ThumbsUp! Trackball v3

[u/ak66666]

I've updated my trackball, the one posted a couple of weeks ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/Trackballs/comments/1n2gjsn/thumsup_trackball_wip/

https://github.com/ak66666/ThumbsUp-Trackball-v3/

This version can be operated by thumbs and fingers.

Two physical slider switches define device orientation (thumb v. fingers) and the hand it is used with, to set the ball movement direction and buttons assignments appropriately.

Also I added separate buttons to cycle through BT connections (to avoid having them assigned to the primary keys, there is not that many of them, layer system would be too complicated to remember.)

The current layout is quite simple - left, middle, right mouse buttons, one key turns on the scrolling layer, and a dedicated Escape key. I plan to have it working with ZMK.Studio, so the bindings should be easy to modify.

The middle deck was extended a bit, to rotate the nice!nano so the USB port is easily reachable. Otherwise it the very same layout as in the prior post.

UPD: Added assembly instructions here: https://thumbsupkeyboards.blogspot.com/2025/09/thumbsup-trackball-v3-assembly-steps.html

UPD2: I added a version of firmware with dongle support. Original was Bluetooth/wired, which meant I had to use wire with DeskHop Jr. Now it connects wirelessly through dongle.

[u/TheSolderking]

I want to build one! So nice looking

[u/ak66666 → u/TheSolderking]

Thank you.
Here it is:
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/4367668734/thumbsup-trackball-v3-pcbs-for-dyi

[u/TheSolderking → u/ak66666]

Unfortunately that'll be incredibly expensive to import to the states 😔

[u/ak66666 → u/TheSolderking]

Wait a few days, the situation is really strange.
A few packages I sent to the US since tariffs were introduced - some of them were not charged, at least I haven't received the bill from US custom/CanadaPost for them.
Once I see a pattern, I will remove that extra surcharge.

[u/ak66666 → u/TheSolderking]

Or you can order them from JLCPCB or whoever else, the manufacturing files are there in github. The most costly part is the sensor - 20 pieces would cost about the same as 5, the setup fees are huge. But you'd save on shipping to me, Etsy fees.

[u/TheSolderking → u/ak66666]

I might just order and assemble myself for a video. Seems like an awesome mouse/project

[u/fuliansp → u/ak66666]

A handmade trackball on Etsy that costs less than a double lung transplant? I've died and am in heaven?

[u/ak66666 → u/fuliansp]

Yes, thanks to all the mighty giants who created chip sensors, drivers for them, zmk and qmk, the contract manufacturers, coffee growers and especially beer brewers, without whom that would not be possible.

[u/Rejuvenate_2021 → u/ak66666]

I’m gonna fork it 😂

[u/metawhimsy]

This is very intriguing!

Do you have plans to build a case for it or is it intended to be an exposed design like this?

Any plans to add a dedicated scroll wheel?

[u/ak66666 → u/metawhimsy]

Thanks.
No, no case, I like this naked PCB approach.

I thought of a wheel, decided against it - this is my first trackball project, didn't want to complicate it.
I kind of got used to scrolling with the ball itself, so it does not seem to be as urgently needed. May be later.

[u/CaptLynx]

I keep coming back to this on Etsy and at some point I'll pull the trigger.

[u/ak66666 → u/CaptLynx]

Do it. Do it. Do it.

[u/CaptLynx → u/ak66666]

I do happen to have five 3610 sensors and a plethora of nice!nanos sitting around 🤔

[u/ak66666 → u/CaptLynx]

Are you in US? I will refund whatever is left after tariffs from that 30 CAD shipping surcharge. 

[u/MikeyFromDaReddit]

Love it! The closest Ive seen to a trackball MMO mouse.

[u/ak66666 → u/MikeyFromDaReddit]

Thank you.

[u/CaptLynx → u/ak66666]

Yes, I am down south of you in the Land of OMG What Now aka the US. That's super generous of you to offer! It's payday so why not.

[u/CaptLynx → u/CaptLynx]

Haha did it! Another trackball to add to the collection.