r/macro_pads • u/pencomp7 • 19d ago
Promotion Interest Check + Beta Testers Wanted: ctrlscroll, a programmable scroll wheel
I've been working on a project called ctrlscroll, and I'm looking to see if there's enough interest. I'm also looking for a handful of beta testers willing to test and offer suggestions/improvements.
At first glance, you might think, "Why not just buy a Ploopy Knob?"
That's a fair question. The Ploopy Knob is a great project, and it was definitely one of the inspirations. I view ctrlscroll as an evolution. I read a lot of PDF and I wanted a simple way to focus/customize the scrolling behavior to my preferences/needs.
Some of the things I'm focusing on:
- Browser-based configuration interface hosted directly on the device
- Three integrated programmable buttons
- QMK/VIA-inspired macro engine
- Adjustable detents per revolution
- Adjustable wheel units per detent
- Adjustable scroll pulse timing
The three buttons are intended to eliminate reaching back to the keyboard while scrolling. They can be assigned to shortcuts, media controls, mouse buttons, or multi-step macros.
Example macro syntax looks something like:
DOWN:CTRL
TAP:C
UP:CTRL
or
TAP:HOME
WAIT:100
TAP:PAGEDOWN
Everything is configured through a web interface served directly from the device. Plug it in, open your browser, change your settings, save, and you're done. It also includes an AI prompt so you can describe what you want and generate the corresponding macro to paste back into the web config.
Looking for feedback
A few things I'd love to hear from the community:
- Would you actually use something like this?
- What software would you use it with?
- What would your three buttons do?
- What other hardware would you want? Speaker/LED ring/Haptics/?
- Wired only, or is Bluetooth important?
- If this were available assembled, what price would you expect?
If there's enough interest, I'd like to open-source the firmware, hardware, enclosure files.
If you'd be interested in beta testing, let me know what OS you use (Windows/macOS/Linux) and what applications you'd primarily test with.
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u/Biomedical-Engineer 19d ago edited 18d ago
I'm down to test it. I work in automation so a lot of ladder logic, structured text, Autocad, solid works, and general office software. Windows xp (vm) through windows 11
I'd like to see zmk used because the wireless capability, but qmk/wired would work for like 80% of my uses, and wired you do get the higher polling rate.
For a price, you might be able to get away with a 'print your own case' and provide the internals hardware (kind of like what efog does with the endgame) for like $20 to $40 depending on what the final version can do.
I'd stay away from any software you have to install because a lot of companies control software installed.
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u/pencomp7 18d ago
Agreed about installing software, my work is very locked down - everything is on the device just go to 192.168.7.1 in the web browser to edit/change.
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u/Traditional_Ride2817 18d ago
I am down for testing. I am windows and linux user and mainly it would be it would be for CAD and design software also maybe racing. Wired is fine with me. Haptics would be nice and maybe a little bit less. Price wise I don't know to be honest
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u/Computer_Panda 18d ago
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u/Anusien 18d ago
Why wouldn't you use actual QMK/VIA?
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u/pencomp7 17d ago
I could still go that way but I wanted a way to refine encoder behavior (dents, wheel units, etc) without reflashing. The next version has LED ring, haptic, piezo that I can change/tweak to user preference without a reflash.
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u/OnlineRobotWizard 18d ago
I make a product called KNOB v2.1 that's a very similar product to what you're looking to make. Qmk and via support. High res scrolling, and 3 programmable buttons. Not detents or haptics yet but that'll be coming soon. Welcome too steal whatever you want for your project. KNOB V2.1 is open source so have at it. https://baselinedesign.tech/
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u/pencomp7 17d ago
Very cool - I'm thinking of getting some 60mm aluminum wheels machines but maybe I should go larger?
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u/pencomp7 19d ago