TL;DR
Keychron showed a prototype of the Nape Pro trackball mouse at CES 2026, a compact, TV-remote–style peripheral developed with Gizmodo Japan editor Koichiro Amito. The device — which offers a rotating dial with a housed trackball and six programmable buttons — has already seen strong crowdfunding in Japan and may ship internationally if demand supports it.
What happened
Walking past Keychron’s CES 2026 booth nearly had me keep moving, but a single device stopped me: the Nape Pro, a throwback-style trackball mouse. Developed in collaboration with Gizmodo Japan editor Koichiro Amito, the Nape Pro first appeared at the Tokyo Game Show and attracted large crowdfunding backing there. The unit at CES was still a prototype; company staff demonstrated the intended grip and showed a web-based companion app. Rather than the typical palm-over-ball posture some trackball designs invite, Keychron’s intended use has you resting your hand on a surface and operating the ball and controls primarily with your index and middle fingers. The mouse includes a rotating dial that houses the trackball plus six programmable keys. Keychron said the device will be sold initially in Japan, with possible worldwide shipping if interest warrants; a broader Western availability was suggested for 2027 unless plans change.
Why it matters
- Reintroduces a non-traditional pointing interface at a major tech show, drawing attention to alternatives to conventional mice.
- Strong early crowdfunding demonstrates there is consumer appetite for unconventional peripherals despite niche ergonomics.
- Compact, pocket-friendly design could appeal to portable workflows where a full mouse isn’t practical.
- Programmability and companion software signal Keychron aims to position it as a practical tool rather than a novelty.
Key facts
- Product: Keychron Nape Pro, a trackball-style mouse with a rotating dial that houses the ball.
- Collaboration: Developed in partnership with Gizmodo Japan editor Koichiro Amito.
- Crowdfunding: The project raised ¥100 million within 12 hours of its Tokyo Game Show campaign launch.
- Demo status: The unit shown at CES 2026 was a prototype; staff provided a hands-on demo and connected it to a laptop.
- Controls: The device offers six programmable buttons and a dial around the trackball.
- Intended grip: Users rest their hand on a surface and operate the ball with the index and middle fingers, per Keychron’s demonstration.
- Initial availability: Keychron plans to sell the device first in Japan, with potential worldwide shipping if interest holds.
- Western timeline: Keychron indicated Western availability might not occur until 2027 unless plans accelerate.
What to watch next
- Whether Keychron follows through with global shipping beyond Japan (company stated plans depend on interest).
- Exact release timing and availability in Western markets — 2027 was mentioned as a possible window but is not confirmed in the source.
- Changes between the CES prototype and the final retail product, including hardware, software, and ergonomics — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Trackball mouse: A pointing device that uses a stationary housing with a movable ball the user manipulates to move the cursor, rather than moving the entire mouse.
- Prototype: An early functional model of a product used to test design, features, and usability before final production.
- Crowdfunding: A method of raising funds by collecting small contributions from a large number of people, often via an online platform to support a new product or project.
- Programmable buttons: Buttons whose functions can be customized by the user, typically via software, to perform specific actions or shortcuts.
- Companion software: An application, often web-based or desktop, that allows users to configure device settings, remap controls, or update firmware.
Reader FAQ
Is the Nape Pro available worldwide now?
No. The device will be sold initially in Japan; Keychron said worldwide shipping is possible if interest holds.
When will Western users be able to buy it?
Keychron suggested Western availability might occur in 2027, but exact timing and distribution are not confirmed in the source.
How do you use the Nape Pro?
The intended method is to rest your hand on a surface and operate the trackball and controls with lightly placed index and middle fingers, plus use the six programmable keys and rotating dial.
How much does it cost?
Not confirmed in the source.
Will the retail product match the CES prototype?
Not confirmed in the source.
This mesmerizing retro mouse from CES 2026 was made for me Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Keychron By Jon Gilbert Published 23 minutes ago Jon has been an author…
Sources
- This mesmerizing retro mouse from CES 2026 was made for me
- I tried PC gaming with a trackball and it reignited my love …
- Building a Custom Severance-Inspired Keyboard | Typing ASMR
- AppleInsiderKeychron packs CES 2026 with upgraded Q and V series mechanical keyboards2 days ago
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