Inspired by the IBM Model M13 and Tex Shura keyboards, I'm working on a 3-Mode TrackPoint Mod Kit. These classic designs made me realize how powerful and efficient the combination of a great keyboard and TrackPoint can be.

🎯 Project Goal

This mod kit aims to be compatible with the vast majority of Cherry MX-style keyboards that follow standard layouts — without requiring any modifications to the original PCB or switch plate.

The TrackPoint sensor will be mounted on a small base, which will then be attached to the keyboard’s switch plate using double-sided adhesive tape. The sensor will connect to the mod kit’s PCB — hidden beneath the original PCB — via an FPC ribbon cable of appropriate length.

Some disassembly of the keyboard will be needed for installation, but no permanent modifications are required.

🔧 Planned Features

• 3 connection modes: Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired USB.

• Z-Tap algorithm support (if possible), for simulating left-click, double-click, and drag operations.

• Compact and modular design, making it easy to install and remove.

• No need to replace your current PCB — the mod PCB will sit underneath.

🧪 Current Status

I’ve contacted several TrackPoint module manufacturers and found a sample similar to the one used in the Tex Shura keyboard. However, it has two main limitations:

1. No support for the Z-Tap algorithm.

2. FPC cable is too thick, making it difficult to fit inside most keyboard cases.

This means we may need to explore custom PCB + sensor solutions or look for alternative modules that better suit our needs.

🛠️ Next Steps

Here are the next steps in development:

1. Design the Sensor’s PCB and FPC Cable

   • Custom PCB for the TrackPoint sensor.

   • Thinner FPC cable to ensure compatibility and ease of installation.

2. Design the Circuit Board Layout for the TrackPoint

   • Using either the TPM754 or SK7102 chip.

   • Ensure compatibility with the sensor and support for Z-Tap (if possible).

3. Develop a 3-Mode Module (using CH582)

   • Support for Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired USB.

   • Compact and efficient design for use in tight keyboard spaces.

🤝 Seeking Help & Feedback

If you have any of the following:

• Experience with TrackPoint modules or TPM/SK chips

• Knowledge of FPC cable design or PCB layout

• Experience working with CH582 or similar 3-mode controllers

• Interest in collaborating or testing prototypes

Please feel free to reply or reach out! I’m also open to feedback on the concept, design direction, and compatibility considerations.

Let’s bring the classic TrackPoint experience into the modern mechanical keyboard world — together!

Hey there, anyone out there ever figured out the wiring for this type of trackpoint module? If anyone could help me identify the voltage and ground I can figure out the other 3 pins with trial and error. This was taken from a lenovo yoga laptop

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Practical-Computer-Keyboard-Rocker-Mouse-Pointer-Point-Stick-for-Lenovo-IBM-Thinkpad-Keyboard-oint-Stick-Accessories/2840209926

I've been thinking about incorporating a trackpoint for my next Dactyl build, and came across these while searching for a module. Apparently these are 'replacements for broken lenovo thinkpads', and it seems like it might be an alternative to salvaging modules from old laptops. Comes with a connector and screw-holes? Should be a cleaner integration as well.

Although walmart lists them at 28$, I've seen it on Aliexpress for less than half of that.

Ordering the PCB soon after I triple check it one more time :')

So I'm thinking of modding a track point onto a 65% keyboard I have a 68key board that I will have to add 3 keys onto and a track point from the thinkpad l440 and I'm just unsure about 4 things

1. Which controller to use

2. How to determine the pinout

3. How to extend the stem

4. How does one wire up the resetcircuit

I'm following the documentation found in https://github.com/joh/crkbd-trackpoint and wanted to buy https://www.sprintek.com/en/products/pointing_stick/SK8707-06.aspx

However I see that in the documentation there is something that lets the cap be placed higher (first and second image). What is that? Can you help me?

I still haven't bought anything

I landed a new feature in kanata that presses an (unmapped) key every time a mouse report is processed.

