Got it prebuilt on Etsy. First trackball, I think the programmable ZMK keys are neat!

So I've been trying to get the trackball out of my JOMAA by using the blunt end of a pencil but it isn't coming out and I'm scared of applying too much force. Anyone done this before?

So, after spending a few months on the Ergo MX and essentially using it as a scroll trackball (using index+thumb to move), decided to move to a proper one. Couldn't be any happier with the move (won't call it an "upgrade" as that's not actually it). Took a few days to get used to the new layout but that was not a surprise.

Also I wish it came with an option for a red ball, alongside the default gray one. Also the Perixx seems to be giving me a smoother movement.

I received the ProtoArc EM06 in exchange for a review here on Reddit. They do not have any editorial control over my review and did not request to see it before posting.

I'm a 3D animator and motion designer and I spend all day in 3D applications, After Effects, Illustrator and Photoshop. Years of furiously gripping a mouse (a Logitec MX Master) while working had resulted in quite a bit of hand pain.

3 years ago I bought my first trackball the ProtoArc EM03. The decision was based mostly on price if I'm honest. I found the shape, tilt and placement of the ball to be really comfortable. So comfortable in fact I bought a second one for my desk at work.

I had reservations about the EM06. I find the the horizontal tilt and shape of the EM03 to be really comfortable. While using the EM06 it took a while to get used to the tilt, or rather the lack of it. At first I found a little twinge of pain creep into my forearm, but it went away after a couple of days of heavy use. I think it was just my old body getting used to something new. The hand rest is a welcome addition and has a leather-like mat that is comfortable with out being squishy.

The scroll wheel and middle mouse button are *central* to my workflow (pun intended). This is probably my biggest sticking point with using the EM06. The scroll and middle mouse must be split into two buttons here. The EM06 is awesome about letting you assign all of buttons on the face of the device (and one on the side!). Having the scrolling and the middle mouse button split really messed with my head. 3D apps (Blender and Cinema4d) gave me the most trouble.

This isn't my biggest complaint about the scrolling. The scrolling is handled by holding down a button and rolling the ball. That works really well, and I actually prefer rolling the ball to the wheel as I can use multiple fingers on the ball to keep the scroll going. Also you are able to scroll in any direction which I find useful in a variety of apps. If you double click the scroll button rather than hold it, it will lock the EM06 into the scroll function. I can imagine this is useful while scrolling through long webpages or reviewing long documents, but for me, it sucks. Somehow I'm always double clicking it with out noticing and then I'm locked, unable to use any of the other functions of the trackball. This could be solved easily by offering a drag scroll function without the double click lock.

On of the EM06 biggest strengths is the ability to reassign just about every button. All 7 of the face buttons can be reassigned, along with the DPI button on the left-hand side of the body. I think this will allow almost any user to find a layout that will accommodate their usage. The functions on offer are quite a bit more than the usual mouse functions. I have a button that shows all apps which has eliminated a hot corner for me on the Mac.

Another huge plus is the ability to configure the buttons through a web browser. No additional software is required. This comes as a relief since I'm using this at work as well as at home, and installing additional software on my work computer isn't an option. I was also surprised to find that the configuration not only happens wirelessly (from the wireless dongle, not Bluetooth) but also happens instantly. As a long-time QMK user for my keyboard, I'm used to the wired, configure compile, restart dance. The webpage that has the configuration is barebones, but offers everything I would want.

Since I've moved into an office where there are about 30 people, all running multiple Bluetooth devices, I have become a dongle convert. The EM06 stores the dongle behind a small cover on the bottom of the device. Sadly the dongle is USB A. Understandable as USB C adoption still lags and users may not want to give up a precious C port for a pointing device. The trackball itself recharges via USB C. It comes with an A-to-C charging cable.

At 55 mm, the trackball itself is much larger than my previous EM03. It will come as no surprise that the bearings in the EM06 provide smoother roll than the plastic points of the EM03. I find the roll to be smooth and satisfying. It has become a habit to spin the ball and let it coast when thinking or idling at my computer. The bearings do make a little bit of noise, but they are mostly quiet with a thin hiss when spinning.

The EM06 features dual sensors for tracking the motion of the ball. I never had any tracking issues on the EM03 with its single sensor, but I'm guessing someone out there needs both.

