Author Topic: Elecom track ball M-XT1DRBK (Read 35230 times)

Valen · « **on:** Thu, 15 January 2015, 00:01:02 »

Just wondering if anyone has this track ball and what you think about it.
http://www2.elecom.co.jp.e.gj.hp.transer.com/peripheral/trackball/

kaotikb · « **Reply #1 on:** Sat, 17 January 2015, 10:04:28 »

I have one and I like it better then the Logitech m570. You can swap in the blue ball from the m570 since its the same size.

Valen · « **Reply #2 on:** Sun, 18 January 2015, 03:46:50 »

Thanks for your reply. It looks really cool with a blue ball. Writing it down on my "to get" list right below HHKB.

jacobolus · « **Reply #3 on:** Sun, 18 January 2015, 04:26:20 »

The English translation of their marketing page is AMAZING: http://www2.elecom.co.jp.e.gj.hp.transer.com/products/M-XT1URBK.html

Is new; expand; feeling When we operate track ball, we pay our attention to six frames, muscles toward contact with palm. Shape of palm seemed to be just totally projected by designing until a few hollows, swelling carefully thoroughly; "expanded, and realized feeling".

Button which "comes back, and advances" We come back even if we do not click "we advance" and advance, but can easily operate "coming back" of Web page upper left at hand.

Outstanding pointer flattery characteristics We put high-performance optics-type sensor of gaming grade on sensor detecting movement of track ball and realize outstanding pointer flattery characteristics.

The amount of product made in OMRON company durability Switch deployment It possesses high reliability and adopts Switch made in OMRON company with reputation in a feeling of click in the durability on right and left button and slowdown button.

[...]

※While we have you use, something like white powder may emerge to rubber part of mouse by sweat and oil. You do care diligently, and please use.
[...]
Output optical beam kind: Invisible wavelength area
The number of the buttons: We include five ※ wheel buttons
The number of the wheels: 1
Weight: We include approximately 154 g of ※ cables

※ Specifications may change without a notice, thank you for your understanding.

Valen · « **Reply #4 on:** Sun, 18 January 2015, 04:30:14 »

They do warn you about it on top of the page.

Quote: This page is translated using machine translation. Please note that the content may not be 100% accurate.

kaotikb · « **Reply #5 on:** Mon, 19 January 2015, 00:46:56 »

There is also this new sanwa trackball. I might pick one up at some point to try out.

http://www.sanwa.co.jp/product/syohin.asp?code=MA-WTB43BK

hanya · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 22 January 2015, 12:30:50 »

In Japanese local community, both M-XT1DRBK and M-XT1URBK have trouble on their balls, might be individual differences.
Some people say the mouse cursor jumping somewhere with the original ball. But it is not happen when the ball is swapped with the ball from M570.

MA-WTB43BK: automatic adjustment of the cursor speed on 800/1200/1600 cpi is not so good. Information from someone who bought it.

I do not have both of them, sorry.

vivalarevolución · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 22 January 2015, 15:50:47 »

Do these things work with both the trackball and moving the mouse around?

Valen · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 22 January 2015, 20:27:07 »

prdlm2009, it does not work like a mouse, it is just a track ball.
Someone mentioned in a review that it crashes unexpectedly and the only way to get it back is to restart Windows.

vivalarevolución · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 23 January 2015, 05:43:18 »

Quote from: Valen on Thu, 22 January 2015, 20:27:07

prdlm2009, it does not work like a mouse, it is just a track ball.
Someone mentioned in a review that it crashes unexpectedly and the only way to get it back is to restart Windows.

Does not sound like a great product.

