KEEB JOURNAL September 2026 | A Month of Exploring New Input Experiences Through Conceptualization, Comparison, and On-Site Reporting

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This is a news article intended to summarize verified information about new products, product launches, specification updates, campaigns, and related developments. It is not a long-term hands-on review or product evaluation. Any product samples, advertising relationships, affiliate links, or other forms of monetization are disclosed within the article.

“KEEB JOURNAL”: A look back at the articles read on Greenkeys in September 2026.

Monthly page views for September were 160,810 PV .

Although page views decreased from the 202,383 recorded in August, the top articles in September were highly original pieces, including concepts developed by Greenkeys itself, design comparisons between products, and hands-on coverage of actual devices at trade shows.

Among our September content, the thought experiment exploring a 40% “HHKB Mini” generated a particularly strong response.

Although this isn’t an actual new product, we used the design philosophy shared by the HHKB and small keyboards as a starting point to share with our readers the possibility of “what if there were a typing experience like this?”

In addition, content showcasing a sample of the Keychron C3 Pro 8K JIS with a trackball integrated into the spacebar, a comparison of the Orca echo and Valkey Orb, and coverage of TGS2026 have also been widely read.

We don’t just provide information on finished products; we also work with you to explore concepts and design intentions that are still taking shape through feature articles and columns.

I think September was a month when quite a few people interpreted it that way.

Now, let’s take a look back at the September traffic rankings.

Ranking of Articles Read in September 2026

In September 2026, monthly page views totaled 160,810, and the number of active users was 69,826.

The top 10 articles generated a total of 60,652 page views, accounting for approximately 37.7% of the total monthly page views.

The rankings include seven articles—including Greenkeys’ original columns, comparisons, and feature stories.

In September, there was greater interest in more original “columns” and “feature stories” than in news content.

No. 1 | If There Were an “HHKB mini”: Reinterpreting the HHKB Philosophy in a 40% Keyboard

Percentage of total monthly page views: 7.74%

The most-read article in September was a thought-experiment-style column that reinterpreted the philosophy behind the HHKB using a 40% layout.

Based on the concept of “keeping your hands in the home position,” we are proposing a layout that omits the number row, brings the left and right key areas closer together, and makes use of the thumb keys.

While making it clear that this is not an actual product, we presented the potential of small keyboards in a concrete form.

I feel that this, combined with the increasing diversity of roles expected of keyboards, has drawn a great deal of attention.

If There Were an “HHKB mini”: Reinterpreting the HHKB Philosophy in a 40% Keyboard

2nd Place | Sample Unit of the Keychron C3 Pro 8K JIS with a Trackball on the Space Bar Unveiled

Percentage of total monthly page views: 5.65%

This article introduces a prototype device that incorporates a trackball into the space bar area of a standard JIS-layout keyboard.

It demonstrated the potential to integrate pointing devices not only with split keyboards and 40% keyboards but also with familiar layouts.

Although this model has not yet been approved for production, the combination of a traditional keyboard and a trackball attracted a great deal of attention.

Keychron’s development pace really amazes me.

Sample unit revealed: Keychron C3 Pro 8K JIS with a trackball built into the spacebar

3rd Place | A Glimpse into the World of 30% Keyboards | In Search of Tools That Work Best for Me

Percentage of total monthly page views: 4.91%

This column introduces the concept of the “30% keyboard,” which has even fewer keys than the 40% keyboard.

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My main computer has a 30% keyboard.

I think this column will give you a sense of just how complex the keyboard is as a device.

A Glimpse into the World of 30% Keyboards | In Search of Tools That Work Best for Me

No. 4 | It’s Not Just the Orca Echo and Nape Pro: Keychron’s “Beyond the Keyboard” Initiative at TGS 2026

Percentage of total monthly page views: 3.86%

This article summarizes the products and prototypes we saw at the Keychron booth at the Tokyo Game Show 2026, based on our on-site coverage.

We highlighted the trend of expanding the product lineup beyond just keyboards to include trackballs and other peripheral devices as part of a broader input environment.

This feature article explores the brand’s overall direction—a perspective that isn’t readily apparent from press releases alone.

It’s Not Just the Orca Echo and Nape Pro: Keychron’s Efforts to “Go Beyond the Boundaries of Keyboards” at TGS 2026

No. 5 | What’s the Difference Between the Orca Echo and the Valkey Orb? Design Differences in 40% Split Trackball Keyboards as Seen on KLE

Percentage of total monthly page views: 3.63%

This is an article comparing two split keyboards with trackballs—both developed in part by Keychron—on KLE.

We visualized the layout, the angle of the staggered columns, and the thumb key configuration for these two products, which appear similar at first glance.

