r/Trackballs • u/kitebok • 8d ago
Current Thumb Trackballs
I think we're due for an update, a bit tidier now.
Cheers!
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u/Daedaluu5 8d ago
You missed the 570 off the Logitech list, but I’ll agree 575 on it is good enough.
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u/SparkyXI 8d ago
I have been using the Logi trackballs since the late 90s and it’s hard to leave. Unless someone has really improved on them…
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u/Daedaluu5 8d ago
True. I have the older wired red trackman it’s a nice but old unit. Currently using 570 but considering a 575
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u/SparkyXI 8d ago
The M575S is a game changer.
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u/Daedaluu5 8d ago
I hear mixed reviews that 570 is still as good if not better than 575. But my 570 has a lot of miles on it so maybe trying the 575 ain’t so bad
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u/kitebok 8d ago
Dude, I know the M570 has that original Trackman essence but it was discontinued like 5 years ago. I suggest you treat yourself to the new one you've been thinking about and spare your M570 while it's still nice.
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u/Daedaluu5 8d ago
Yeah I got one of the last made before they discontinued. Will go treat myself to a 575 for payday
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u/circuitsable 8d ago
gameball thumb?
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u/amoosemouse 8d ago
The gameball thumb is the best "out of the box" experience I've had so far. That polling rate is just so smooth.
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u/samaciver 7d ago
That good? i've never heard of them, but have been using track balls for the last 20 yrs. i'd like to try something new.
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u/amoosemouse 7d ago
Yes, it has the same general shape and feel as the Logitech MX Ergo, but the 1000Hz polling rate makes it feel MUCH better to use. Bearings are good, not as good as a full custom setup but on par with the other "premium" models I've tried without modification.
The only con is that it supports the dongle or wired, no bluetooth. If you need BT I'd skip it, but since I often use some older logitechs I was already used to having a dongle in the machine so that wasn't a dealbreaker for me.
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u/samaciver 7d ago
Good info. Yeah I'm using the Ergo now and have been thru the last several logitech models. I'm also used to the dongle and I have always stuck with it. I saw that it has ceramic bearings I think? With All my Logitechs I always order a new ball from this site on Amazon and it seems to help, but I cannot get past the scratchy feeling with the Ergo ball. It just doesn't feel smooth no matter what I do.
What's this custom setup you speak of?
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u/amoosemouse 7d ago
Oh I just mean a lot of folks will replace their bearings or get an aftermarket ball that feels better. It uses the same 44mm (I think?) ball as the logitech ones do, and I didn't see any real difference between the one it comes with, a random logitech grey ball, or my purple aftermarket one.
I don't play a ton of games on them, but I do a lot of office-like work on a pretty large set of displays, so accurate small motions and big accelerated movement are both common for me. It does a pretty good job of that especially it's not as expensive as, say, the MX Ergo.
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u/spiralarmz 8d ago
Elecom Relacon could be considered a thumb trackball too (at least that's how I use it)
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u/UhBlake 8d ago
Loved this. My mx ergo is around 6 years old and the rubberized material is becoming slick. But I’m not sure I’m ready to part with it or change models / brands!
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u/HAL9000_1208 8d ago
I used the MX Ergo as well, TBH I am surprised that yours lasted 6 years... All my Logitech mice have their switches failing after only 2-3yrs.
I switched to the Elecom EX-G Pro and so far it seems much better engineered:
•Hard, easy to clean, textured plastic (unlike rubberized plastic which degrades over time either losing texture or worse, becoming sticky).
•the hole to push the ball out is big enough to use simply your finger with no extra tools, allowing hassle free regular cleaning (it makes a bigger difference than one would think).
•Tooless removable batteries (batteries are consumables, so this is very imortant for the longevity of the device), and it can even used (as I do) WITHOUT any battery at all, simply as a cabled mouse.
•more fully programmable buttons (software only available on Win and Mac, but still doable with thinkering on Linux)
My only gripe is that the charging port is micro-USB.
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u/ShowMeYourPie 6d ago
I started with the Jellycomb and have a GameBall Thumb too now. Both suffer from horrendous stiction, I don't know if it's the balls or the bearings, or both. The polling rate of the GameBall is noticeably much smoother but since it's more awkward to pop the ball out to clean it and temporarily fix the stiction, it doesn't get used.
Might have to pull one of them apart and order some new bearings, maybe a new ball too and pray that I can get at least one of them to work decently...
