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Microsoft Trackball Explorer vs Kensington Expert vs Elecom HUGE.

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knightjp:
When it comes to trackball usage, I've used the Logitech M570 and I still use one at work. I've used a Slimblade and it lasted for about 13 months before the main left click button stopped working. Currently using the Elecom HUGE and I like it. Its lasted the longest, however I feel that the top rubber part is now starting to wear away. I'm looking to changing it out, even though it still works really well. I've got a Logitech T-Cl13 on the way from ebay, but that is thumb trackball.
Looking for a finger operated trackball to replace the aging HUGE and I'm thinking of getting another one or the Kensington Expert or Microsoft Trackball Explorer.
The trackball explorer seems to be quite a popular choice even though its not being made anymore - much like the T-Cl13. Does it really better than the Expert or HUGE?

YALE70:
Never tried the Kensington Expert, but I have both the Huge and the Microsoft Trackball Explorer (MTE).

I much prefer the MTE. I find that the Huge splays my hand out too flat while the MTE leaves my hand in more of a natural resting position. The 46mm ball strikes a good balance between speed and precision in my opinion, and the fact that it sits a little higher than the ball on the Huge makes it less prone to accidental button hits when swiping. Plus the chrome steel bearings will probably feel smoother than the infamously rough stock ruby bearings of the Huge. I even swapped the bearings in my Huge for G5 precision chrome steel bearings and I still think my MTE on stock, good conditioned bearings feels just a little smoother.

You will lose some buttons though. The MTE also doesn't have the forward and back thumb buttons, the tilting scroll wheel, or the two index finger buttons that the Huge does. Software experience is about equal between the two - program specific profiles, remapping, and whatnot. You will need to find the old Intellipoint drivers on the web. I find I have to clean the junk off the bearings at least once a session.

Some other tips:

* Try and get an X08 model MTE instead of an X05 model. Supposedly X08s were made with better plastic and they don't get brittle like X05s commonly seem to - though it could just be that X08s are generally newer.
* The paint and textured surfaces on the MTE will wear with time (if they haven't already).
* The default right click for the MTE is set above the scroll wheel so you might want to remap it the ring finger (like it is on the Huge) using the Intellipoint software.
* It has an old sensor. Be prepared to adjust the pointer speed/use mouse acceleration if you have a particularly high resolution display. To me it feels fine on Windows defaults with my 3440x1440 ultrawide, but anything higher than that, you might want something capable of higher DPI.
* The bearings might be worn - these are roughly two-decade old devices after all. Replacements I believe are 2mm, or you can actually just flip the old ones around to an unworn side. You will need to use a small drill bit to bore a hole behind them so you can push them out, but otherwise swapping them isn't too difficult.
Alternatively, look into the Ploopy Classic or the Sanwa Gravi. The Ploopy is basically a near-exact 3D printed clone of the MTE albeit with modern hardware and roller bearings. It is quite expensive though. The Gravi is much cheaper and extremely similar to the MTE, but wireless and a better sensor. Not sure on the build quality though.

knightjp:
Thanks @YALE70 for the reply.
MTE does sound good and I think I might get one; even if it won't be my daily driver. I guess if someone is actually copying and making a direct replica of it (Ploopy), that's a testament to how good and popular it is and certainly earn it a place in anyone's collection.

YALE70:
Awesome, I think you're really gonna like it. It's one of the few vintage trackballs that's actually still quite viable in this day and age.  ;D

knightjp:

--- Quote from: YALE70 on Sun, 09 March 2025, 20:25:36 ---Awesome, I think you're really gonna like it. It's one of the few vintage trackballs that's actually still quite viable in this day and age.  ;D

--- End quote ---
Thanks. I got one off ebay for a good price I guess. It's on the way.

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