Valen · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 27 January 2015, 21:27:06 »

Quote from: kaotikb on Mon, 19 January 2015, 00:46:56

There is also this new sanwa trackball. I might pick one up at some point to try out. http://www.sanwa.co.jp/product/syohin.asp?code=MA-WTB43BK

There is a review here and it does not look good. The ball is too small and it is not considered a defect by the manufacturer. I think that's what it says. There is a video too.
http://review.kakaku.com/review/K0000718558/ReviewCD=781527/MovieID=4121/
I think I will keep using my old and trusted Trackball Explorer until I can find a good modern trackball.

daerid · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 30 January 2015, 11:55:03 »

Thumb trackballs are the worst

MGH · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 30 January 2015, 13:33:29 »

Quote from: daerid on Fri, 30 January 2015, 11:55:03

Thumb trackballs are the worst

I've used both fingertip and thumb trackballs, and I like my thumb one more

Valen · « **Reply #13 on:** Sat, 21 March 2015, 01:36:24 »

Got it a few days ago and so far so good. I have heavy fingers so the buttons get actuated pretty often, and I am still not used to thumb trackballs, but they are both my problem. The trackball does not wake up instantly after switching it on but I can live with that.

Touch_It · « **Reply #14 on:** Sat, 21 March 2015, 05:49:54 »

Mmmm reminds me a bit of the Mx revolution. Loved that thing. Can someone explain to me the appeal of having s track ball on your mouse. I want to be in the know as I feel this is almost a "yo dog" type deal.

Symmetry · « **Reply #15 on:** Sat, 21 March 2015, 21:49:01 »

Quote from: Touch_It on Sat, 21 March 2015, 05:49:54

Mmmm reminds me a bit of the Mx revolution. Loved that thing. Can someone explain to me the appeal of having s track ball on your mouse. I want to be in the know as I feel this is almost a "yo dog" type deal.

Most thumb trackballs are simply shaped like a mouse, but don't have a sensor on the bottom as well.

Touch_It · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 21 March 2015, 21:49:48 »

Quote from: Symmetry on Sat, 21 March 2015, 21:49:01

Quote from: Touch_It on Sat, 21 March 2015, 05:49:54
Mmmm reminds me a bit of the Mx revolution. Loved that thing. Can someone explain to me the appeal of having s track ball on your mouse. I want to be in the know as I feel this is almost a "yo dog" type deal.
Most thumb trackballs are simply shaped like a mouse, but don't have a sensor on the bottom as well.

Gotcha. That makes sense lol. Thanks

kaotikb · « **Reply #17 on:** Sun, 22 March 2015, 10:31:09 »

Quote from: Valen on Sat, 21 March 2015, 01:36:24

Got it a few days ago and so far so good. I have heavy fingers so the buttons get actuated pretty often, and I am still not used to thumb trackballs, but they are both my problem. The trackball does not wake up instantly after switching it on but I can live with that.
Show Image

You can order the m570 ball from the logitech site when in stock. i think it tracks better then the black/grey ball

Valen · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 24 March 2015, 20:54:22 »

Now I regret getting the wireless version because it loses tracking for half a second randomly. It does not happen often but it is bothering me. I don't think it enters into sleep mode because it happens even when I am using it.

sethk_ · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 24 March 2015, 20:55:32 »

Quote from: Valen on Tue, 24 March 2015, 20:54:22

Now I regret getting the wireless version because it loses tracking for half a second randomly. It does not happen often but it is bothering me. I don't think it enters into sleep mode because it happens even when I am using it.

This was happening to me, maybe you could try cleaning the sensor with a qtip and some rubbing alcohol

Senthura · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 21 April 2015, 04:44:31 »

This mouse really interests me as a potential successor to the M570.
Trackballs are love. Trackballs are life. But only thumb trackballs.

hanya · « **Reply #21 on:** Thu, 10 September 2015, 02:35:52 »

Wireless type M-XT1DRBK is now limited to stock only in the web page of the product. It was marked as discontinued.
Wired type is not marked now.

knightjp · « **Reply #22 on:** Sun, 27 September 2015, 12:48:58 »

Quote from: Senthura on Tue, 21 April 2015, 04:44:31

This mouse really interests me as a potential successor to the M570.
Trackballs are love. Trackballs are life. But only thumb trackballs.

