The world of personalized mechanical keyboards is vibrant, with new conceptions emerging every week. However, keyboards are just a way we interact with computers. Poopy, an open source equipment company, focuses on innovative user interface devices. Recently, (Colin) by Pavoopy presented his latest creation: the Groan buttonA compact and carefully designed control device.
At first glance, the low design of the group button may seem unpretentious. Installed in a 3D printed enclosure about the size of a large wristwatch, it contains a personalized PCB powered by a USB-C connection. Basically, an RP2040 chip runs the QMK firmware, allowing users to easily customize the button functions.
The smooth rotation of the button is obtained thanks to a 6705zz bearing, which connects the upper and lower halves and extends over almost the full width of the device to eliminate the oscillation. Unlike traditional conceptions, the tuning button does not use any mechanical encoder or potentiometer shaft. Instead, an AS5600 magnetic coder detects movement with remarkable precision. This 12 -bit rotary coder can detect rotations as fine as 0.088 degrees, offering 4096 separate positions for very precise control.
True to Pavoopy’s philosophy, the button is entirely open-source. On GitHub pageYou will find everything, from 3D printed case files to the RP2040 firmware, as well as detailed guides for assembly and programming. This transparency allows users to modify and build their own versions. Thanks to (Colin) to have shared this innovative device – we are delighted to see more open -source equipment from Ploopy. For those who are curious about other unique interfaces of human machine, see our cover of similar projects. Groan Also has designs for track balls (jump a level on Github and you will see that they have many interesting designs).
