Ploopy has unveiled a new desktop accessory known as the Ploopy Knob, designed to serve as a control dial for various functions such as volume adjustment, document scrolling, and media scrubbing on computers. While Ploopy may not be as widely recognized as brands like Logitech, the Canadian company focuses on open-source peripherals that provide extensive customization options. Like its other products, users have the ability to alter the appearance of the Knob by 3D-printing their own components.
The Ploopy Knob is now available for purchase on the company’s website, priced at $49.99 CAD (approximately $37 USD). Unlike many other products from Ploopy, which come as more affordable DIY kits, the Knob is sold as a fully assembled unit that includes software preloaded for immediate use. The open-source nature of the design allows customers to download all related files and software from Ploopy’s GitHub page, enabling those interested to build their own version from scratch.
The Ploopy Knob is powered by a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller and utilizes a position sensor that boasts a 12-bit resolution and a polling rate exceeding 1kHz to monitor its rotational movements. Ploopy states that the Knob is capable of supporting high-resolution pixel-by-pixel scrolling on both Windows and Linux platforms, though the user experience may differ on Apple devices. The company notes, “macOS automatically applies smoothing for input devices, which interferes with the Knob’s operational coding. While it remains usable as a scrolling device, the scrolling will occur in discrete steps rather than fluid motions.”
Similar to Ploopy’s other peripherals, the Knob operates on the open-source QMK firmware, allowing it to function without the need for additional software installations on the user’s computer.
