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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: cool-RR on Mon, 28 April 2014, 16:03:14

Title: Standalone trackpoint to put into custom keyboard
Post by: cool-RR on Mon, 28 April 2014, 16:03:14

Hi everybody!

I'm building a custom keyboard. I'm considering putting a trackpoint in it. Is there a company that sells trackpoints standalone, rather than in a complete keyboard?


Thanks for your help,
Ram.

Title: Re: Standalone trackpoint to put into custom keyboard
Post by: plainbriny on Wed, 30 April 2014, 21:35:18

I think you can get one from a used thinkpad keyboard, it would be much cheaper.
I got one with less than $5, a luck find.

Of course if you need a large volume, you can order from the manufacture, sprintex maybe?
http://sprintek.com/products/sk8702.aspx

Title: Re: Standalone trackpoint to put into custom keyboard
Post by: cool-RR on Thu, 01 May 2014, 05:46:45

Thanks plainbriny! Buying wholesale is what I'm looking for.

Do you think that the Sprintek is the best choice? If you're familiar with other good manufacturers for tracking sticks, please send them all my way.

Title: Re: Standalone trackpoint to put into custom keyboard
Post by: plainbriny on Thu, 01 May 2014, 06:58:31

Ten years ago, Elan announced that they developed a trackpoint compatible module, but I don't think that's still in their product portfolio now.
http://www.emc.com.tw/eng/index.asp

You can make queries if you need a large enough volume.

There's another thread discussing the sources of trackpoint modules and the possibility of group buy
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57531.0

Title: Re: Standalone trackpoint to put into custom keyboard
Post by: cool-RR on Fri, 02 May 2014, 10:28:12

Thanks!