If your typing rhythm is disrupted every time you reach for a mouse, the Keychron Nape Pro might be the answer. This slender input device looks like a single‑handed remote but actually houses a 25 mm trackball surrounded by six programmable buttons and a notched rotary dial. The long form factor lets you park the Nape Pro alongside your mechanical keyboard or mount it beneath the home row for thumb control. On the inside it runs ZMK firmware, an open‑source project that allows enthusiasts to remap every button, adjust macros and even tweak the trackball sensitivity. The six Huano silent switches provide crisp feedback without the clicking noise of traditional mice.

Keychron’s design, developed with Gizmodo Japan’s Nape project, includes a metal ring around the ball that acts as a scroll wheel for smooth page navigation. A removable top hides a 200 mAh battery that delivers around 50 hours of use and charges via USB‑C. For gamers and creative pros the Nape Pro supports a 1 kHz polling rate over its 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. There’s also a standard ¼‑20 threaded mount for attaching the unit to a desk arm or tripod. Pricing hasn’t been finalized, but a Japanese crowdfunding page lists the device at about 21,648 yen (roughly $137) ahead of its expected April/May release.

With open firmware and a unique form factor, the Nape Pro appeals to tinkerers who already treasure their keyboards. It also aligns nicely with the mechanical keyboard craze IMBOLDN has covered in our guide to professional boards.

Don’t be surprised if this hybrid trackball ends up on more desks than you’d expect – once you try typing and pointing without moving your hand, it’s hard to go back.