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At GreenEchoes Studio, through our operation of the keyboard-focused media outlet “Greenkeys,” we continuously monitor what products, categories, and purchasing information Japanese keyboard users are interested in.
In June 2026, Greenkeys recorded 253,181 page views for the month.
That month, following the announcement and launch of the crowdfunding campaign for the “Orca echo”—a split keyboard developed by Keychron and Gizmodo—interest surged in split keyboards, trackball-integrated keyboards, low-profile split keyboards, and models compatible with Japanese key layouts.
In this article, we’ll introduce the major trends in the Japanese keyboard market, as revealed by Greenkeys data from June 2026.
Greenkeys Overview for June 2026
| Indicators | Number |
|---|---|
| Monthly Page Views | 253,181 page views |
| Active Users | 94,258 |
| Session | 193,939 |
| Search Clicks in Search Console | 32,173 |
| Search Impressions in Search Console | 590,417 |
In June, traffic came from multiple sources, primarily search engine traffic, but also including social media and direct visits.
In particular, we’ve identified search queries that indicate a strong intent to make a purchase—such as split keyboards, crowdfunding, price, coupons, and Japanese keyboard layouts—in addition to simple product name searches.
For detailed search queries, reactions by article, traffic sources, and trends in interest by category, please refer to the detailed PDF version for brands, agencies, and retailers.
Three Market Trends Spotted in June 2026
Based on Greenkeys data from June 2026, the following three trends stood out in particular:
- Growing Interest in Split Keyboards
- Growing Interest in Keyboards with Integrated Trackballs and Trackpads
- Continued Interest in Support for Japanese Keyboard Layouts
I believe these are not just passing trends, but rather signs that Japanese keyboard users are “beginning to reevaluate their input environments.”
Trend 1: Split-keyboard designs are beginning to gain traction among the general gadget-loving public
The biggest topic in June was the “Orca echo,” a split keyboard developed by Keychron and Gizmodo.
The Orca Echo is a keyboard featuring a 40% split layout with a trackball, touchpad, and horizontal rotary encoder.
Greenkeys covered Orca echo from multiple angles, including an announcement article, a hands-on session with a prototype, and an article on the launch of its crowdfunding campaign.
Related Greenkeys articles:
- Keychron and Gizmodo Announce New “Orca Echo”
- Hands-On Review of the Keychron Orca Echo Prototype
- Keychron × Gizmodo’s “Orca echo” Launches Crowdfunding Campaign
Judging by the response in June, split keyboards are beginning to appeal not only to a niche audience with a strong interest in DIY keyboards and ergonomics, but also to a broader base of gadget users.
On the other hand, I view split keyboards as a category with more elements to explain than standard keyboards.
Why is it divided into left and right sections? What is a staggered column layout? Who is it best suited for? Is it easy to switch to from a standard keyboard?
Information design that addresses these questions will determine how the product is received in the Japanese market.
Related Basic Articles:
Trend 2: Interest in Keyboards with Built-in Pointing Devices
One of the standout features of the Orca Echo was its trackball and scroll wheel.
In June, articles about beekeeb’s “Toucan2”—a split keyboard with a built-in trackpad—were also popular.
Related Greenkeys articles:
The trend of integrating “pointing devices”—such as trackballs, trackpads, and scroll wheels—into keyboards is likely to continue to attract some interest.
However, in this field, simply describing a device as “with a trackball” or “with a trackpad” is not sufficient.
What users want to know isn’t whether a feature is available, but rather what benefits come from being able to use a cursor-control device and a keyboard together.
How far do you have to move your hand from the home position? How does it differ from a standard mouse or an external trackball? Is the layout easy for existing users to adapt to?
I believe that keyboards with built-in pointing devices should be discussed not in terms of the keyboard’s specifications alone, but in the context of how they transform the entire input environment.
We also believe that, depending on the application, there is greater flexibility in choosing a separate trackball mouse or an existing mouse rather than a keyboard with a built-in pointing device.
All-in-one pointing devices may be more readily accepted by users if they are positioned not as complete replacements for standalone mice or external trackballs, but rather as supplementary tools that reduce the amount of movement required in the overall input environment.
Trend 3: Support for Japanese keyboard layouts remains a key factor
In the Japanese market, there continues to be strong interest in keyboards from overseas brands that support Japanese keyboard layouts.
In June 2026, readers continued to engage with articles on specifications tailored for the Japanese market, including the Keychron J9, NocFree &, NuPhy Air65 V3 / Air100 V3, and an explanation of the “Z-row offset” on Japanese-layout keyboards.
Related Greenkeys articles:
- SUPER KOPEK Begins Sales of the Keychron J9
- NocFree & Summary
- NuPhy Air65 V3 / Air100 V3 Now Support JIS Keyboard Layout
- Why Is the Z Row Off-Center on Japanese-Layout Keyboards?
For Japanese users, support for the Japanese keyboard layout is not just another layout option—it’s a key factor in lowering the barrier to purchase.
On the other hand, Japanese keyboard layouts have many aspects that require explanation, such as key placement, key labels, the Z-row offset, and the arrangement of keys on the right side.
When overseas brands launch products in the Japanese market, simply labeling them as “Japanese layout” is not enough.
When it comes to Japanese keyboard layouts, they need to be designed to meet the actual needs of Japanese users.
GreenEchoes Studio also provides supervision and support regarding the adoption of Japanese keyboard layouts.
GreenEchoes Studio is also participating in an initiative called the “Japan Layout Alliance,” which aims to improve keycap compatibility for these Japanese keyboard layouts.
About the Detailed PDF Version
In this article, we have highlighted only the major trends revealed by Greenkeys data from June 2026.
The detailed PDF version, “KEEB TREND Report June 2026 | Brand Edition,” provides the following information for brands, agencies, and retailers.
- Detailed Greenkeys Data for June 2026
- Trends in Inbound Channels
- Classification of Search Intent
- Reactions by Featured Category
- Top Articles and Their Roles by Article Type
- Analysis of Interest in Split Keyboards
- Reactions to the Trackball/Trackpad Combo
- Interest in Japanese Keyboard Layouts / JIS Compatibility
- Information Often Found in Crowdfunding Projects
- Key Points for Designing Communications for the Japanese Market
- GreenEchoes Studio Support Options
Please note that detailed lists of search queries, specific metrics for individual articles, external clicks, traffic referrals, conversions, and results by project are shared as needed during individual consultations and business meetings.
Request a Detailed PDF / Contact Us
If you would like a detailed PDF version, please contact us using the information below.
Detailed PDF: KEEB TREND Report June 2026 | Brand Edition
Target Audience: Keyboard brands, distributors, crowdfunding operators, input device retailers, etc.
At GreenEchoes Studio, we use Greenkeys’ reader data, search trends, and article engagement metrics to help companies design product messaging and launch strategies tailored to the Japanese market.
