Ploopy A+ Trackball: Open-Source Input Device Returns with Eight Buttons
Canadian open-source hardware firm Ploopy unveils the A+ trackball with eight buttons. Bottom two double as rotary dials, offering new choice in input device market after major brands exit.
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Overview of the Ploopy A+
According to reporting by Brad Linder of Liliputing, Canadian hardware company Ploopy has announced a new trackball mouse, the “A+”. The device features eight buttons, with the bottom two doubling as rotary dials for scrolling and other controls. This represents a two-button increase from the Adept model.
The enclosure is designed for 3D printing, with hardware designs and firmware publicly available on GitHub. It ships with a removable wrist rest. Priced at CAD 99 (tax included), it is scheduled to go on sale soon.
Ploopy’s Journey and Market Background
Despite its “odd name,” Ploopy has become one of the most noteworthy companies in the computer input device field in recent years. The company started with trackballs, entering the market just as major manufacturers were sequentially pulling out from this segment.
Since then, it has expanded its product lineup to include trackpads, pointing sticks, and control dials. The A+ is an attempt to integrate the technology from these various products, notable for fusing a trackball and dial controls into a single device.
An open-source strategy lies at the core of the company’s business model. By making all hardware designs and firmware public, it maintains a development framework predicated on user modification and customization. The use of 3D printing for manufacturing is also a choice to ensure the flexibility needed for low-volume, high-mix production.
Other Related News
On the same day, Liliputing also reported the discontinuation of the compact e-reader “Xteink X4.” This product, with its 4.3-inch display and $69 price point, had been supported by a specific user segment, but stocks have been depleted. Xteink plans to continue focusing on small, low-cost e-readers.
Google has enabled downloads of third-party app stores from the Play Store, but these suffer from low search and discoverability. Based on a court order, Google plans to improve this issue.
The Dumber Mini is a compact device featuring a 2.8-inch screen and T9 keyboard. Internally, it’s equipped with an MT6761 chip and 4GB of RAM, running an OS based on Android 14. Sales have begun in the UK, with pre-orders open in the US for $199, with shipping scheduled for December 2026. It is compatible with T-Mobile.
The Strategic Significance of Small Manufacturers
The announcement of the Ploopy A+ demonstrates that small-scale manufacturers are continuing to provide unique value in the input device market abandoned by major corporations. The company’s open-source strategy helps reduce development costs while bringing it closer to its users. The adoption of 3D printing also represents an attempt to build a supply chain different from traditional mass-production models.
The discontinuation of the Xteink X4 and the arrival of the Dumber Mini corroborate the continued market demand for minimal devices. Products specialized for specific use cases, along an axis distinct from the large-screen, multifunctional focus of major manufacturers, may continue to find support.
Google’s legal response concerning third-party app stores could impact the competitive environment of the mobile ecosystem. Attention will be focused on whether the trend of expanding platform operators’ scope of responsibility leads to structural changes in the future app market.
Editorial Opinion
In the short term, the market entry of the Ploopy A+ is likely to have only a limited impact on the trackball market. However, the combination of “open-source x multifunctional input device” demonstrated by this product serves as a valuable development model for other small hardware manufacturers. How far the balance between quality and cost in 3D printing technology can be improved will dictate its future adoption speed.
From a long-term perspective, there is a possibility of an accelerated trend where small manufacturers enter markets abandoned by major companies, uncovering niche user demands. The Ploopy case is noteworthy as it demonstrates a certain commercial viability for open-source strategies in the hardware business. The extent of market size for user customization needs will likely determine future developments.
The trend back to minimal devices, as seen in the Dumber Mini, symbolizes the saturation and diversification of the smartphone market. As an editorial team, we will keep a close watch on whether such product strategies from small manufacturers eventually arrive at a stage where they influence the product development policies of major players.
References
- “Lilbits: Ploopy’s A+ trackball has eight buttons (two are also dials), Xteink X4 discontinued, and more”, by Brad Linder — Liliputing, 2026-08-14T20:28:43.000Z (ARR)
- Source URL: https://liliputing.com/lilbits-ploopys-a-trackball-has-eight-buttons-two-are-also-dials-xteink-x4-discontinued-and-more/
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the price of the Ploopy A+?
- It will be sold for CAD 99 (tax included). It is scheduled for release soon. A removable wrist rest is included.
- What is the button configuration of the Ploopy A+?
- It has a total of eight buttons. The bottom two also function as rotary dials and can be used for scrolling and other operations. The button count has increased by two from the previous Adept model.
- Are Ploopy's products open-source?
- Yes. All of Ploopy's hardware designs, firmware, and other technical documentation are publicly available on GitHub, enabling user modification and customization. The enclosure design for 3D printing is also published.
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