I just got my Logitech M570. I like the comfort of it. But I'm not too happy with the scroll wheel. It sounds like its scratching something and feels rigid. Not at all as smooth as the microsoft mouse it replaces.

hanya · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 09 October 2015, 05:48:30 »

This device will be have minor model change. And also elecom has plan to release forefinger type in this month, October.
From the page 7 in: http://www.elecom-catalog.jp/201510_PC/

kaotikb · « **Reply #24 on:** Sat, 17 October 2015, 06:38:54 »

I guess i might have to pick up the newer versions as well. I have stopped using my microsoft trackballs since this elecom is so comfortable to use

hanya · « **Reply #25 on:** Sat, 17 October 2015, 06:57:38 »

M-XT2 model has been saled in Japan today. But M-XT4DRBK (left handed thumb type, web only) is not yet on the shop.
M-XT3 does not have slow down switch but customizable switch at the same position is not yet come, maybe next month.
M-DT1 (forfinger type) would be started sale in next week or later.

SamirD · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 22 October 2015, 23:32:59 »

Seems interesting, but the reviews have to be really great before I try something different. I'm sold on the old Logitech Trackman wired.

building_an_ergo · « **Reply #27 on:** Sat, 14 November 2015, 22:50:21 »

I picked up an M-XT1DR when I saw it on sale at Yodobashi. Was great(especially the shape!) but had some major tracking issues.

Ended up getting an M570 when I was back in the states and it worked WAY BETTER.

I saw Elecom released an update version, the M-XT3DR, so I picked it up. The third button no longer slows the cursor, but instead is programmable through their software (funnily enough, the software doesn't have an option to program it to track slower). It still has major tracking issues. The cursor tends to "skip" and the ball feels very tacky. When I try to move the ball on my M570 it just glides, on the M-XT3 it tends to jump when it starts to move. I have tried cleaning and lubing the bearings, but it made very little difference. It is better with the M570 ball, but still pretty bad. Nowhere as smooth as the M570.

I would definatelly NOT RECOMMEND an elecom trackball. It is really a shame, because besides the tracking issues, they are the perfect mouse.

Waateva · « **Reply #28 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 09:41:51 »

Hmmm, I haven't used a trackball since middle school. Are there advantages over a regular mouse?

tronbeaver · « **Reply #29 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 09:47:13 »

Trackballs allow you to use less desk space.

davkol · « **Reply #30 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 17:29:34 »

@building_an_ergo Have you tried the elecom with a logitech ball?

Quote from: Waateva on Sun, 15 November 2015, 09:41:51

Hmmm, I haven't used a trackball since middle school. Are there advantages over a regular mouse?

Have you tried STFW instead of posting an off-topic question? There are dozens of threads about that topic.

Waateva · « **Reply #31 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 19:59:31 »

Quote from: davkol on Sun, 15 November 2015, 17:29:34

@building_an_ergo Have you tried the elecom with a logitech ball?

Quote from: Waateva on Sun, 15 November 2015, 09:41:51
Hmmm, I haven't used a trackball since middle school. Are there advantages over a regular mouse?
Have you tried STFW instead of posting an off-topic question? There are dozens of threads about that topic.

Sorry, just thought of it while reading the thread. I have my answer and will move along now.

building_an_ergo · « **Reply #32 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 20:06:19 »

Quote from: davkol on Sun, 15 November 2015, 17:29:34

@building_an_ergo Have you tried the elecom with a logitech ball?

Yes it is an improvement.

On the X-MT1 it is still unusable.

