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Open source computer mouse by Ploopy
(lemmy.ml)
I needed another corded mouse and this time around I thought of @PKL@mastodon.social and @pronk@mastodon.social instead of Logitech's shareholders. These guys make open source mice among other open source hardware under the brand Ploopy. You can order one from them, assembled or as a kit, or you could print and build it entirely by yourself.
The mouse itself is pretty great. Coming from a long line of Logitech (MX518/G5/G500/G502), it's a bit larger than what I'm used to but I think I'm getting accustomed to it.
Here's another shot of it:
You need plastic that is more resistant to contact so that you don't end up covering your hand in microplastics. That material looks like questionable recycled plastics.
I'm also not giving up on wireless. I'd rather have an only bluetooth (slow?) mouse than a wired one.
I do agree with you. Except for the Bluetooth. Those mouses always need batteries and are empty and the mouse too heavy.
All the 3d printed parts have files available online. You can 3d print new parts using any material you want.
As far as I'm aware, PLA is mostly safe, but every company has different proprietary additives.
Something plant based like cellulose would be nice. Longevity wouldn't be a concern with how easy it is to reprint and reassemble.
Wireless would be nice.
Or titanium? But that would probably require midifications of the bendy bits to keep them flexible. ๐
I kinda like the idea of using an anvil to smith a computer mouse, but I don't have such tools. Perhaps carving the shapes from wood would be easier.
I'm not sure what makes it seem recycled, seems like a reasonably fine print to me. I believe it's printed in PLA which personally I'd want to see PETG but that's more for long-term durability than microplastic concerns, which I can't speak to.