Keychron Nape Pro | 8-Direction Trackball for Under the Spacebar

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Trackballs are generally designed to sit on a desk next to a mouse, but this product breaks that mold. The idea is to place a small 25mm ball in a slim, bar-shaped body that can be positioned right under a keyboard or in front of a laptop. It is a joint development between Keychron and GIZMART (Gizmodo Japan), and it generated quite a buzz during its crowdfunding campaign. It feels like a unique device aimed at a specific type of user rather than a universal mouse, and it caught my eye the moment I saw it.

📦 Product Overview

• Features a slim, bar-shaped body with a 25mm ball, allowing it to be placed under a keyboard or in front of a laptop.

• Equipped with the "OctaShift" function, which allows it to be used in any of 8 directions, supporting horizontal, vertical, and left-handed orientations.

• 6 buttons and a scroll wheel can be freely customized using the web-based configuration app "Keychron Launcher."

By the way, I feel this device is strongly geared toward keyboard enthusiasts, as it is designed for those who want to operate the cursor without moving their hands from the home position.

📌 Specifications

📌 Product Dimensions: 19mm thickness / 34.7mm width / 135.2mm length (36mm total height including ball)
📌 Ball Diameter: 25mm
📌 Sensor: Pixart PAW3222
📌 Polling Rate: 1K Hz (Realtek 8762GKU)
📌 Switches: Huano Silent Micro Switches
📌 Battery Capacity: 200mAh
📌 Continuous Usage Time: Approx. 50 hours
📌 Port: USB Type-C (can be used while charging)
📌 Connection Methods: Bluetooth / 2.4GHz / Wired
📌 Colors: Black / White

✅ Key Highlights

✅ Freedom of placement under the keyboard

It houses a 25mm ball, which is slightly smaller than standard trackballs, in a slim, bar-shaped body. Because it can be easily tucked in front of a mechanical keyboard or laptop, it effectively eliminates the need to reach out for a mouse.

✅ OctaShift for 8-direction support

The core of this product is its ability to be used in 8 different orientations. It supports not only horizontal placement under a keyboard, but also vertical placement inside a split keyboard, left-handed use, and even as a macro pad next to a pen tablet. I think it's an interesting configuration that lets you choose how to place it according to your desk environment.

✅ Full assignment for 6 buttons + wheel

All functions for the 6 buttons and the wheel can be freely assigned. Using the web-based configuration app "Keychron Launcher," you can set all keyboard keys, shortcuts, and even macros without installing any software. The settings are saved to the device itself, which is a practical and subtly helpful feature that allows you to use the same settings even if your environment changes.

✅ Silent switches for any location

It uses highly durable silent micro switches, so you can use it in offices or cafes without worrying about click noise. The fact that the ball can be removed from a maintenance hole for easy cleaning is also a big plus for long-term use.

✅ 3-way connectivity for any environment

It supports three connection methods: USB wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless. Continuous usage is about 50 hours, and since it can be used while charging via USB Type-C, there are few situations where your work will be interrupted by a dead battery.

⚖️ Honest Assessment

Basically, this is the type of product that will really appeal to some people, but it is not for everyone. Looking at reviews, there are reports that Bluetooth connectivity can be unreliable depending on the environment, it can make typing difficult if placed in front of the keyboard, the orientation mode is confusing, and the toggle button is easy to press accidentally. This suggests that you need to put a lot of effort into placement, connection methods, and settings to use it comfortably.

On the other hand, it is praised for its stable 2.4GHz connection, the high degree of freedom in placement and customization, and the satisfying feel of the ring-operated scroll. The concept is very interesting, but honestly, it is a product that chooses its user.

✔️ Who it's for

✔ Keyboard enthusiasts who don't want to break their home position, such as those using HHKB or custom keyboards
✔ People who want to carry trackball controls with them everywhere
✔ People who enjoy fine-tuning placement and button assignments themselves
✔ People who want to use it as a macro pad for video editing or illustration

✗ Who it's not for

✗ People who want to plug it in and use it immediately without fine-tuning settings
✗ People who prioritize stability and rely on Bluetooth connectivity
✗ People who are looking for the exact same feel as a standard mouse

🏷 Release Information

🏷 Release Date: August 28, 2026
🏷 Price: ¥12,650 (tax included)
🏷 Colors: Black / White

✍️ Conclusion

I think the Nape Pro is not a product I would recommend to everyone for its convenience, but rather one that shows its true value only after you have customized the placement and settings yourself. Whether the price of approximately 12,650 yen is worth it depends on whether you find this niche approach interesting.
If I were to buy one, I feel like I would approach it with the premise of placing it to the side or using it as a macro pad, rather than putting it in front of my HHKB.
The concept is definitely interesting, so if you are someone who can get creative with placement, there is a reason to choose it.

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Research method: Referencing the official product page
Reference/Citation source: Manufacturer product information page