On the X-MT3 is it ALMOST usable, but the ball catches. I think the fit isn't as good as the older model.

davkol · « **Reply #33 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 07:45:16 »

Thanks.

rjpwilliams · « **Reply #34 on:** Mon, 11 April 2016, 09:32:43 »

I recently bought the left-handed Elecom EX-6 trackerball. Why? For years I have used the Logitech M570 trackerball. I find that cursor movement is so much easier using a thumbwheel than anything else that I have found, and may well be saving me from mouse related RSI. However, I'm right-handed and have recently found that my right thumb is beginning to get a bit tired particularly when using the trackerball, so my solution was to buy a left-handed trackerball.
The Elecom is about the same size as the Logitech and they both seem to fit my hands ok (male hands, large but not very large), the Elecom ball does seem a bit less smooth - this may be because its new, having had several new trackerballs and replacement balls, they sometimes take a bit to bed in. The low-high setting buttons do seem to offer more than the Logitech but that can be done using the Logitech mouse settings. The real downside, I have not found a manual in English for the EX-6.

In summary, thumb wheel trackerballs are wonderful, wouldn't use anything else, but, thumbs can wear out just like wrists! Anyone know of a UK supplier that will sell me a replacement Logitech ball? - the places that I've bought from before seem to have disappeared.

Bucake · « **Reply #35 on:** Mon, 11 April 2016, 10:30:04 »

interested in trying this one out, but i noticed that there are 3 versions of the wired one:
the M-XT1URBK,
the M-XT2URBK,
and M-XT3URBK.
i see that M4 and M5 of the XT1 are different from the other two.
anyone know what other differences there are? I assume that XT2 and XT3 have differences as well, but i can't find anything..

also, anyone care to share his/her opinion of the Sanwa MA-TB39?
or maybe the Sanwa MA-TB44?
edit: nevermind. it looks like they have hardware acceleration, which i don't like.

cryptokey · « **Reply #36 on:** Mon, 11 April 2016, 10:39:16 »

Happy user of Kensington Expert mouse here, if you are willing to try full-hand trackballs.

AceRuckus · « **Reply #37 on:** Thu, 12 May 2016, 02:13:13 »

Was looking at buying my first trackball mouse and Elecom seemed to be a good one. Are these particular types of mice good for any specific computer task? Like coding by any chance? The ergonomic design seems great for graphic designers for the long term.

davkol · « **Reply #38 on:** Mon, 22 August 2016, 14:24:39 »

bump

From what I've gathered, the differences between XT1, XT2, XT3 and XT4 are following:

XT1 = original version
XT2 = update of XT1, changes gliders to ruby (should be smoother)
XT3 = update of XT2, allows remapping the ring-finger button (instead of speed slowdown modifier)
XT4 = left-handed version of XT3

Corrections are welcome.

I have the XT2 generation. My impressions are following:

The shape is controversial, because the chassis is *tall*. Like, really tall relative to width. I highly recommend additional wrist support kind of like with Kensington Expert. Otherwise, it's wide and aggressively sculpted, which makes it more comfortable than M570 IMHO.
Button layout is similar to M570—I'm not too happy about the back/forward button position—except there's an extra ring-finger button, which is good in theory. In practice, all buttons use proper, rather soft switches (upgrade from M570), but I tend to press the ring-finger button by accident (remapping in XT3/XT4 is a step forward, probably).
The wheel is four-direction, tactile and overall a big improvement over M570, except its mounting is a wobbly, squeaky mess: a huge disappointment… I hope I got a dud. It could have been a bit wider too; I could live without side scrolling.
The ball rolls smoothly (ruby gliders!), but tracking is a bit messy. M570 ball is a significant improvement (whereas XT2 ball in M570 is a slow, slippery ordeal). I'm using 100ppi screens and 1500 cpi is too much for my tastes, while 750 cpi is okay, but I'd prefer something in between. I sometimes wonder, why the cursor is so slow—the aforementioned accidental ring-finger clicks in action.
Assembly quality is decent (but the wheel!). Primary matte metal-like surface is neat. I wish the ball surroundings weren't aggressively glossy though. Rubber on the bottom side is very effective.

News:

Author Topic: Elecom track ball M-XT1DRBK (Read 35230 times)