TNL Mediagene's Keychron Nape Pro Bags 'Best of CES 2026' Award for Innovation
Introduction
TNL Mediagene, a prominent digital media and technology firm, has officially announced that its innovative trackball device, the Keychron Nape Pro, has been awarded Tom's Hardware's "Best of CES 2026 – Best Mouse". This accolade marks a significant milestone for the company’s media-commerce platform, GIZMART, showcasing its potential to deliver cutting-edge consumer technology.
Collaboration and Development
The Keychron Nape Pro is the culmination of a collaborative effort between TNL Mediagene and Keychron, a global leader in keyboard manufacturing. Originating from an editorial vision by a Gizmodo Japan editor, the project reflects a unique approach to product development rooted in actual user needs. Designed to provide intuitive cursor control, the trackball allows users to maintain their hand positions on the keyboard, thereby enhancing workflow efficiency and comfort.
Recognition at CES 2026
Unveiled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, this device drew attention for its innovative design philosophy and impressive usability. Keychron showcased the Nape Pro at their booth, where it was evaluated amongst a plethora of other groundbreaking technologies. Tom's Hardware recognized the product based on criteria such as design, usability, and overall quality, underscoring its superior performance among competing devices.
Crowdfunding Success
Before its recognition at CES 2026, the Nape Pro made waves in Japan during its crowdfunding phase. Launched on November 20, 2025, the project exceeded expectations by raising over ¥300 million through enthusiastic support from over 23,000 backers in just over a month. This success underscores the product's strong local traction and the validity of the media-driven commerce model employed by GIZMART.
User Engagement and Marketing Innovations
GIZMART's crowdfunding strategy included live-commerce initiatives where editors actively engaged with potential customers, discussing the product's journey from concept to fruition. This strategy not only fostered a community around the product but also provided valuable feedback that helped refine the device before its public debut. By directly involving users, GIZMART has been able to create products that resonate deeply with their target audience.
Implications for Future Growth
Motoko Imada, Co-Founder and President of TNL Mediagene, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that the Nape Pro’s success exemplifies how editorial insight can lead to valuable products. The company aims to leverage this experience to explore new avenues for product development within the media-commerce space.
Building on this foundational success, GIZMART has plans to introduce new products following the same editor-led development model. Recent launches like the Meizu StarV Air2 (an AR smart glasses device) and Belfida's MAGIC MIC III (a wireless microphone system) indicate that GIZMART is diversifying its offerings with innovative products that meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Conclusion
The recognition of the Keychron Nape Pro at CES 2026 not only enhances the reputation of TNL Mediagene's GIZMART platform but also demonstrates the effectiveness of a media-driven commerce approach, where editorial insight and community engagement drive product innovation. With plans for future expansion and the introduction of new product categories, TNL Mediagene is well-positioned to continue making waves in the tech industry.