{
  "id": 2015178,
  "title": "Ploopy A+ (external trackball)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/ploopy-a-external-trackball",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-19T18:23:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Lobsters",
    "slug": "lobsters",
    "url": "https://blog.ploopy.co/the-aplus-is-finally-here-499"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2023, we unveiled the Adept trackball, a unique and open-source design that quickly gained popularity among QMK enthusiasts. The Adept, with its 6 buttons and open-source nature, spurred many community members to create innovative modifications. Now, three years later, we're proud to present the A+ iteration, a significant improvement built upon the success of the original Adept. The A+ boasts an enhanced feature set, including eight buttons (six from the original Adept plus two additional knobs), a detachable wrist rest, and three new features: gestures, layers, and on-device configuration. By holding down a button, users can flick the ball in eight directions to input commands, bringing more versatility to the A+. Layers, a first for trackballs, are accessible via the right knob and provide on-device configuration access, allowing users to navigate and control various functions. The A+ features two bright internal LEDs that aid in determining the active layer, provide configuration assistance, and enhance overall usability. Additionally, the A+ retains its trusted Pixart PMW-3360 sensor, Omron D2LS-21 switches, QMK compatibility, and open-source design files, ensuring an exceptional user experience, portability, and continuous community engagement.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}