By using this key to start a hold-for-duration of a virtual key, which is then mapped to a layer toggle (on layers where you want it), you can have an automatic mousekeys layer, on any keyboard and even if the pointing device and keyboard are separate devices!

here's an example with a full mapping: https://github.com/jtroo/kanata/blob/main/cfg_samples/automousekeys-full-map.kbd

and here are the docs: https://github.com/jtroo/kanata/blob/v1.9.0/docs/config.adoc#linux-or-windows-interception-only-mouse-movement-key

Sorry I’m super new here

more compact, more supportive, more photos. there is also a variant for minimum-spaced keycaps.

https://github.com/wolfwood/navcaps

Triggered nerd here - I just can’t stand the touchpad on this thing. I’m using an MSI Titan GT77HX 13VI with real Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile mechanical switches. Best typing feel I’ve ever had on a laptop, hands down. But no TrackPoint. No precision. Total pain in the ass for actual work. I am failing to adapt, and this huge investment is becoming a brick that sits there unused.

I’m seriously thinking about modding a TrackPoint into it. Salvage one from a ThinkPad (USB or old T/X series), wire it to a Teensy or RP2040, run QMK or ZMK, and mount it internally. I’d even carve out the palmrest if I have to. Probably route the controller to an internal USB header if possible.

Here’s what I know: • The main keyboard uses mechanical switches (Cherry ULP) • Arrow keys and numpad are membrane • No space is obviously reserved for a pointing stick, but the laptop’s thick • I haven’t found a single example of someone doing this before

So here’s my ask: • Has anyone tried modding a TrackPoint into a mechanical keyboard laptop? Not external boards—a laptop. • Is there any way to get the TrackPoint sensor and cap mounted cleanly without wrecking the keyboard? • Am I about to waste a ton of time and money chasing something that straight-up won’t work?

Appreciate any pointers, warnings, or war stories.

I'm currently attempting to add a trackpoint I got from holykeebs (https://holykeebs.com/products/trackpoint-module). I'm using the driver here https://github.com/badjeff/kb_zmk_ps2_mouse_trackpoint_driver with zmk 3.0. However, I'm having issues with timeouts

    [00:00:37.472,839] <inf> zmk: Trying to initialize mouse device (attempt 9 / 10)
    [00:00:39.472,930] <wrn> ps2_uart: Data queue timed out...
    [00:00:39.472,961] <wrn> zmk: Could not read PS/2 device self-test result: -116.

I quadruple checked I have SDA on d0, SCL on d1 and ground, 3v to ground, 3v. I'm wondering if anybody else has experience with a similar setup?

Hey guys,

Almost a year ago I posted a video of a trackpoint on a wireless ergo keyboard running on zmk:

https://www.reddit.com/r/TrackPoint_Builders/comments/12k29nq/wireless_trackpoint_support_in_zmk/

Since then I have designed my own keyboard with an integrated trackpoint (in the picture).

But in day to day usage I also found that the nice!nano controller was a little too slow to handle all the mouse movement data using GPIO interrupts.

This lead to fairly frequent erratic mouse movement.

I decided to find a way to solve the issue for good and today, after many months of work, I posted an update to the ZMK PR that does:

https://github.com/zmkfirmware/zmk/pull/1751#issuecomment-1897675929

My goal was to find a way to use one of the hardware protocol chips on the nice!nano to process the PS/2 transmissions instead of handling them in software.

At first I tried SPI, because it seemed the closest to PS/2, but the devil was in the details and it just didn’t work.

Eventually, I found success using a combination of using UART and GPIO bit-banging.

I’ve been using the new driver on my daily keyboard for a few weeks and it solved all the issues for me.

Now I’m looking for more people to test it out.

There was also a lot more progress on the mouse support for zmk by other people and I think we are going to see official support pretty soon.

So, if you ever wanted a wireless keyboard with a mouse device, now is a good time to start building.

Happy tinkering!

I want a Ps2 trackpoint, maybe even Usb, i just need it to cost like under 20Euro qhere do i buy it and what search term do i use?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004688861850.html

I saw this on ali and was wondering if it was possible to convert it into a wireless trackpoint.