Keychron Nape Pro is now available globally. After seeing reviews from crowdfunding backers, I'm even more interested
Place it right next to your keyboard and operate the cursor with your fingertips.
Global sales have begun for the "Keychron Nape Pro," a somewhat unusual trackball.
As of July 31, 2026, pre-orders have started on Keychron's global official website, priced at $89.99. It comes in two colors: black and white.
In Japan, crowdfunding has already been conducted, and the total purchase amount for the first and second rounds has exceeded 400 million yen.
It was a highly anticipated product, but now that shipments to crowdfunding backers are underway, reviews from people who have actually used it are finally increasing.
I did not participate in the crowdfunding, and I do not yet have the actual device.
This time, I will organize what I have learned about what kind of product the Nape Pro is and what the reviews from those who have received it say.
The Nape Pro is a bit different from a regular trackball
The Nape Pro is a compact trackball device co-developed by Keychron and Gizmodo Japan.
There is a 25mm trackball in the center, surrounded by a dial and six customizable buttons.
Because it is a slim bar shape, it can be placed in various locations, such as in front of or to the side of a keyboard, or in the middle of a split keyboard.
It also supports "OctaShift," which allows you to switch operations according to the orientation of the device, and a major feature is that it can be used in eight directions, including horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.
Connection methods include:
Bluetooth
2.4GHz wireless
USB-C wired
three types.
In addition to clicking and scrolling, you can also assign copy, paste, app launching, macros, and more to the buttons and dial.
Since it uses "Keychron Launcher," which runs in a browser, for settings, there is no need to install a dedicated app on your computer. The settings are saved on the Nape Pro device itself.
The direction is quite different from the mouse I usually use
I usually use a Logitech "MX Master 4" for work and daily operations.
I use a "Logicool G PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE" for gaming.
Both are standard mice that you hold in your palm to operate.
On the other hand, the Nape Pro is placed in front of or to the side of the keyboard, allowing you to control the cursor with just your fingertips.
Therefore, rather than a product to replace the MX Master 4 or SUPERSTRIKE,
it is probably better to think of it as an auxiliary device for performing quick cursor operations without taking your hands off the keyboard.
That seems closer to the mark.
Use the MX Master 4 for detailed operations or long mouse-intensive tasks, and the SUPERSTRIKE for gaming.
Use the Nape Pro for cursor movement, scrolling, and shortcut operations while typing.
It might be a product designed to be used by separating tasks in this way.
What backers are praising in their reviews
Reading reviews from those who have actually received it, what is highly praised is the fact that you don't have to move your hand much from the keyboard.
In particular, for tasks centered on keyboard operation, such as writing or coding, there are comments that it reduces the number of times you have to reach for the mouse.
Users overseas have also commented that it is easy to incorporate into a keyboard-centric workflow and is relatively easy to get used to even in the early stages of use.
The quietness of the buttons and the customizability that allows you to freely assign functions are also well-received.
If you register copy, paste, select all, tab switching, scrolling, etc., you can use it like a combination of a trackball and a macro pad.
I think it is not just a pointing device, but a gadget that you can cultivate and set up to suit your own workflow.
Looking at the reviews, there are also some concerns
Of course, not everyone is praising it unconditionally.
The first thing that concerns me is the height of the device.
The Nape Pro is about 36mm high, including the ball.
Although it looks slim and compact, there are reviews saying that it actually feels thicker than the numbers suggest. Especially with thin, low-profile keyboards, there is a possibility that the height may not match.
Additionally, some have pointed out that because the unit is lightweight, it may move slightly when turning the dial.
It would be wise to check the compatibility with your placement area and desk mat.
Other feedback includes:
・Concerns about the feel and responsiveness of the dial
・Areas in the configuration software that still need improvement
・Some reports of unstable Bluetooth connectivity
・Finger fatigue until you get used to the ball operation
These are some of the comments that can be found.
However, some users report that Bluetooth works fine for them, and opinions on the ball's rolling feel vary depending on the individual unit and usage environment.
As is typical for a product just after launch, there is a possibility that firmware and configuration environments will be improved in the future, but for now, it is best to consider it a device with a bit of a learning curve.
Not for everyone. But for those it clicks with, it could be a perfect fit.
I don't think the Nape Pro is a product I would recommend to someone looking for a standard mouse.
If you want something simple that you can use easily without changing settings, a standard mouse or a conventional trackball would be more intuitive.
On the other hand,
・People who spend a long time writing
・People who do programming
・People who find it tedious to move their hand from the keyboard to the mouse
・People who utilize shortcuts and macros
・People who enjoy creating a desk setup that suits them
I think this is a very interesting product for these types of people.
I have also researched left-hand devices and macro pads, but the Nape Pro is a bit different from those.
It combines cursor control, scrolling, shortcuts, and macros into one long, slender device.
It is truly an 'operation device to add to your keyboard'.
I will wait a little while for the general domestic release.
Although sales have started on the global official website, I think I will wait a little while for the general release in Japan.
It won't be too late to decide after checking the domestic pricing, warranty, and sales methods.
Also, as more long-term usage reviews from crowdfunding backers appear, more information should become available regarding connection stability, ball maintenance, and the best ways to position it.
However, there is no doubt that I want it even more now than I did before I looked up the reviews.
The Nape Pro is not so much a product to replace your mouse, but a gadget to take your keyboard-centric workflow to the next level.
Once it goes on general sale domestically, I will consider it again while checking the price.
This article is based on information as of July 31, 2026. The author does not own a Nape Pro and has compiled this information based on official sources and public reviews from crowdfunding backers and users.