Ploopy’s smallest open-source trackball now includes a button
Ploopy, the Canadian company known for its innovative input devices, has unveiled the Nano 2, an updated version of its ultra-compact Nano trackball. This new iteration introduces a range of enhancements, including a new customizable button, improved performance, and a modern USB-C port that replaces the older USB-B connection. The Nano 2 is designed to provide a seamless “pure cursor experience,” making it an ideal companion for those who use a split keyboard setup or a small macro pad. This launch follows Ploopy’s earlier upgrade of its Classic 2 trackball mouse, showcasing the company’s commitment to refining user experience through thoughtful design and technology.
One of the standout features of the Nano 2 is its single button, which is pre-programmed to activate a drag scrolling mode. This allows users to easily switch from cursor control to scrolling through lengthy documents or web pages, enhancing productivity. The button’s functionality can be tailored to individual preferences via the VIA web app, which is compatible with Ploopy’s open-source QMK firmware. Users can modify the button to serve as a primary mouse click or configure it for other tasks, offering a level of customization that appeals to tech-savvy users and those looking for a personalized experience.
In terms of performance, the Nano 2 boasts a new PAW-3222 sensor that supports an impressive polling rate of over 1,000Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive cursor movements. Ploopy continues its tradition of transparency and user empowerment by providing full documentation on its GitHub, allowing users to upgrade or modify components as desired. However, unlike many of its previous offerings, the Nano 2 is sold fully assembled and tested, priced at $59.99 CAD (approximately $43 USD). This move may cater to users looking for convenience and reliability without the need for DIY assembly, while still maintaining the high-quality standards Ploopy is known for. With the Nano 2, Ploopy reinforces its position as a leader in the niche market of customizable input devices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W18CV12BmIs
The Nano 2’s new button comes pre-programmed to trigger a scrolling mode, but its functionality can be customized. | Image: Ploopy
Canadian-based Ploopy announced the Nano 2 on Friday. It’s an update to the
ultra-compact Nano trackball
featuring a new button, improved performance, and a USB-C port that replaces the original’s chunky USB-B port. The company made a similar
upgrade with its Classic 2 trackball mouse
earlier this year.
The
Nano 2
is still designed to offer a “pure cursor experience” and complement a split keyboard setup or a small macro pad. But the new button could potentially turn it into a tiny trackball mouse.
The Nano 2’s single button is pre-programmed to trigger drag scrolling mode so you can temporarily switch the trackball from controlling your cursor to scrolling long documents or websites. As with Ploopy’s other peripherals, the Nano 2 runs the
open-source QMK firmware
. You customize the button’s functionality using the
VIA web app
, including making it function as a primary mouse click.
Ploopy has upgraded the Nano 2’s trackball performance with a new PAW-3222 sensor that supports a polling rate of over 1,000Hz, but as with all of the company’s hardware, you can upgrade or mod any of the components using the full documentation it
shares on its GitHub
. Unlike many of its other products, which are
also available as discounted DIY kits
,
Ploopy is only selling the Nano 2
fully assembled and tested for $59.99 CAD, or around $43.
