geekhack Community > Input Devices
Microsoft Trackball Explorer vs Kensington Expert vs Elecom HUGE.
knightjp:
--- Quote from: YALE70 on Sun, 16 March 2025, 20:52:47 ---Now that I've started using the Sanwa, I do actually have a few gripes about it now. Firstly, Sanwa decided to keep the same default layout as the MTE, so right click is on the thumb cluster instead of your ring finger.
--- End quote ---
I didn't know that was the standard layout for the MTE. Makes me wonder why do users hold it in such high regard then?
Being in Dubai, trackballs are not common, unlike gaming mice. So most people over here don't even have a clue. The only trackballs I've seen in tech shops are Logitech M570 and Trackman marble FX. My knowledge only comes from watching reviews on Youtube and posts on here.
YALE70:
It's the shape and lasting compatibility with modern systems. The layout is easily reconfigurable with the software otherwise.
I still don't get why Microsoft went with that mapping. AFAIK Logitech had been using the right click on ring finger on their fingertip trackballs long before the MTE. In my opinion that feels way more natural - closer to a traditional mouse with right click under the middle finger.
Stupidface:
--- Quote from: knightjp on Mon, 17 March 2025, 04:12:54 ---Being in Dubai, trackballs are not common, unlike gaming mice. So most people over here don't even have a clue. The only trackballs I've seen in tech shops are Logitech M570 and Trackman marble FX.
--- End quote ---
I wanted to check: d'you mean to say they are still offering these:
...in Dubai?
I have something of an interest in Logitech products from that era*, so I hope you won't blame a chap for enquiring about further particulars.
*"That era" being an ellipsis of "back when peripheral manufacturers actually gave a monkey's about build quality."
knightjp:
--- Quote from: Stupidface on Fri, 14 November 2025, 05:33:50 ---I have something of an interest in Logitech products from that era*, so I hope you won't blame a chap for enquiring about further particulars.
*"That era" being an ellipsis of "back when peripheral manufacturers actually gave a monkey's about build quality."
--- End quote ---
I hear you about the quality.
The trackman Marble FX I'm referring to is this one.
After seeing the video of Eric S Raymond on the Tech Syndicate youtube channel, and his logitech thumball, I decided to get one of them for myself. Obviously it had to be an ebay item shipped from the US.
avareed:
I’ve tried all three at different times, and each one shines in a slightly different way. The Microsoft Trackball Explorer still feels amazing for a thumb trackball, very natural grip and easy flicks, but it’s harder to find now and of course it’s an older wired device. The Kensington Expert is great if you like using your fingers on a big ball, and the scroll ring is a huge plus for long documents or browsing. The Elecom HUGE sits somewhere in between for me: more buttons and features than the Explorer, more “gamer / power user” style than the Kensington, but it takes a bit of time to get used to its size.
If I had to sum it up:
Comfort / nostalgia: Trackball Explorer
Productivity and scrolling: Kensington Expert
Customization and buttons: Elecom HUGE
In the end, hand size and whether you prefer thumb or finger operation matter more than specs on paper. If possible, try the shape first, because that decides everything.
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