Keychron C3 Pro Trackball 8K keyboard launches with split spacebar and 14mm trackball for around $87

Keychron has launched a new keyboard – the C3 Pro Trackball 8K on October 28. It's a compact keyboard with trackball 8K. This means you don't need to use an extra mouse to control your cursor.

Compact keyboard integrates 14mm trackball and split spacebar for $87

The built-in 14mm trackball integrates into the keyboard. This saves you desk space and lets you stay in the same position. You should get this if you like a clean desk or you don't want to move your hands a lot while typing.

Specifications

• Layout: 80% with split spacebar and 14mm central trackball
• Connection: USB-C wired single-mode
• Firmware: ZMK
• Structure: Gasket mount
• Features: Hot-swappable switches, RGB backlight, mouse input layer

The keyboard has an 80% layout. Instead of a spacebar, you have a split spacebar and a trackball in the middle. You connect it to your computer with a single USB-C wired connection.

This means you have a steady connection with no wireless lag. This wired connection is great for people who like a direct, physical connection. You don't need Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle.

Inside, the keyboard runs on ZMK firmware. This means you can customize it a lot with open source tools. The internals use a gasket mount like many enthusiast keyboards.

This helps with the typing experience by decoupling the plate from the case. You can also hot swap the switches, so you can change keys without soldering.

The keyboard has RGB lighting. There's also a mouse input layer, so you can use the trackball keys to control the cursor. So you can type or move the cursor without switching anything physically.

The keyboard is up for pre-order. The early bird price is 11,594 JPY (~73.92$) and the normal price is 13,640 JPY (~86.97$).

Keychron has previously launched other trackball-focused keyboards like the Valkey Orb. It has a bigger 25mm trackball. The C3 Pro Trackball 8K is for those who prefer a more compact layout and more integrated trackball experience. You can buy this keyboard right now on Keychron.