The A+ Trackball is a 3D-printable pointing device with two rotary encoder knobs, six programmable buttons and QMK firmware.
Ploopy is preparing to launch the A+ Trackball, an updated version of its Adept Trackball design. The open-source pointing device combines a 3D-printable chassis with eight buttons and two rotary encoder knobs, providing additional inputs alongside the trackball. It runs QMK firmware, allowing users to customise its controls.
The two rotary encoder knobs can be programmed for functions such as scrolling, zooming and volume control. The device also includes six programmable buttons and a detachable wrist rest. The A+ retains the design approach of the previous Adept model while adding two rotary encoders.
The hardware and firmware designs were made publicly available before the product launch. The hardware design is released under the reciprocal CERN Open Hardware License 2, while the firmware is released under the GNU General Public License 3. The licences allow users to access, modify and use the respective hardware and firmware designs for further development, subject to their terms.
The A+ continues Ploopy’s focus on open-source, 3D-printable computer peripherals. The company has previously released open designs including trackballs, a mouse, trackpad, knob, pointing stick and headphones, with the A+ extending the range with additional programmable inputs.
Production models of the A+ Trackball are scheduled to go on sale on 19 August at 10 am ET. The project files and firmware source code are already available through Ploopy’s GitHub repository, giving makers access to the design before purchasing a production unit.
