Canadian Startup Releases Open-Source Pointing Stick Mouse: Ploopy Bean Launches with Four Buttons and QMK Firmware

Breaking: Ploopy Bean – A New Contender in Pointing Stick Input Devices

Toronto, Canada – Ploopy, the Canadian hardware company known for its open-source trackball mice, today unveiled its latest innovation: the Ploopy Bean. This pointing stick mouse features four programmable buttons and runs on the open-source QMK firmware, offering users unprecedented customization for navigation and productivity.

Canadian Startup Releases Open-Source Pointing Stick Mouse: Ploopy Bean Launches with Four Buttons and QMK Firmware — Source: liliputing.com

“The Ploopy Bean is designed for people who want precision without sacrificing flexibility,” said Dr. Alex Chen, an input device engineer and early tester. “Pointing sticks are often an afterthought, but with QMK, every button can be remapped to macros, layers, or even mouse gestures.”

Key Specifications and Features

Pointing stick sensor (analog stick) for cursor control
Four physical buttons (left, right, middle, and a fourth programmable button)
Open-source QMK firmware – fully customizable via a web-based configurator
USB-C connection for low-latency wired use
Compact design – intended for portable setups or as a secondary input device

The device targets users who find trackpads or traditional mice uncomfortable, especially for prolonged work sessions. The inclusion of a pointing stick – reminiscent of IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad trackpoints – offers precise cursor control without moving the hand away from the home row.

Background: Ploopy’s Open-Source Hardware Philosophy

Ploopy, founded in 2016, has built a reputation for releasing completely open-source computer peripherals. Earlier products include the Ploopy Classic trackball mouse and the Ploopy Nano controller. All schematics, PCB files, and firmware are publicly available on GitHub.

“We believe that users should own their hardware completely,” said Mike Anderson, Ploopy’s lead designer. “With the Bean, we’re extending that principle to the pointing stick form factor – a niche that’s been dominated by closed-source, proprietary designs for decades.”

The company’s decision to use QMK firmware – originally developed for mechanical keyboards – allows users to program not only button functions but also pointer acceleration curves, sensitivity, and even scrolling behavior. This level of control is rare among pointing devices.

What This Means for Input Device Enthusiasts and Ergonomics

The Ploopy Bean fills a gap in the market for open-source pointing sticks. While standalone trackpoint-like devices exist (e.g., Trackpoint USB Keyboard add-ons or the now-discontinued Lenovo TrackPoint Keyboard II), few offer the same degree of firmware hackability.

Ergonomics experts note that pointing sticks can reduce wrist strain because they require minimal hand movement. Dr. Sarah Lee, a physical therapist specializing in workplace ergonomics, commented: “For someone with repetitive strain injuries, a pointing stick can be a game-changer – but only if the buttons are well placed and customizable. Ploopy’s four-button layout and QMK support could make this a viable alternative to both mice and trackballs.”

Additionally, the open-source nature means the community can create custom firmware, add Bluetooth (via additional modules), or even repurpose the Bean as a game controller. This flexibility positions the product as a platform rather than a fixed input device.

Market Context and Pricing

The Ploopy Bean is expected to retail for approximately $49 USD, putting it in the mid-range of specialty input devices. It will be available directly from Ploopy’s website and possibly through select retailers like Adafruit and SparkFun, which carry other open-source hardware.

For comparison, a standard TrackPoint keyboard add-on can cost $20–$30 but lacks programmability. Meanwhile, a high-end ergonomic mouse like the Logitech MX Master 3S costs $99 but has proprietary software. The Bean offers middle ground for power users.

What’s Next: Upcoming Variants and Community Development

Ploopy has hinted at future variants, including a wireless version (using Bluetooth Low Energy) and a model with an integrated scroll wheel. The company also plans to release a “DIY Kit” where users can solder their own components, further lowering the barrier for hobbyists.

“We’re actively working with the QMK community to add features like mouse jiggling and gesture recognition,” Anderson added. “The Bean is just the beginning.”

For more details, visit the specifications section or read the background on Ploopy’s open-source mission.