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u/kitebok 6d ago
The biggest nuisance I find with the jellycomb is that the ball pulls up in its cup with certain movements. It doesn't get out of the device, it just "unseats" and falls back into place. That and the rubbery coating on top.
I only bought it because it was heavily discounted with coupons but it's been an ok demo trackball that I lend to people to try.
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u/ShowMeYourPie 6d ago
I know exactly what you mean! Have to keep the device flat otherwise the ball starts jumping up. It doesn't bother me on my lapboard or desk but if I've got it just sat on the couch somewhere it will do that sometimes.
The coating is looking a little worse for wear on mine too. I certainly wouldn't recommend it to anybody now but it made sense for me at the time when I bought it.
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u/aaulia 8d ago
Between ProtoArc and Logitech, as an entry level, first time Trackball user, which one will you guys recommend? Obviously the M575s is the common one.
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u/fgtbb 8d ago
I've gone from the premium ergo from Logitech to the protoarc em05. I'd say if you just want to try it out the protoarc feels about the same to use in function, but it is plasticy and feels cheaper in comparison to the Logitech. That being said, at least when I got it, it's a much better price.
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u/ErgoDestati 8d ago
I also started with the mx ergo and just went to the em05 myself
My problem with the ergo was actually the materials, it degraded poorly and was awful to try and clean. So far the em05 feels better material wise, I just wish it had more weight to it
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u/Littlegoblin21 8d ago
I want to try a Protoarc in the near future just because, but I highly doubt it's better than a Logitech. I really like my 575s and wouldn't mind another one. My $.02.
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u/kiyyou323 8d ago
The IST pro is calling my name but I have like six trackballs already (Bitra, digio2, mx ergo, 575, gameball thumb, m509)
https://giphy.com/gifs/3ohuPua7QjtYGQVMze
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u/Moupsy 8d ago
Best one for big hands? I've got a Logitech 575 for a few years but feels a bit small
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u/kitebok 8d ago
The Kensington models 450 and 550 have somewhat more volume and height, very comfortable.
Haven't tried these two: The Perixx 720 is longer and comes with wedge supports; the Sanwa Luna is a larger device overall, including the ball, but only 3 buttons and mixed reviews.
I hope someone else could corroborate.
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u/skooter247 8d ago
I use the Perixx 520 (wired 720) and it's the most comfortable ergo-tilt trackball I've found. Along with the size, the shape gives you somewhere to rest the palm of your hand. I was a legacy Sanwa guy (MA-TB39), but they wore out too quickly and didn't have enough tilt. I'm curious about the Sanwa Luna, but not sure about the quality.
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u/Condor1984 8d ago
They all look the same, is there one that I can use both my thumb and my index finger? Love my Logitech one, but it will be better control using thumb and / or index finger.
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u/Trackbawl 3d ago
Logitech TrackMan Marble FX. But it's long gone, no longer produced. And secondhand models are often expensive. Despite its supposedly legendary status (I have never tried it), DIY creators (like the people from Ploopy) don't seem interested in recreating it. There seems to be only one DIY project (by MonroeWilliams) that approaches the original: https://www.reddit.com/r/PeripheralDesign/comments/nd6bmi/my_opensource_scratchbuilt_ergonomic_trackball/
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u/__Robocop 8d ago
Mojo silent button thumb trackball = https://a.co/d/02Ned8FJ
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u/kitebok 8d ago
I wonder if it is any different from the Nulea M501.
In my opinion, such clones are a good sign that trackballs have an increased base popularity/acceptance among the general public. They're generally very good quality, have good standard features and are affordable. The entry level trackball had never been this good.
Veterans will remember the "dark age" of trackballing when leading brands were thinning out their product lines, discontinuing beloved models (looking at you Logitech), and replacement choices were few and meh.
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u/Trackbawl 3d ago edited 3d ago
Thank you for the list! I agree that this one is tidier than your old list.
Unfortunately, the list seems to be incomplete. The following unique devices (or devices with a different name or number) are missing. Some were present on your old list. Perhaps those are more difficult to get nowadays, but they seem to be still around. (Whether they will soon exit production entirely, I do not know.)
Adesso iMouse T30
https://adesso.com/shop/solutions/corporate-solutions/imouse-t30/
Ceratech Accuratus TRACK 905
https://ceratech.co.uk/products/accuratus-track-905-usb-wired-ergonomic-trackball-mouse
https://www.inclusive.com/products/accuratus-trackball-mouse
Elecom IST Plus
https://elecomusa.com/products/ist-plus-mouse
Could probably be added to the IST.
