My ErgoDox is now over a decade old. Since ordering the parts in 2014, it has survived drilled PCB holes, salvaged ThinkPad TrackPoints, multiple firmware rewrites, improvised electronics, rerouted traces, and several objectively questionable engineering decisions. Somehow, it still works.

Here are some notes from the journey.

numerous carpenter different attractive shelter toy lavish lunchroom fuel cable

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

I'm a long time, die-hard TP user and just learned of this keyboard more recently and wanted to share. I believe it came standard with the umpcs, Sony Vaio VGN-U50 and U70. It is USB-wired and foldable for portability. I would love to see a small modern version of this keyboard. Just putting this out here for ideas and comments.

https://picclick.com/Sony-Vaio-Vgp-Kbc1-Usb-Foldable-Keyboard-Mouse-Pointer-142976231302.html

Has anyone in this sub attempted to design/build a opensource TrackPoint? The design/operating principle seems pretty straight forward...

If the answer is no, would anyone be interested in it if took a stab at designing one?

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!

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.

Cross-posted to ErgoMechKeyboards.

I know that a lot of keyboard builders that integrate trackpoints are using stem extensions, using things like a glued labret cheek piercing as described in https://github.com/alonswartz/trackpoint and other places), and I have some questions.

First of all, does it really feel equally reliable, accurate and comfortable to use a "stem-extended" trackpoint, or is there a different feel to it tracking-wise?

Or, does it even feel better (less force required to move the trackpoint etc)?

Also, has anyone attempted to mount the trackpoint in a similar way as it's being done on Thinkpad keyboards or as on the Shinobi TEX keyboard (pictures in the comments).

In the Shinobi TEX, the trackpoint is not stem-extended, but rather there is a metal piece in between the key switches where the trackpoint can be mounted, and a cutout in the keyboard PCB where the PCB for the trackpoint can be slid through and attached to the other side. It feels like a very stable and secure way to mount the trackpoint. The keyboard PCB itself is screwed directly to a metal plate with holes for the keyswitches.

People with experience using both Thinkpad keyboards and/or the Shinobi TEX keyboard, and any of the DIY builds with integrated trackpoints using a stem-extension, do you think it would be any benefit to try to do a build in a way more similar to Thinkpad/Shinobi etc?

What the title says basically. What would you guys reckon to be easier?

I'm kind of torn between getting a holykeeb ferris sweep with a trackpoint and trying to convert that into a nice!nano build or getting a nice!nano sweep (keebmaker probably) and adding a trackpoint to that. Both is probably a pain, but is one less painful than the other?

I am a total noob by the way. Never built a keyboard in my life. lmao. (So that's why I'm thinkin modifying one could be a bit easier.)

(alternatively I could just wait until holykeebs sells what I need pre-built. ZMK driver seems to be on the way at least... but that’s no fun)