Random Thoughts: A Keyboard Geek Still in the Shallows Considers Why the Orca Echo is Selling So Well

I'm a light enthusiast who has only been in the keyboard rabbit hole for about 3 to 4 months.
I only own four keyboards, I don't know the first thing about custom keyboards, and none of my keyboards are split.

Although I'm interested in split keyboards, I haven't taken the plunge because I'm worried about whether I'll be able to use one properly.
On the other hand, I was able to adapt to a 40% keyboard relatively quickly, so I also think, 'Maybe I can handle it?'
Here is the 40% keyboard I got completely hooked on:

As for the split keyboards out there, the off-the-shelf ones from major manufacturers look like a regular keyboard just split in two, and the aesthetics didn't really grab me.
The one that appealed to me most visually is a split keyboard called the Cornix LP, but it's quite expensive. It costs just under 30,000 yen.
If a split keyboard turned out not to suit me at all, I would end up having bought a 30,000 yen piece of interior decor.

Also, the Cornix LP doesn't have a trackball.
It has rotary encoders on the left and right, but that's it.

I don't usually use a trackball mouse, but I thought that if a trackball were attached to the keyboard, it would eliminate the need to take my hands off the keyboard to operate the mouse, making my daily work easier.

They do exist, those kinds of keyboards.
In the custom keyboard community.

I'm not sure if split + trackball is a trend or a must-have in the custom scene, but it feels like most custom split keyboards come with a trackball.
However, since it's the custom scene, most products are sold as DIY kits made by individuals.
There's a lot of variety, but kits that don't require soldering but still need to be assembled by yourself and require additional parts cost over 30,000 yen, kits that require soldering cost around 20,000 yen, and complete pre-assembled units can cost nearly 40,000 yen.

There are some cheaper products that require almost no soldering, but since those are also kits made by individuals, you can't count on a stable supply.

A light enthusiast like me is very resistant to spending over 30,000 yen on a keyboard in the first place, and I haven't done any soldering since junior high school, nor do I have the tools.
Gathering the tools, buying a soldering practice kit like the ones sold at Yusha Kobo to practice, then buying a keyboard kit, and then sourcing the necessary items not included in the kit...

The barrier to entry is too high.

But there is an otherworldly keyboard that is split, completely wireless, and equipped with a trackball, rotary encoders, and even a trackpad, and if you pay the money, you can definitely get a high-quality finished product for only about 27,000 yen.

That is the Gizmodo x Keychron Orca Echo, isn't it?

I mean, this has everything a light user would jump at, right? I was about to jump at it too, but after consulting with my wallet, I decided to think about it for a while.

Well, even after thinking about it, the fact remains that I want the Orca.

I've never seen anything else that's a split, completely wireless, finished keyboard with a trackball, rotary encoders, and a trackpad that you can buy for around 27,000 yen.
If there were a similar keyboard, I would have already bought it.

In a Gizmodo video released just before the Orca crowdfunding campaign started, they mentioned that they hope the Orca will serve as an entry point into split keyboards and custom mechanical keyboards.
That is a wonderful idea, isn't it?

It really seems to be hitting the target demographic they were aiming for.

I am truly grateful to Gizmodo and Keychron for creating this gateway that allows light users like me—people who haven't really touched the keyboard scene but are a little interested—to enter the world of split and custom keyboards.

So, I should buy one soon, right?
Yes...

That's all for my random thoughts.
Did you all buy an Orca Echo?

I'll probably end up buying one eventually...
I'll probably end up buying the white one...

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I've written other keyboard-related articles as well.
Please feel free to read them if you'd like.

See you in another article.