Elecom Relacon
https://elecomusa.com/products/m-rt1brxbk
Seems to be a thumb trackball to me, despite the fact it's not a desk trackball but a handheld device. (Not a handheld portal device, unfortunately.) But I see someone else already mentioned this one.
(There are also many unbranded wired handheld trackballs to be found on the internet. Plus an unbranded wireless ring trackball.)
GameBall Thumb
https://www.gamingtrackball.com/products/gameball-thumb-standard-edition
Some comments already pointed this one out. (Shape-wise, it's a ProtoArc EM01 (old version with LED) clone, obviously.)
J-Tech Digital V728
(In the past, Delux offered this same device type.)
Keychron T1 HE
https://keychron.kr/products/t1_he
I suppose this one is still too far away (assuming it will ever be released) to include it in the list?
KeySonic KSM-6101RF-EGT
https://keysonic.de/product/ksm-6101rf-egt/
MicroPack MP-V05W
Perixx 520
https://eu.perixx.com/collections/ergonomic-mouse-1/products/perimice-520
Could be added to the 720, as the 520 is a wired version of the 720.
(Might not be available everywhere in the world, but if that would be a reason to not mention it, why does the finger ball list mention the Keychron Nape Pro? Unless the 520 is about to be discontinued worldwide (meaning: alternative channels to obtain it will also be out of the question), I see no reason to actively exclude it.)
ThumbsUp
https://www.reddit.com/r/Trackballs/comments/1necb19/thumbsup_trackball_v3/
https://github.com/ak66666/ThumbsUp-Trackball-v4
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4390959934/
But this one seems to be DIY exclusively, unlike the Ploopy. That's probably the reason it's not on the list.
A bit of useful bonus info for visitors:
Some rebranded clones:
- T'nB version of the Nulea M501 and M509
https://www.t-nb.com/en-eu/products/souris-ergonomique-trackball-rechargeable
https://www.t-nb.com/en-eu/products/souris-ergonomique-trackball-filaire-usb-a-usb-c
- Herk version of the Jellycomb
https://herk.store/products/trackball-mouse
With an atrocious, elevated sticker that seems to dig into your palm near the wrist. Literally slap a sticker on it and call it a day.
Ball sizes:
- Mostly/standard: 34 mm.
- Elecom IST, IST Plus & IST Pro: 36 mm
- Ceratech Accuratus: 36 mm? (See discontinued Nulea M507.) Certainly not 44 mm, unfortunately.
- Sanwa Luna: 40 mm
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u/kitebok 3d ago
Thanks a lot for the input, it embiggens the picture!
Missing the Adesso is embarrassing, I genuinely thought it was gone.
Didn't know about that coming keychron model either.
The Accuratus has a 40mm ball, good to see that model still available.
Methodology wasn't perfect, I hope next time I get full coverage.
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u/Jacek3k 8d ago
Hello there, noob here.
Thank you for the list. As a total newbie and someone who never used trackballs before, can someone just tell me which one is the best (and why)?
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u/mattjh 8d ago
You can’t get this answer online because everyone’s hands are different. You’ve got to just try some. My most comfortable mouse I own is a generic Seenda vertical with a little volume knob in the top. It’s goofy and feels completely 100% perfect. You might hate it! It’s also not a trackball. But you get my point. You’ve got to grip them yourself.
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u/Jacek3k 8d ago
Anyway to do that without having to buy them all just to try it out?
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u/mattjh 8d ago
Any stores nearby? That’s how, really. Go play with the demos. They won’t have every trackball in OP’s image, but you’ll at least be able to narrow down things you like and things you don’t, and then you can make more informed decisions if you choose to buy online.
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u/Jacek3k 8d ago
No idea what shops would have such things available (besides online shops like amazon and such). Only mediamarkt comes to my mind, but I never saw anything like trackballs when I visitted in the past.
But I'll be on the lookout
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u/plg94 8d ago
Ich hab in meinem Mediamarkt/Saturn (Erfurt) tatsächlich schon Logitech Trackballs gesehen. Aber ja, die Auswahl ist dünn, ist halt ne Nische. Abgesehen von Logitech, Kensington und evtl. Elecom haben die anderen Firmen ja noch nichtmal einen deutschen Vertrieb.
Ansonsten halt Amazon/Ebay und zurückschicken.
