[Gadget] It's finally here! Keychron Orca echo crowdfunding starts today at 8 PM. Under 30,000 yen, so I'm definitely backing it! But let me say one thing.
Hello, this is Maruken!
Last time, I introduced the "Sanwa Direct Computer Desk," which serves as the foundation of my desk setup. It's an incredibly cost-effective desk that boasts overwhelming sturdiness and spaciousness despite its bargain price of under 10,000 yen, so if you're looking to build your setup, definitely check it out!
👇 Click here for the previous article
Well, that's not important this time,
In a previous note titled "The story of how I'm way too interested in the Keychron Orca echo," I declared that "if the price is under 30,000 yen, I'll back it immediately," and that time has finally come.
Starting at 8 PM today (June 19th), the crowdfunding will finally begin on CoSTORY!
The general overview, such as the inclusion of a trackball, was already known from advance information, but from the videos and pages released this time, various "new facts about the key switch area" that make a geek's heart race have been revealed. Focusing on that latest information, I'd like to write down my overflowing impressions and a little bit of complaining.
The impact of the independently developed POM material switches "Ninja" and "Samurai"
The specifications of the key switches, which were finally revealed this time, turned out to be incredibly interesting.
It will be equipped with the independently developed low-profile switches, "Keychron Apex POM low-profile switches." You can choose between two types at the time of purchase: the "Ninja" linear switch, which allows you to enjoy smooth depression and a straightforward bottom-out feel, and the "Samurai" tactile switch, which lets you feel a distinct typing sensation at your fingertips.
Not only are the names playful, but it's also worth noting that POM material is luxuriously used for both switches. They say they are aiming for the supreme typing feel of a smooth and pleasant "clack-clack" sound unique to this material, and their stance of not compromising at all on the pleasure of typing comes through clearly.
It's not just a low-profile. Future expandability to standard profile
Furthermore, what makes this product perverted (a compliment, by the way) is that it doesn't just end as a "low-profile keyboard convenient for carrying around."
It turns out that by using a kit scheduled to be sold separately in the future, it is designed to be replaceable with MX-compatible "standard profiles (tall, general switches)."
In other words, while you can use it as a low-profile keyboard that is perfect for carrying around at first, in the future, you can expand the parts and evolve it into a normal keyboard that allows you to enjoy deep key strokes while keeping this ultimate layout and trackball. The design as a platform that allows you to enjoy two types of mechanical switches, thin and normal, in one unit understood the preferences of keyboard lovers too well, and it gave me goosebumps.
A bug-level price setting that is far below expectations
Now, in my previous note, I declared "immediate purchase if it's under 30,000 yen," but the pricing was astonishing.
The super-early bird 15% OFF for the unit alone is 22,908 yen, and the super-early bird 20% OFF for the package set with a dedicated case is 24,112 yen.
It's too cheap, I'll buy it immediately. A little over 24,000 yen for Keychron's build quality, newly developed POM switches, and even the potential for future standard profile expansion is, frankly, a bargain. It's overwhelmingly cheaper and more reliable than collecting parts and assembling from scratch in the custom keyboard world. Since I have some budget left over, I think I'll use the extra money to eat some delicious food.
But let me say just this one thing (angry)
The price and features are the best. I'd like to say it's a perfect 100 points with no complaints, but looking at the crowdfunding page, there is one thing I really want to shout about.
The expected delivery date is"scheduled for late November"that is.
It's late, too late. It's June now. I can't wait to be kept waiting for about half a year. Seeing them happily making the "clack-clack" typing sound in the video has brought my excitement to its peak, and the fact that it won't arrive until just before winter is torture.
Of course, I understand that it takes time to produce hardware with such a special modular design, and waiting is part of the fun of crowdfunding, but once you've been shown this level of perfection, I'm shaking because I want to put it on my desk right now. I can only pray with all my might for an early shipment.
The 8 PM battle, I'll be waiting in front of my PC
Since the super-early bird discount is likely to be limited in quantity, I plan to access CoSTORY at 8 PM today when it starts and immediately click to buy the package with the case.
For those who were interested in split keyboards but couldn't get their hands on one, and for those who want to fully enjoy the typing feel of new switches like "Ninja" and "Samurai" and the expandability of future standard profile conversion, this "Keychron Orca echo" will definitely be a game changer.
Everyone, please wait in front of your screens at 8 PM, and let's experience the "hell of not being able to wait" for half a year together.
See you later!