Vortex unveils M50 low-profile split keyboard with trackball and encoder

On March 23, 2026, Vortex updated its official X to reveal its new keyboard, the M50.

The product page describes the M50 as “Vortex’s first true wireless-enabled low-profile split keyboard,” and states that it will feature a trackball and encoder.

At this time, the price is 0.00 USD, the sales status is SOLD OUT, and the category is IN PROGRESS, which means that it is in the public stage before it is officially sold.

There is also quite a lot of information that can be read from the public images, with the M50 having a 55-key Split Ergo layout, 50% in terms of the number of keys, and a nearly symmetrical key layout but with three fewer thumb clusters on the right hand side.

With a 34mm trackball, ZMK, Bluetooth, 1000mAh x 2 batteries, Mac / Win compatibility, and support for Gateron LP 3.0 and Kailh Choc v2, it seems to have all the specifications that are popular in the Japanese homebrew keyboard community.

It is quite rare to find a finished product that packs so many elements of low-profile, division, trackball, encoder, and wireless into one unit, and it is likely to be a standout in the low-profile division community this year.

Organize public information.

Note: As information posted on the official X after the release, the case is CNC machined and two types of colors are being prepared in an anodized finish.

Reference: https://x.com/i/status/2036065008824754241

Of particular interest is the fact that it is assumed to be compatible with both Gateron LP 3.0 and Kailh Choc v2.

It is rare to find a low-profile model that uses these two systems, and this configuration is more than just a “thin split keyboard.

Greenkeys Office

Choc v2 and Gatero LP 3.0 simply have different plate thicknesses, so it may be difficult to accommodate this on the switch plate side even if it can be handled on the board side.
I am also curious as to what approach you are taking to solve this issue.

Two switch options can be seen on the product page : Low Profile Silent Red andLow Profile Brown.

Even more noteworthy is the keyboard structure visible from the looks.

From the public images, the housing has a machined aluminum type texture, and the switch plate and top side appear to be integrated.

This is not specified as an official specification at this time, but it certainly appears to be a product with a very high degree of perfection at the time of its look.

The M50 is interesting not only for its specifications.

The fact that an existing brand like Vortex has stepped into the somewhat niche area of low-profile division, and in a rather pointed way with a built-in trackball, seems to indicate that they are very conscious of the Japanese keyboard market and the “home-built keyboard genre.

The split keyboard is a genre that often gets a lot of excitement from the homebrew and small brand side, but if there are more finished products from these manufacturers, the way we see it will change.

At least from public information alone, the M50 is a very interesting new product candidate in the low-profile divisional area this year.

We will follow up with further information on the price, release date, and even whether or not the actual device will be on display.

あわせて読みたい

Vortex M50ハンズオンレビュー｜Vortexが日本市場に向けて発信する新たなモデルを深掘り 2026年3月24日、Vortexは左右分割トラックボール付きキーボード「M50」を発表しました。 上記タイミングで発表したということは、キーボードマーケットトーキョー2026で…

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