The Ploopy Adept has acceptable build quality. Its case is made of 3D printed parts, which look and feel noticeably rougher compared to smoother plastic pieces found on most commercially available mice. There are some noticeable imperfections in the plastic. However, these are cosmetic issues and don’t affect the function of the trackball. The fit and finish of all pieces is very good. There’s no unexpected flexibility, only minor creaking if you press the larger buttons forcefully sideways in their housing (video). This creaking isn’t present when using the mouse buttons normally. There’s also a minor popping sound if you press into the bottom of the ball housing compartment when the ball is removed. However, this doesn’t present any issue when the ball is in its housing and you’re using the trackball as intended.

The mouse uses ball bearings to help the ball roll. Ball bearing systems are noisier (see the Noise section below section for a sound test), but they provide consistent movement and reduce the risk of static friction or “stiction” issues, more common on trackballs that use static bearings.

Note: On Ploopy’s product page and several pieces of documentation, the bearings are referred to as roller bearings. However, their designation (MR63ZZ) identifies that they’re ball bearings, which is how we’ve referred to them throughout this review.