Ploopy, known for DIY‑friendly gear, has just launched the Bean, a standalone pointing stick that echoes the Lenovo TrackPoint popular with ThinkPad users. The device extends the classic stick to an 11‑mm range and adds four programmable buttons, turning it into a six‑button mouse on a single form factor. Built around a magnetic TMAG5273 sensor, it samples position 20,000 times a minute, delivering buttery‑smooth motion.

Ploopy equips the Bean with Omron D2LS‑21 “Subminiature” switches rated for 20 million clicks, giving a clicky feel while keeping the unit ultra‑compact. Users can tailor the four buttons via open‑source QMK firmware or VIA, and the default keymap offers left, middle, right, drag‑scroll, plus forward and back combos, matching a standard six‑button mouse.

Retailing at CAD 69—about $52—the Bean is currently on pre‑order. Ploopy has gone further by publishing 3D models, electrical CAD files, firmware, and documentation on GitHub, letting enthusiasts 3D‑print or tweak the design. The company’s 3D‑printed version showcases a sleek, matte finish that blends with any laptop chassis.

By combining high‑resolution sensing, dense programmability, and an open‑source ecosystem, the Bean positions itself as a modular alternative to proprietary TrackPoints. Its affordability and modifiability make it an attractive upgrade for power users who demand precision without the bulk of a separate mouse. Ploopy’s release underscores the growing appetite for customizable, compact input devices.