Ploopy has introduced a new desktop gadget called the Ploopy Knob, which acts like a control dial for managing volume, navigating through documents, or skimming through media on a computer. Although Ploopy might not have the brand recognition of a giant like Logitech, the Canadian company’s open-source accessories boast significant customizability. Much like their mouse and trackballs, users can personalize the appearance of the Knob by 3D-printing custom components.
The Ploopy Knob is now available on the company’s website for $49.99 CAD (approximately $37). In contrast to many of Ploopy’s other offerings, which are available as cost-effective DIY kits you can assemble, the Knob comes solely as a fully assembled unit with preinstalled software that functions immediately. However, due to its open-source nature, you can access all the design files and software on Ploopy’s GitHub page if you’re interested in sourcing the parts and constructing it yourself.
Equipped with a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller, the Ploopy Knob utilizes a position sensor with a 12-bit resolution and a polling rate exceeding 1kHz to monitor its rotational movements. The company claims the Knob facilitates high-resolution, pixel-by-pixel scrolling on Windows and Linux, though notes that performance might differ on Apple machines. “macOS automatically smooths input devices, which clashes with the Knob’s programming. Therefore, pixel-by-pixel high-resolution scrolling doesn’t work on macOS. It still acts as a scrolling tool, but the movement occurs in discrete increments.”
As with the company’s other peripherals, the Ploopy Knob uses the open-source QMK firmware, which runs entirely on the device so you don’t need to install additional software on your computer.
