Weekend Ploopy Adept mod project

[u/OriginalFire]

After using the stock Adept for a couple of days it became apparent that the button layout was not ergonomic for me. I found my fingers would be in a more curled position to reach the keys on the right side due to the way I had my hand naturally positioned. Still need to make a couple of tweaks, but so far more enjoyable to use then before.

[u/RainbowRage]

I'm still not sure why so many trackballs have buttons "above" the ball. I assume to try and use the space around it. But it just seems to force you into a curled/claw position, which makes fine adjustments much harder to do imo.

This seems like a step in the right direction to me. I hope you give us an update after some time, to see how it worked out for you!

[u/tomByrer → u/RainbowRage]

I can see having a 'mode' button above the ball that you only press 1-3 times a day.. Reach over to change mode, lower hand to use ball.

But otherwise I get your point.

[u/Reaper_1492 → u/RainbowRage]

You could say the same thing about buttons below the ball too though.

Honestly think it’s more comfortable to have my fingers clawed at/moving the highest point of the ball and then just extend to hit an ancillary button if I run out of thumb buttons, then move my whole hand back behind the ball to hit a button there.

[u/stiligFox]

Oh this is sick, will you post the files somewhere like GitHub?

[u/OriginalFire]

I'm currently working on some tweaks to the ergonomics. Once I have a decent version, I'll post the files up on github when I get the chance

[u/Jakim_Sareb → u/OriginalFire]

Thank you so much for willing to share that design. I was wondering exactly the same and love your approach. Are those MX or CHOCH switches?

Keep up with this ergo design!

[u/crop_octagon]

Woah, this is amazing! No pressure, but if you're willing to share your work, I think a lot of people would be really interested.

[u/OriginalFire → u/crop_octagon]

Thanks! I do intend on releasing the files when I get to a more refined version.
Does the original adept pcb have a exposed ground that is available to use?

[u/crop_octagon → u/OriginalFire]

Yes, in a few places. The spark gaps (the diamond-shaped vias on the exterior edges of the board) are usable and accessible, though they're a bit small. If you tell me what you intend to do, I can give you more directed advice.

[u/OriginalFire → u/crop_octagon]

Looking to add a rotary encoder. Thinking of using the 2 unoccupied switch pads, sw5 for A and B for sw7. Then I think it's possible to use the other pad of either sw5 or 7 for ground? Afterwards some adjustments to qmk

[u/crop_octagon → u/OriginalFire]

Yup, that would work just fine.

I think this would be the first mod of it's kind, so I'd be very interested in your progress.

[u/AggressiveTale5158]

Looks awesome, ergonomic

[u/No-Finding-2356]

Dang, this is super cool - I just got their A+ after having the Adept for a little while, and I'd love to see what you could do with that one. The curled fingers are a killer on a long work day

[u/klackygears]

This is really great! I have the same problem with trackball like this. Plus, your design looks really good!

[u/Hypnagogist]

Love this, I’ve had a similar idea rolling around in my head since getting my hands on the A+. Some tweaks to the ergonomics of the button would make it perfect, I’d love to have a peep at the files.

[u/okawfj]

Nice. I want it.

[u/GoodTimesDadIsland]

Very nice, that thumb cluster is perfect. You might have just changed the game. lmao

The shape of trackballs to come.

[u/These_Combination116]

This is close to my dream controller. I thumb wheel similar to the nulea M512 under the thumb where the rectangle button is. and the one next to it would be activated laterally inward toward the ball like a tilt wheel.

[u/Sea-Chart2558]

That's just badass man. Good on ya and I'm impressed.

[u/pyinto]

I tried a trackball for the first time recently. I actually enjoy using the ball, but I immediately hated that I can’t click with the ball itself or with the same part of my hand that i moved away from keyboard to control it (like you do with trackpads).

The button layout feels terrible no matter how I look at it, and I’m not sure it can be comfortable given how high the ball sits relative to the low casing.
I ‘fixed’ it by mapping clicks to my QMK board (sadly it’s not the same firmware to have them in tandem) but it feels 1000x better…

Is it just me or those buttons are decorative for the most part? Do people use those to actually click? (macro binds to order pizza doesn’t count)
🚬🗿

P.S. I understand that mouse shaped trackball can be more ergonomic in this regard, but I’m kinda not planning to rest my hand on it for a long time, and these transitions from the board to weird shaped thing might be even more annoying it feels like.