The buttons are large and easy to press. I do find that reaching the top center buttons a little bit of a reach over the trackball. I use the center bottom button as my middle mouse button and it does cause me to curl my thumb into a bit of a claw.

I can't give you any exact numbers on the battery. I've used it for almost 2 weeks. Many days for 8+ hours and I haven't charged it once. It doesn't seem like the dongle reports back the battery life. Whatever the battery is, it's able to keep up with two sensors running for extended periods of time.

It comes with a case! The case has a custom insert to hold the EM06 secure. There is even a small round ridge on the inside of the lid to hold the trackball in place. The zipper is top notch and very smooth. I wouldn't have asked for a case, but given the price, you may not want to buy two. I've been using the case to carry in my bag on the train and it has been great. The only downside is the case is bulky. A small tradeoff to keep the device safe.

Overall, I can recommend the EM06. It's flexibility, simple setup and software free operation make it a great device for a lot of people. As a designer, there are some hurdles that you'll have to mentally overcome. The splitting of scrolling and middle mouse increased the learning curve in multiple programs.

Hello,

Picked up a Nape Pro last week and didn't take long until I felt the urge to modify it.

Nape Pro is a lightweight device, weighs roughly around 80g and is all made out of plastic. It feels like a low-quality product. I'd price it at $49.99, not $89.99. Not sure why Keychron didn't go with their typical aluminum body, would've been so much better. Fingers crossed a future Nape will.

Stock trackball is terrible. Too light. Replacing it with a heavier ball, in my case a 65g steel ball from Amazon, did the trick. Little to no jitter and increased accuracy. Adds a bit of weight to the device as well. Might source a lighter ball (~40-50g) in the future, but so far so good.

The design of the Nape is very confusing. It's definitely not ergonomic, and I didn't like using it horizontally placed under the keyboard. Requires pretty much both hands if so. Not my cup of tea. Using it vertically makes it a lot easier for one-hand use. I use my thumb for left/right click (M1/M2), index/middle finger for the ball and ring finger for the scroll ring.

Yesterday I blind bought the Hagibis Invisible Laptop Stand to give the Nape some tent/tilt abilities, and to my surprise it was a perfect fit dimension wise (see bottom left in the image). It's made out of zinc alloy, which adds some robustness. I use it like in row 2 image 2, vertically inside my split keyboard.

Very happy with these modifications and can highly recommend this to other Nape users. The steel ball and laptop risers adds some nice weight (+~175g) and no longer feels as low-quality as it did out of the box.

So, it finally arrived. As you can see, I placed it with a Nulea M505, and Kensington Orbit with Scrolling for a sense of scale. I've already plugged it in, and will spend the next few days seeing how it plays.

I already have some initial thoughts, though...

Right out of the gates, I can say that it's tracking is very even, and fairly responsive on stock Windows 10 drivers. I'm intentionally not running RawAccel, X-Mouse Button Control, or even Perixx's own driver as yet. As that relates, I haven't looked up what the four DPI settings are, but they're all pretty usable as is. So, that's a plus. For my current habits, my ideal DPI seems to live between the third and fourth setting. But, again, it's new. So, maybe I'll see how I feel about it after the weekend.

I can already say that the silent switches are throwing me off. Humorously, I didn't think they'd actually be so quiet. They're also very short travel, and have precious little tactile feel to them. They're making me realize a conditioned expectation I have. I never would have guessed how adapted I am to both the sound and feel of the click and release in normal switches. Just something to get used to... In fact, since I initially posted this, I'm already appreciating how little effort it takes to hit that right click. And I'll say right now that these silent switches will be a grand feature for recording studios and other quiet places.

Strangely, I reflexively feel like I want more buttons... No idea why, either! I don't do that with the Nulea M505. And I just accept two buttons and a scroll as part of the idea with the Kensington Orbit. I think it's because I got used to the 6-button set from the original GameBall. And mapping a two-stage DPI switch opposite the primary click was a very smart move on GameBall's part. I'll eventually look into what kind of mapping options Perixx drivers offer. Regardless, this is a prime example of why I plan to work with it a while before giving a more thorough, settled opinion. 'Cause that's an odd quirk of a reaction it drew out of me.