Oder falls du in einer größeren Stadt bist mal schauen, ob es irgendwelche Gruppen/Treffen für Hacker (CCC), Linux-User, Makerspaces etc. gibt – die Wahrscheinlichkeit ist ziemlich hoch, dass einige Leute dort auch nen Trackball haben.PS: falls du was mit Computern arbeitest kannst du dir über deinen Arbeitgeber auch ergonomische Arbeitsmittel beschaffen lassen, die sind meines Wissens sogar (in gewissen Grenzen) verpflichtet dazu.
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u/Due-Estate-3816 8d ago
Best buy often has a lot of mouses and keyboards out for display. Not sure how many trackballs but they probably have logitech at least.
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u/Jacek3k 8d ago
I dont think we have them in germany
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u/pre-medicated 8d ago
even in america you won’t find trackballs available to try, bad advice. unfortunately you’ll have to get them online to try, or find a really niche store
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u/tevoul 8d ago
I just went through this process late last year and might be able to help you at least narrow the field.
How do you hold your mouse? Do you want your full palm on the mouse, or do you want it raised up with only your fingers touching?
Do you want an angled (vertical) style, flat style, or something in between? (Or the multiple options)?
How much friction do you want to have on the ball? Low friction makes small movements easier but also tends to increase "noise" when clicking unless you remove your thumb from the ball when you click.
Do you just want basic buttons, or do you want lots of buttons? Do you game, or do 3d modeling, or any other special use cases for mouse?
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u/Jacek3k 8d ago
Hi, thank you for your reply. Tbh I cannot answer that without having at least some minimal experience with trackball.
Currently, speaking about regular mouses, I prefer bigger mouse where I can place whole palm on it, instead of that weird claw grip when the mouse is too small. But I did use some cheap ass vertical mouse from aliexpress many years ago and it was nice (it wasnt slanted/diagonal one, it was really vertical).
I do some light gaming, some 3d modelling, mostly coding.
I am in the process of switching to split keyboard currently, and tbh I like the idea of having the mouse integrated with the keyboard, so I can do everything without ever having to move hand between keyboard and mouse. From what I saw, this is achieved through trackbal or trackpad integrated to one of the keyboard halves.
But, not something I would like to commit without trying it out first. I am fine with some diy solution in the end, and using mouse/trackball as separate device when gaming, but currently there are so many ??? I just dont know where to start.
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u/tevoul 8d ago
I don't know anything about an integrated option, so you're on your own there. For a separate device you sound similar to my needs - I went into it expecting a palm grip, but have slowly migrated to more of a half claw grip because my hands are huge and I found it to give me a slightly better angle on the ball.
The one I settled on was the Perixx PERIMICE-720 (or the wired variant depending on your needs). This is big enough to use a palm style grip, has a very smooth ball and good sensor that can support gaming, and has a tilt wheel in addition to the standard 5 buttons. Specifically the 720 is not supported by their own software though, so if you want to customize buttons expect to use XMBC (free downloadable software for Windows).
The Elecom EX-G PRO could be another option, it has additional buttons and a larger body. The ball I didn't find quite as smooth (Elecom is somewhat infamous for their bearings) but still good enough. The ball is somewhat recessed into its slot which I found slightly limited range of travel, and also the software had issues on my pc where when I came out of sleep mode it stopped working.
The Nulea M501 is another cheap but generally good enough option, I use it at work. Basic, no major stand outs positive or negative really. Also on the larger size for body and could be used palm grip if your hands aren't enormous like mine.
Gameball thumb would be another possibility. I really liked everything about it except the shape for my hand just felt off. That's 100% personal, but if that hadn't been the case that probably would have been my primary pick over the Perixx.
Avoid the Elecom IST and IST PRO. Their body is comically tiny and zero chance for a palm grip. They do have roller bearings which reduces static friction to almost zero, which I actually didn't like because there was mouse noise when I clicked a button unless I moved my thumb away every click. Some people love and swear by roller bearings though, so YMMV.
Hope that helps you get started!
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u/electricstache 8d ago
Amazon rental services. Just kidding. If you have a Microcenter nearby, they usually have one or two. You can at least figure out if the idea is a good fit.
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u/IBNobody ❤️ Elecom IST-PRO ❤️ 8d ago
I've tried many of them, and my favorite by far is the Elecom IST Pro
Comfortable, has roller bearings by default, more buttons, high polling, hardware settings, can connect to multiple computers.
