On October 9, 2026, GIZMODO Japan announced the release of 3D data for the “Orca echo,” a split keyboard developed in collaboration with Keychron.
The data can be downloaded from Keychron’s official GitHub repository and used to inspect the structure of the case and plate, create custom parts for personal use, and design compatible accessories.
Keychron has long demonstrated its commitment to supporting the keyboard community’s learning and customization efforts by making design data for its products publicly available.
This release extends that initiative to the Orca echo.
View the Orca echo design data
What data has been published for the Orca echo?
Hardware design data for the following Orca echo components is available on GitHub.
| Available data | Main uses |
|---|---|
| Top Case | Inspecting the shape and dimensions of the top case |
| Bottom Case | Inspecting the shape and dimensions of the bottom case |
| PCB | Inspecting the PCB outline and component placement |
| Plate | Inspecting and customizing the switch plate |
| Full Model | Inspecting the overall structure of the assembled keyboard |
Keychron’s repository lists the following Orca echo components as available: “Top Case, Bottom Case, PCB, Plate, and Full Model.”
Reference: GitHub
It’s important to note that the inclusion of “PCB” does not necessarily mean that schematics or a complete set of PCB manufacturing files has been made available.
The GitHub repository primarily contains CAD data for inspecting the product’s hardware geometry.
It does not include complete design documentation for manufacturing an Orca echo from scratch.
Designed to support custom parts made with 3D printers
The Orca echo project page says the published data can be used to create original parts and custom accessories with 3D printers and other tools.
Reference: costory.jp
Some possible uses include:
- Prototyping cases and stands suited to your desk setup
- Designing wrist rests and tilt-adjustment parts
- Making accessories for storing cables and receivers
- Checking the dimensions of cases and plates
- Developing accessories compatible with the Orca echo
- Learning CAD using a product’s structure as a teaching resource
The Orca echo is a distinctive split keyboard with a trackball positioned in the center.
Compared with a conventional one-piece keyboard, factors such as typing angle, the distance between the two halves, and wrist position can have a greater effect on usability from person to person.
That makes the ability for users to design their own accessories a particularly good fit for the Orca echo.
Not fully open source, but “source-available”
The published design data is not fully open source and cannot be used freely for any purpose.
Keychron describes this initiative as “source-available.”
For personal and educational use, users may view, study, and modify the design data, and create derivative parts for personal use. They may also manufacture and sell original compatible accessories, provided they meet the specified conditions.
However, the data may not be used to reproduce and sell the Orca echo or other Keychron products. Redistribution of modified design data is also restricted. GitHub
For details on permitted uses, consult the license on GitHub.
Keychron Source-Available License
Keychron extends its community-minded approach to the Orca echo
Since April 2026, Keychron has been publishing production CAD data for its keyboards and mice on GitHub.
At the time, Greenkeys noted that the release was more than just a set of blueprints: it could serve as a starting point for learning, modifying products, and developing compatible accessories based on finished products.
Has Keychron Really Gone “Open Source”?
Keychron’s official repository lists objectives such as:
- Learning from real product designs
- Remixing cases and plates
- Checking dimensions and component layouts
- Creating modification parts for the community
- Developing compatible accessories
- Proposing revisions or new variations
The Orca echo, developed through crowdfunding, has now been added to the list of products with published design data.
Applying the same policy not only to existing mass-produced models but also to a specialized split keyboard developed with an external company suggests that Keychron sees hardware-data releases as an ongoing initiative rather than a one-off promotional effort.
These efforts convey Keychron’s desire to contribute to the community.
Summary
Keychron has published hardware design data for the Orca echo on GitHub, including the top case, bottom case, PCB, plate, and a full model of the assembled keyboard.
I’m looking forward to seeing what kinds of custom parts users and creators come up with.
Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing a third party release data for the aluminum case.
- Originally published:
- Last updated:
- Reporting method: Keychron GitHub repository and official social media posts
- References/Citations:
- Conflicts of Interest: No products provided; monetized links included
Google検索の「優先ソース」にGreenkeysを追加します
Add Greenkeys as a Preferred Source on Google
