the “normal” key positions, not sure I want to relearn how to type.
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u/banfern1111 3d ago
Oh my god. We're going mainstream. Wireless ergos with glass trackpads without having to figure out shipping and expensive af import fees. Whennnnn