While they are certainly similar in that they both feature a column-staggered layout, we are analyzing the differences in design philosophy by examining the variations in the KLE, the choice of materials for the casing, and the compatibility of the key switches.

What’s the Difference Between the Orca Echo and the Valkey Orb? Design Differences in 40% Split Trackball Keyboards, as Seen on KLE

No. 6 | REALFORCE Officially Unveils Its First Split Keyboard, the “RS1”

Percentage of total monthly page views: 2.74%

This article reports on the official announcement of the “RS1,” REALFORCE’s first split keyboard.

REALFORCE, which has been offering one-piece keyboards for many years, made headlines when it ventured into the new territory of split-keyboard designs.

Attention is focused not only on the release date and specifications, but also on how existing users will react.

REALFORCE’s First Split Keyboard, the “RS1,” Officially Announced | Currently Being Prepared for a Target Release Date of October 1

No. 7 | The Keychron Valkey Orb Is “Not for Beginners” | Development Philosophy Revealed at TGS 2026 and How It Differs from the Orca Echo

Percentage of total monthly page views: 2.69%

This article covers our visit to the TGS 2026 venue, where we saw a prototype of the Valkey Orb and interviewed the team about the project’s positioning and how it differs from Orca Echo.

From the aluminum chassis, standard profiles, and Cherry MX-compatible switches, it’s clear that the design is geared toward users familiar with custom keyboards.

We’ve clarified that Orca echo—which is often used for comparison—is intended for a different user base.

This is

The Keychron Valkey Orb Is “Not for Beginners” | Development Philosophy and Differences from the Orca Echo, as Heard at TGS 2026

No. 8 | Naya B.V., the company behind the split keyboard “Naya Create,” has filed for bankruptcy

Percentage of total monthly page views: 2.37%

This article summarizes the information currently available regarding the bankruptcy of Naya B.V., the company behind the split keyboard “Naya Create.”

Attention was focused on the company’s business continuity beyond the product itself, including the uncertainty surrounding the impact on existing customers and future support.

While emerging keyboard brands from overseas have an innovative appeal, they still face significant challenges when it comes to business sustainability.

Naya B.V., maker of the Naya Create split keyboard, files for bankruptcy — future support remains unclear

No. 9 | How to Choose a Large Index-Finger Trackball | Comparing the Differences Between the EM06, TB900, SlimBlade Pro, and HUGE PLUS

Percentage of total monthly page views: 2.15%

This article compares four trackball products—which are operated by rolling a large ball with the index finger—based on factors such as shape, usability, and connection methods.

Trackball mice are very popular among keyboard enthusiasts.

I feel like, little by little, as small keyboards become more popular, awareness of them is growing.

How to Choose a Large Index-Finger Trackball | Comparing the Differences Between the EM06, TB900, SlimBlade Pro, and HUGE PLUS

No. 10 | Keyboards That Caught My Eye at the Tokyo Game Show 2026 | TGS 2026 Report

Percentage of total monthly page views: 1.98%

This report summarizes the keyboards and input devices exhibited at the Tokyo Game Show 2026, based on coverage from the event.

We covered key points that can only be understood by seeing the actual devices in person, drawing on our experience across multiple brands.

Rather than simply listing all the exhibitors, we focus on the products that caught our attention at the event.

Keyboards That Caught My Eye at the Tokyo Game Show 2026 | TGS 2026 Report

Summary

That concludes our look back at the traffic rankings for September 2026.

September was a month when Greenkeys’ original features, comparisons, and on-site reports were particularly popular.

Delivering news quickly is an important role of specialized media.

In addition, Greenkeys has begun publishing content on a total of three news apps, including Gunosy, in an effort to introduce a wider audience to the appeal of keyboards.

We also sense a high demand for “feature stories”—which provide firsthand information about products—and “columns”—which satisfy intellectual curiosity—even more so than for news content.

At Greenkeys, we will continue to share not only news but also the philosophy behind our products and how to choose them.

Stay tuned for next month.

KEEB JOURNAL TOP

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  • Research method: Original
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  • Conflicts of Interest: Product provided: None Monetized links in this article: None
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Avatar of 河村 亮介 Ryosuke Kawamura Greenkeys chief editor

Ryosuke Kawamura is the Editor-in-Chief of Greenkeys and the founder of GreenEchoes Studio.

He covers mechanical keyboards, custom keyboards, and input devices through reviews, interviews, hands-on testing, photography, and editorial work. He has reviewed more than 100 products and regularly reports on JIS-layout compatibility and trends in the Japanese keyboard market.

He also founded the Japan Layout Alliance (JLA), an industry collaboration initiative aimed at improving compatibility for Japanese-layout keyboards.

Greenkeys values editorial independence and transparency. Product samples, advertising relationships, and affiliate links are disclosed within each article.

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