On the topic of the Ploppy mouse, while it is QMK, it doesn’t allow one to remap the scroll wheel up and down functions (at least not with VIA). If framework were to make a mouse (which I’m not certain is all that likely), that’s one thing it would be nice to see added, as with QMK layer transitions you could add numbers of additional functions.
Some other thoughts on the ploppy mouse - the scroll wheel is too loose, scrolling without touching it being overly common. The middle click seems to be double clicking already (I wonder about the switch quality), also personal preference but it would be nice to get an ambidextrous mouse, I’m not left handed but I can use both sides of my hand to click buttons, I’d rather more mouse buttons with them being evenly distributed on both sides. So I certainly think there’s room for a more improved open source mouse.
That sucks, maybe a different encoder would work better? Those are still pretty standard parts.
Try a different switch?
We the fun but is that it is a good starting off point to go from, they provide a solid basis so you could take their hardware design, rearrange the buttons and use the rest of the software stack. Unfortunately as far as I can tell they are not sharing easily modifiable board design files to modify so that’s kind of a bummer.
Personally I’d probably find a mouse body I like and put a custom board in there as I am absolute garbage at organic modeling and also hate sanding (and definitely would not want a mouse with layer-lines). Probably going to wait till zmk gets mouse support and roll my own at that point.
Why can’t it be remapped? Are the scroll keys just not shown in Via? Guess I shouldn’t be surprised, Via is painfully limited in many ways, plus annoyingly un-user-friendly.
Remapping scroll wheels is no problem really. Maybe see if someone shared a Vial port for the Ploopy mouse. Ploopy inspired my custom diy mouse build. Scroll has no restrictions in qmk or Vial. I used my scroll wheel for many things. Volume, brightness, kicad movement keys. Also to switch windows via alt-tab & alt-shift-tab, alt-grave & alt-shift-grave, though I used a custom keys added to qmk to hold the alt down, since I didn’t want to dedicate a button to alt. But once a custom key is defined, Vial does support mapping, remapping them wherever you like.
Have you seen the mods to add steps, tactile increments to the scroll?
Which mouse functions? Have you looked recently?
And if you do a zmk mouse, do post!
I wanted to do zmk, but the lack of mousekeys at the time required going with qmk. Plus, I don’t actually wireless. It would be nice though!
The moving the cursor around using my hand part, mouse keys aren’t exactly the hard part there.
I know there is a trackpoint library though, I almost implemented that on my external lenovo keyboard before I remembered I don’t even use trackpoints.
That’ll be a wile if at all. I am not planning to trailblaze that.
It is pretty neat and the battery life even on absolute garbage batteries is pretty awesome. Then again if I did make a mouse it would run wired 99% of the time as the cable doesn’t bother me but having to charge it at any point does, would make it so I could use the same mouse for traveling and home use. Then again my main mouse may be a bit big for traveling and my mx anywhere is doing it’s job there.
Same for me. Just it hasn’t stopped a desire for wireless, because it’s available. And wireless qi charging. And a qi2 (aka apple magsafe) compatible magnetic ring. So I can magnetically stick my mouse to the side of my monitor to charge.
I never had or desired anything apple, but boy did they help with the glaringly obvious issue qi charging had. I just don’t understand why the wireless power consortium didn’t have a magnetic alignment option. Better late than never, with Qi2, I guess.
Too heavy, I got converted to the ultralight mouse thing, if it isn’t absolutely nessecary it’s dead weight XD.
If I’d go wireless then some whole mouspad kinda thing (no heavy magnets just a coil and a little bit of electronics, could probably even go entirely battery free) but I really don’t care for wireless charging.
The problem with Framework making a mouse, is that it is impossible to please everyone. It is an input device that directly interacts with your hand so it can be a very personal choice. For example, my perfect mouse is the G700 but that is no longer made. It had every exact feature I desire, except for Logitech’s planned switch obsolescence which eventually killed it.
Unless they make some platform that allows anyone to 3D print their perfect shape while also allowing the button layouts they like (for example, my G700 layout), I don’t see it being worth it.
Different button layouts are probably difficult, that would need multiple different boards. But I imagine they could easily open source the shell parts to allow everyone to 3d print they favourite form factors.
I imagine standard buttons plus backwards/forwards at the site would be a good compromise. If they also sell, lets say 5 different form factors themselves, include non-soldered switches and maybe create an official library for additional printable versions, I’d guess 95% of potential buyers would find their ideal mouse.
P.S. maybe they can also have a DIY-version where you can order the switches you want with it. And maybe a choice between free running and rastered mouse wheel.
Y’know, I was thinking about this, and remembered how GM (I think?) was building their EVs as a kind of “electronic skateboard” with the motors and batteries and wheels in a kind of “plate”, and then the various car bodies were attached on top of that.
But, once you bring 3D printing into, you can do all that!
If you were talking just Framework-made options, no 3D printing / no .stl collection that people could print at a local library, makerspace, or online service, then yeah, can’t have options to please everyone.
More effort building the platform? Sure, some. You could leave creating a .stl collection to the community, though. As long as you release files for the base that others can easily build from.
Adaptable button placement could be done by having them separate from the mainboard, or the option for that, at least. With FFC connectors to save weight, or 2.0mm pitch connectors (generic molex MicroBlade), which are not too easy to break, plus small and common.
that was tesla; they were the first to bolt everything onto the battery and just drop the chassis on top of it
the trouble with that modular design is figuring out how to mount all of the switches. I guess it wouldn’t be too bad to have a bunch of daughter boards connecting to a main board via wires.
Can someone who has the needed rights rename the Topic to something like “framework mouse”? That is - with some small sidequests - where this topic is going, right?
Maybe "Framework Mouse or Open Mouse discussion? We could go on for miles about a Framework mouse, but it might not align enough with their interests or plans.
This thread might have been technically made by a mod, by them splitting it off from What should we build next?. But by them doing it with my post, it seems they made me OP.
I went off looking for a new mouse after I accidentally the contact for one of the switch legs on my old Logitech M720. I’m happy to say, Framework need exert no effort here.
That’s pretty cool! It even makes use of leather from that cow I ate for lunch, keeping in line with Framework’s sustainability pledge by not wasting parts.
Ha! That’s a pretty cool mouse, but I don’t think I’d want to replace my MX Master 3S with it. I like the smooth scroll wheel and the horizontal scroll wheel is so nice in a lot of the programs I use.