Now, in terms of button positioning, it obviously carries forward what Logitech had established with the TrackMan Marble. The Kensington Orbit continues to be a slightly more "forgiving" design, but not by a lot. Also, the sculpted button tops on the 522 are more noticeable than they were on the TrackMan. They're domed just a little bit more. And that is already making for an interesting movement. I'm catching the right click with less effort. With the right click, I find I'm also alternating between a quick bounce off the bottom of my ring finger distal joint, and a slightly claw-like move. Kind of interesting. I think I did the same thing with the old TrackMan Marble; but that was too many years ago to be dead certain.

Anyway, off to see how it does! In the hour or so that I've had it on the computer, I'm already starting to get used to it. I have a music project to focus on, right now. But, I hope to find time to wring it out in The Division 2.

Welp. It's a mark. Didn't affect any performance but the scar is there. Also I didn't realize my trackball stopped holding the ball in place. I guess it really did wear out from all the poppin in and out

Hey ho, just got a kensington orbit wireless to try out for the first time. I wanted to know if what i'm feeling is normal? At the very start, right out of the box, it feels amazingly smooth, no drag at all. But after using it for a maybe 20 minutes, it becomes increasingly stuttery, small, micro adjustments become very hard. But large movements remain the same. What's up? Is this what stiction is?

Appreciate any help!

Hi to all,

I work everyday with Simulink and even thought I've a vertical mouse I start feeling pain at the thumb and wrist (I'm 50 years old man).

So I'm thinking to move to a trackball but I need it to be recognised by linux without any additional driver and I'm thinking that I should chose one operated with fingers (not the ones operated through thumbs). Moreover I do not know if trackball is suitable for working with simulink. Is there anything below 50€ ?

Full and comprehensive review: absolutely splendid device, well worth waiting for! :-)

If seriously, just wanted to let the community know it's practically ready: real review will be posted on https://forum.trackballs.eu/ at some later time. u/Skippydamule: thank you for the sample: your hard work gave excellent result once again!

Hello everyone, I've just recently switched to trackballs on the search for something comfortable. Went from a standard deathadder, to vertical mice, to a graphic tablet, and now experimenting with these balls.

Just wondering if anyone has had experience with the F-33 Pro by Zelotes? Just ordered one after trying the Porlei thumb ball mouse. And hoping for a smoother ball experience with a better sensor. The F-33 Pro also seems to have an interesting configuration button wise. Many thanks 🙏

Hi everyone,

I've recently ordered a ProtoArc EM06 and have a few questions about third-party software compatibility.

Has anyone used the EM06 with SteerMouse (macOS), X-Mouse Button Control (Windows), or Karabiner-Elements (macOS)?

I'm particularly interested in:

1. Does the ProtoArc Web Driver allow extra buttons to send standard HID mouse button signals that third-party software can recognize and remap?
2. Can SteerMouse or XMBC recognize all the extra buttons, including the dedicated Drag Scroll button?
3. Do button chords (pressing two buttons simultaneously) work with SteerMouse?
4. Are there any differences between USB, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth connections?

I'd prefer to handle button mapping and drag scrolling through SteerMouse or XMBC rather than the ProtoArc web-setting.

Any firsthand experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

This will probably be of no avail, but I am open to suggestions. I have been a user of Kensington Expert Mouse trackballs for more then 30 years, both at home (various Macs) and at work (various pc boxes). I have not had one that was not wired.

Last year, my home one (mac Mini M1) stopped working and after buying a replacement expert mouse (which also didn’t work), I bought an elecom huge which works fine for me. Don’t love the scroll wheel, but I use that less at home.

Tuesday, my work one (docked POS Dell Laptop running Windows 10) stopped working. I brought in my old one from home (and the new one I bought) and tried them both. After deleting/uninstalling Kensington Konnect, deleting it from the system settings, and restarting, I was able to connect the old one (but not the new one) as a generic HID mouse. It worked in the sense of moving the cursor, but wouldn’t click and drag. I tried installing X-Mouse Button Control and turning on the drag. It let me swap the buttons (which I like), but did not fix the won’t let  hold down the left click (or right click) button and let you drag a file. I deleted X-mouse (and all the system parts) and reinstalled Kensington Konnect, which just succeeded in making the trackball not work at all.

Any suggestions? I am probably going to retire in 27-28 if not sooner, so I am not really interested in buying a new trackball for work. I’ll try XMBC again, but if it doesn’t work, I’ll just make do with the $10 dell mouse that I borrowed from IT.

