The Ploopy Knob is a stand-alone, programmable dial built around QMK firmware. Its maker lists a 12-bit magnetic position sensor and polling above 1,000 Hz, while Hackaday reported 4,096 positions at 0.088 degrees per step. Those figures describe reported resolution—not independently verified control accuracy.
What the Ploopy Knob does
Ploopy describes the Knob as a dial that runs QMK and can be programmed for different tasks. Its default use is high-resolution scrolling; the maker also points to media control and creative workflows as possible uses. That makes it a configurable input device rather than a dial limited to one application.
Hackaday’s June 28, 2025 report describes a 3D-printed enclosure, USB-C power, QMK firmware, an AS5600 magnetic encoder, and a 6705ZZ bearing. The report’s resolution wording—0.088 degrees and 4,096 distinct positions—concerns the 12-bit encoder’s position resolution, not a demonstrated guarantee of real-world accuracy.
Published specifications
The following figures are specifications published by Ploopy, not independent test results.
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| Specification | Ploopy-listed value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | AS5600 magnetic sensor |
| Position resolution | 12-bit |
| Polling rate | Above 1,000 Hz |
| Microcontroller | RP2040, listed at 125 MHz |
| Dimensions | 56 × 17 mm (2.2 × 0.67 inches) |
| Weight | 31 g (1.1 oz) |
Compatibility and the Mac limitation
Ploopy lists support for Windows, Linux, and Mac. It also specifically notes that high-resolution scrolling is not available on Mac. The operating-system support claim should therefore not be read as feature parity across all three platforms; check the current product documentation for the behavior you need.
What open source means for this device
Ploopy makes project materials available, including STEP files, PCB design files, firmware, and other resources. The public repository says it contains design and production files plus documentation for making, assembling, and programming the device. It specifies GPLv3 for firmware and CERN-OHL-S-2.0 for hardware design files. These licenses apply to the identified firmware and hardware design files; they do not establish that every project artifact is available in an editable source format.
Rank #2
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Sources: Ploopy Knob product page; Ploopy Knob repository; Hackaday’s June 28, 2025 report.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the published information cannot establish
The listed resolution and polling rate do not by themselves show how accurate or smooth the dial feels in a particular workflow. The reviewed product and report materials do not establish comparative results for real-world accuracy, durability, tactile feel, or productivity gains. Treat suggested uses such as video-editing jog control as potential applications, not proven outcomes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
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