**edit: I said wireless when I was actually just thinking external my b

I use Gnome as my main DE and I really like the touch gestures for my workflow, having a wireless trackpad would be really nice.

I’ve done some research before and seen that most wireless trackpads seem to work just fine with Linux, like the apple magic trackpad and an older out of production one from Logitech. But it doesn’t seem that wireless trackpads are super common so I wanted to ask if there were any others anyone could suggest?

I also had the thought that maybe I could make my own by buying a spare trackpad module from Framework but I don’t know how feasible that would actually be. I’ve never done anything like that but it seems like it could hypothetically be possible.

  • glitching@lemmy.ml
    4·
    7 months ago

    pre-2010 macbooks can be had for like $10 nowadays. those had the touchpads (and webcam, keyboard, etc) connected via USB to the system. pinouts are available on the net and with a little bit of effort and maybe 3D printing you can have your bespoke rig.

  • quaff@lemmy.caEnglish
    2·
    7 months ago

    I use an Apple Magic Trackpad on KDE and it works great. My only problem is that customizing the touch gestures is not well supported. Unsure if it’s any better on Gnome or COSMIC Desktop.

    • EbAbDbGbBbEb@piefed.socialEnglish
      1·
      7 months ago

      I have a Ploopy trackpad, and I absolutely love it. That said, it’s not wireless, so OP might not be into it.

      It’s about the same size as the Apple trackpad. A big surface is a must for me, so this is great. I think the “active” surface is a bit smaller, but I don’t notice it.

      The responsiveness is glorious. I have LMDE on a Surface Book 2, and the built-in trackpad is shameful in comparison.

      There’s no physical click. You get tap-to-click only. The texture is noticeable, but for me, not in a bad way. Perfectly smooth trackpads can get a bit sticky over time or if you have sweaty hands. I suspect the fine texture on the Ploopy won’t let that happen the same way.

    • HelloRoot@lemy.lolEnglish
      0·
      7 months ago

      Ah yes, the - rubbing off microplastics with my own fingers directly into my room - device.

      And thats ignoring the haptics and the hygene. Think of all your skin gunk that you’re never getting out of those micro filament line rifts MMMMH tasty!

      I’d never recommend buying a trackpad without a glass top.