The game changer in tracking devices is finally available to the public in Japan.
An actual prototype of the Nape Pro, a new ultra-compact trackball device jointly developed by Keychron, a mechanical keyboard brand, and technology media company Gizmodo Japan, was shown to the public in Japan at Tenkey Vol. 10.
The Nape Pro is an ultra-compact trackball device with six buttons and a scroll ring.
Despite being a rather sharp tracking device, it has become an extremely popular product that has attracted a whopping 23,000 purchasers and over 300 million yen in total through crowdfunding.
This article reports from the Keychron booth, where we interviewed developer Mr. Amito about the current status of Nape Pro.
Click here for other interview contents.
Development of Nape Pro greatly improved from CES2026 exhibit
As for the development status of the Nape Pro, if the one exhibited at CES2026 was the “Prototype 1,” this is the “Prototype 2.
Mr. Amito’s delight at the update from Prototype 1 shows the high degree of perfection of the product.
[Crowdfunding for the second version of Nape Pro is set for Friday, February 13 at 9:00 p.m.
– Gizmodo Japan (Official) (@gizmodojapan) February 6, 2026
The latest version of Nape Pro (black) from Keychron arrives at the editorial office, which is trembling with the frenzy that is coming again.
Here is Tsunafuji’s very excited reaction at the moment he received it ↓ pic.twitter.com/3fRSwynt7x
Now let’s look at the actual photos.
The overall appearance is here.
The placement could be tried vertically, horizontally, or at an angle of 45 degrees.
The vertical center of the trackball can be changed depending on how it is placed, so the cursor moves firmly downward even when the ball is rolled directly down at an angle.
KawamuraThis was quite impressive.
We were also shown a screen of the “Keychron Lancher” under development, which was completely “different” compared to the original ZMK Studio application.
The operation is intuitive, and the user interface is designed in such a way that it is easy for anyone to use.
KawamuraLike the Kensinton SBP, it can also be used as an excellent macro device that allows for unlimited customization by the user, with advanced settings such as “two buttons pressed simultaneously” gestures and pressing the back layer button while pressing the layer key.
Also on display at this year’s event was a prototype of a shell palm rest.
The two-piece acrylic with dimples has a dimple that fits Nape Pro perfectly.
It is magnetically attached at the top and bottom, and when the Nape Pro is inserted and the lid…
Thus.
The carrying case is completed.
This is an excellent product that can be used as a split palm rest for mechanical keyboards.
Nape Pro supports 3 modes and wired connections.
The careful attention to detail was also evident, such as the holes for cable connections.
The Keychorn K6 Ultra magnetic keyboard, which was displayed with the Nape Pro, appears to work on the same ZMK firmware base as the Nape Pro.
This also had a good keystroke feel, and many people were able to confirm the feeling.
Nape Pro｜What is the update from Prototype #1 to #2?
The look and feel of the product has not changed significantly from the exhibit at CES 2026, but there have been some excellent updates in terms of the detailed feel of the product.
The two major updates are as follows
- Rigidity of the switch
- Torque of the scroll ring
Rigidity of the switch
Compared to Prototype 1, which was displayed together with the prototype, the rigidity of the switch seems much improved.
In addition to greatly reducing the wobble of the switches themselves, the switches were designed to be “hit” judgments no matter where they were clicked.
KawamuraIt is a very detailed part, but it is directly related to the feel of the product, so it was a point where a lot of care was taken.
Because of the characteristics of the Nape Pro, it is expected to be used at various angles, so they made sure that no matter how it is pressed, it will be judged as a “hit”. (According to Mr. Amito)
About scroll rings
The scroll ring was also adjusted in the torque area.
The torque is adjusted to such an extent that the body can be pinched and turned even if it is light.
KawamuraThe body weight also appears to be slightly heavier than Prototype 1.
Since the weight of the main unit is still light, the basic operation is to “pick” it from the top with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger and turn it.
However, it seemed possible to use the method of turning it by pressing it against the keyboard with the belly of the finger if it was in a form to be used by pressing it against the keyboard.
Next Nape Pro pre-sale starts February 13
The second crowdfunding round (pre-sale) for Nape Pro is scheduled to begin on February 13.
- Sales period: Friday, February 13, 2026, 9:00 p.m. to Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 23:59 p.m.
- Retail price: 10,791 yen (tax and shipping not included)
- Delivery date: Scheduled to be delivered sequentially from June to July 2026.
- Sales location: GIZMART (to be developed in the online store ” CoSTORY “)
Although the product will arrive later than the initial sale, this is your last chance to buy before the global public sale.
Don’t miss this opportunity.
The crowdfunding campaign will also include the K6 Ultra ZMK Special Edition that was on display at Tenkey, a shell palm rest developed based on purchaser requests, a replacement 25mm trackball for use with the Nape Pro, and other items to be sold together with the Nape Pro. The K6 Ultra ZMK Special Edition will also be available for purchase.
In addition, they are planning to prepare a “Nape Pro Starter Kit” that includes the above keyboard, the Nape Pro itself, and a shell palm rest.
KawamuraThis is something to look forward to.
Many gadget fans use trackballs on a regular basis, but many people find them too large and cumbersome to “carry” with them.
In this regard, the Nape Pro is small, portable, and easy to operate.
Since there are plans to release case data, we expect to see third-party products.
The author personally is looking forward to the introduction of a hollowed-out palm rest exclusively for diagonal placement and an original keyboard with a built-in Nape Pro mechanism.
We will continue to keep an eye on Nape Pro’s progress.
- First written on: February 9, 2026
- Last update: February 9, 2026
- Method of coverage: On-site coverage, official SNS postings, and Gizmodo content references
- Reference and citation: https://www.gizmodo.jp/2026/02/nape-pro-second-launch.html
- Conflicts of Interest: Product Offering: None Monetization Link in this paper: None
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