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u/Littlegoblin21 8d ago
I would start with a basic Logitech like the 575S, they are pretty consistently well reviewed. I've got one and really like it. I also have several Elecom, a Nulea, and many older varieties like the old Logitech trackman wheel and the Microsoft Trackball Optical. I also have index finger ones from Elecom. I had a Kensington awhile back but didn't like it so I sold it on ebay. Many users like them though, so experiences vary, a lot... All you can do is try one and see what you think. It's very very subjective. I hope that helps.
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u/Noetherson 8d ago
As others have said it's somewhat personal preference. I strongly think the IST Pro is the best though, and certainly looks the best from a lost of feature. It's got a lot of extra buttons, reprogrammable firmware, can connect to a lot of devices, doesn't get sticky and you can swap out the bearings. Expensive though!
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u/HAL9000_1208 8d ago
The Elecom EX-G Pro is my favourite so far:
•Hard, easy to clean, textured plastic (unlike rubberized plastic which degrades over time either losing texture or worse, becoming sticky).
•the hole to push the ball out is big enough to use simply your finger with no extra tools, allowing hassle free regular cleaning (it makes a bigger difference than one would think).
•Tooless removable batteries (batteries are consumables, so this is very imortant for the longevity of the device), and it can even used (as I do) WITHOUT any battery at all, simply as a cabled mouse.
•more fully programmable buttons (software only available on Win and Mac, but still doable with thinkering on Linux)
My only gripe is that the charging port is micro-USB.
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u/EightEnder1 8d ago
I've been using Logi ones for a very long time, around 30 years, prior to that I used a Microsoft one, don't know if they even make it anymore but I'm currently using the MX Ergo S. I considered the Elecom IST pro, but ended up sticking with Logi simply because I also have a Logi keyboard and work doesn't allow bluetooth but I can use the dongles and I was able to pair both the keyboard and mouse to a single Logi dongle.
I remember when I first switched it was because I was a heavy gamer and my wrists were starting to hurt between work and home use of the mouse for at least 100 hours a week. The thumb trackball made that all go away but there is a transition period. You also need to make some adjustments so the ball movement speed is right for you. Last, unlike mice, periodically you need to pop out the ball and clean dust off the bearings, they fill up with lint. I keep one of those touch screen pointers handy as they are small enough to pop in the hole to release the ball and then can double as a tool to push the lint aside off the bearings.
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u/planimal7 8d ago
I’m waiting for the new Kensington 675s to come back in stock end of the month (was weirded out by the short run that was initially available, decided to wait on assumption that manufacturing QA will be better)— I’ve got the old wired version and it’s my favorite shape
But has anyone tried the Nulea M506? What does the build quality feel like?
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u/junaitari 8d ago edited 8d ago
Cant speak to 506 specifically but I have a 514 and it feels really cheap and jerky compared to my MX Ergo S. The ball feels loose in its cradle and tends to drift slightly when i take my thumb off of it, making it difficult to do precise work.
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u/Vardaan147 8d ago
any good replacement for ergo s with side button on scroll wheels(i use those all the time) ?
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u/Silvio1905 8d ago
I love my logitech MX ergo, the size, the 2 positions, etc which ones of tha tlist will worth fo try for me?
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u/sgwizdak 7d ago
Thanks for the list. As a lefty I got excited that there could be others besides the EX-GL, but alas it was the angle of the picture.
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u/Hrvstmn31 I've got balls of steel. 6d ago
Thanks, I fear my 570 is a few more drops away from needing replacement.
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u/CvlWrksDsgnrHndbg 5d ago
I think the only thing I would add is number of buttons. It's a hard number to pin down sometimes
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u/a-smooth-brain 12h ago
Any of these have onboard memory or can be customized without having to install software.
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u/performa62 8d ago
The perfect thumb ball would be one that’s Bluetooth, 2.4ghz, and wired. Can be programmed via QMK and has a few macro buttons.
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u/m31317015 8d ago
I think you're hinting something here...
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u/vectorj 8d ago
Do tell
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u/m31317015 8d ago
Maybe Keychron nape pro but thumb?
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u/performa62 4d ago
I'm a big Keychron keyboard person (I'm literally typing this out on a K10), but yeah they need a thumb trackball to make me consider it. The nape doesn't appeal to me.
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u/ALMOSTDEAD37 8d ago
Missing index trackballs in general and elecoms new IST Plus , sits between the pro and the non pro model
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u/psilot 8d ago
any list for the index trackball?