Hi everybody, I got my first TB (the wired Kensington orbit) about 6 months ago and I absolutely love it. But, I am thinking I'd like to get another TB that could compliment my multiple devices workflow.

You see, I've got a BT Keyboard that can quickly change from my work laptop, phone, and personal laptop vía Bluetooth and a single button click. I want something similar to my mouse. My only thing is that I don't want the change button under the mouse because I feel like that would be quite slow for my workflow.

Do any of y'all have a TB that you like for quickly changing devices?

I love the Kensington TB675 I recently got (a longtime fan of its wired precursor), but the newly updated Kensington Konnect App is annoying on Mac.

It doesn't behave like a proper citizen: it opens up full screen on startup and then continuously presents as an active, foreground application, occupying a place all the time in the app switcher and cluttering up the experience of tabbing between apps. I can't quit it because then button remapping doesn't work.

I think it should run in background agent or a menu bar "tray" item unless the settings window is explicitly open.

I suppose I should be taking it up with Kensington, but venting here first...

Just one trackball to use for the rest of your life, across any desk and any setup. What’s your pick?

Mine is Endgame.

I strongly prefer finger-operated trackballs featuring a large ball over thumb-style designs.

What would be your ultimate "desert island" trackball, and why?

I stumbled across trackball controls a few weeks ago and since fell down the rabbit hole. These are my daily drivers, the blue dotted one is for my right hand and the all black is for my left hand. Right hand used for controlling my phone and Left hand my laptop. I love that these are small, my hands don't have to leave my laptop keyboard. They also are great fidget gadgets!

I don't know who the real developers of these trackball handhelds are but if the trackball was larger but the overall form factor is kept the product would be even better.

Anyone else using these?

Edit: I purchased these on Amazon. Search term "aleenfoon wireless trackball mouse"

Has anyone made a teardown of the Huge Plus yet? How do its internals compare to the Huge?

I'm wondering for the purposes of repairability, in terms of switches used, the battery, etc.

Holy smokes. I was not prepared for this.

The scroll wheel is both scratchy and too loose. Kinda impressive. It feels like very cheap plastic just thrown on top of other cheap plastic.

The ball jumps out of its hole with the slightest impulse. The ball movement itself is crazy sticky and scratchy. Cursor movement is extremely stuttery.

I have no idea why this product was released the way it is. It’s bad.

Warning, it was entirely vibe coded because I'm not a programmer. However, I've had trouble with xinput and other button remappers because they either just don't work or don't launch on boot. I hope this works, it's available for Debian, Fedora, and Arch based systems.

I tested it with my G403 and Kensington Expert, it works fine for both. It's open sourced with the GPL-3.0 license. If you'd like me to make any changes to it or if you run into any problems, let me know.

I know other button remappers exist but I couldn't find one that would load upon boot and also work with my Kensington Expert so I did this.

https://github.com/gino8807/ballkey/tree/main

Hello, I am a Gen Z guy with interest with retro tech that completely missed the whole era of DBS-9 connections, and I have a Logitech Trackman that is old enough to have a female DBS-9 port and I may need to ask with someone with better understanding of the different adapters to get it working on my Windows 10 machine. Any response can be helpful

Just wanted to post in case anyone else is on the fence. I swapped out the stock ruby bearings in my two Elecom EX-Gs with 2.5mm Grade 5 zirconium bearings. The swap was easy. I recorded a video of myself doing it... can post that if anyone is interested.

Also had the idea to use a punch to cut out the rubber over the screws, so they're permanently accessible - no peeling back the rubber to access them:

Performance is much, much better - sticktion is greatly reduced, the ball just moves effortlessly.

I have no idea why Elecom chose to use ruby bearings in the first place - I don't think they're cheaper than zirconium, and they just feel so much worse.

Anyway, really happy with this, just wanted to share.

Hey there,

Own both. EM06 since yesterday, Kensington since 2 month. I didn't like the scroll ring of Kensington bot was also not sure about the push/hold and scroll ball version of the EM06.

But after two working days the EM06 is at least for me the better option. Hold and scroll is very intuitive and double klick to enable scroll without hold is a very nice touch.

Overall is the DPI setting better and also the wrist rest is better. And even it's cheaper.

Cheers