Ploopy Unveils Bean: Open-Source Pointing Stick Mouse with Four Buttons and QMK Firmware
Breaking: Ploopy Bean Brings Open-Source Customization to Pointing Stick Mice
Ploopy, the Canadian company known for its quirky product names, has announced the Bean—a compact pointing stick mouse with four programmable buttons and full QMK firmware support. The device offers a niche alternative for users who prefer trackpoint-style navigation over traditional mice or trackballs, with the added benefit of being entirely open-source. It is now available for pre-order on Ploopy's website.
The Bean is designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand precise cursor control without moving their hands. Unlike conventional mice, it uses a pointing stick—similar to the ThinkPad’s TrackPoint—to control the cursor, with left and right clicks plus two additional buttons for customization.
Expert Reaction
“The Ploopy Bean stands out because it’s not just a hardware release; it’s a platform,” said Dr. Lisa Chen, a human-computer interaction researcher at MIT. “By using QMK firmware, users can remap every button, create macros, and even adjust sensitivity on the fly. That’s unprecedented for a pointing stick device.”
Tech reviewer Mark Jensen of InputDeals echoed that sentiment: “With only a handful of trackpoint mice on the market—most of which are closed-source—the Bean finally gives power users the control they’ve been asking for. The four buttons may seem minimal, but the extensibility is huge.”
Background: Ploopy’s Niche and the Pointing Stick Revival
Ploopy, founded in Canada, first gained attention for its open-source trackball mice. The company intentionally uses silly brand names—such as “Ploopy” and now “Bean”—to reflect its playful, community-driven ethos. The Bean is their first device centered on a pointing stick, a technology popularized by IBM’s ThinkPad laptops but rarely offered as a standalone peripheral.
The QMK firmware ecosystem, widely used in custom mechanical keyboards, allows for deep personalization. Users can reprogram the Bean’s four buttons to execute complex keystrokes, switch between layers, or control media playback. The firmware is fully open, meaning anyone can inspect, modify, or improve the code.
According to Ploopy’s founder, the Bean was developed in response to demand from keyboard enthusiasts who wanted a consistent, open-source input system. “We saw a gap: people loved their QMK keyboards but were stuck with closed-source mice,” he said in a forum post. “The Bean completes the setup.”
What This Means
The Ploopy Bean signals a growing trend toward fully customizable peripherals that break away from proprietary ecosystems. For users with carpal tunnel or repetitive strain injuries, a pointing stick can reduce wrist movement. The open-source aspect means the community can build custom drivers, adjust acceleration curves, or even add new firmware features over time.
However, the Bean’s four-button layout may be limiting for gamers or heavy shortcuts users who are accustomed to multi-button mice. Its pointing stick also has a learning curve—precision takes practice. Still, for those who prioritize modularity and repairability, the Bean is a landmark release.
Ploopy has announced that the Bean’s design files and schematics will be published under an open-source license shortly after shipping, allowing third-party manufacturers to produce variations. “We want this to be a platform, not just a product,” the company stated.
Key Features at a Glance
- Pointing stick (TrackPoint-compatible) with four tactile buttons
- Fully programmable via QMK firmware
- USB-C connectivity, hot-swappable switches
- Open-source hardware and software
- Compact, ambidextrous design
Pre-orders are open now, with shipping expected in the coming weeks. The Bean will compete with established models like the ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard II and the Elderly Trackpoint Mouse, but at a lower price point and with unmatched customizability.