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I think that (like me) you overestimate the size of population looking for an opensource trackpoint design. For your trackball example there's the Ploopy [0], but even there we're still dependent on something like the PMW3360 sensor board (which afaik isn't open).

I just can't picture how designing and manufacturing a new trackpoint board from scratch - one that competes with the excellent Trackpoint IV modules that are used in the also excellent TEX[1] trackpoint keyboards - would ever be profitable, or worthwhile given that there are patents and licensing issues to deal with.

If, OTOH, you're just after a trackpoint module and a stem extension that works, check out the Sprintek SK8707 on Jonas Lang's Trackpoint Groupbuy discord [2].

[0] https://ploopy.co/

[1] https://tex.com.tw/products/shinobi?variant=16969883648090

[2] https://discord.com/channels/812728566940303362/



Lenovo also makes a NON-MECHANICAL keyboard that otherwise hits the mark - https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Compact-Keyboard-Trac... that also pulls down demand for an opensource trackpoint design that attaches to a mechanical keyboard.


Be careful, you can't swap the Fn/Ctrl keys on Lenovo external keyboards, it can be a deal breaker for many.


The Bluetooth version is my endgame keyboard and I’ve already bought spares, and will likely buy more. The Bluetooth version can also pair through a USB dongle, enabling fast switching between two machines without replugging.


Also available in a cordless Bluetooth version, btw.




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