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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: bigpook on Tue, 07 December 2010, 07:52:43
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Just saw this and thought I would share.
(http://i.imgur.com/GLiLM.png)
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I like it. Where did you see that?
My RSI pain has receded, I think because of:
1. Sliding keyboard trays, nice and low, at home and at work
2. Trackballs, full time
3. No more coffee. It's relaxing :D
4. Less sure this matters... Started holding my hands in the air over the keyboard, instead of resting them on a palm rest. This encourages you to rest your hands off the keyboard between thoughts, instead of keeping them frozen tensely in place.
A Kensington Expert Mouse v7 has been my daily for a few months and probably will be for a long time.
I could not get used to the shape of the CST trackball. Too much dorsiflexion, if you use it without a palm rest. The odd shape of the CST prevents you from using it with a palm rest. I tried a bunch of wacky things but none worked, not really. Boo.
The KEM is ergonomic out of the box, the included wrist rest is pretty much a perfect shape.
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I've always thought the mouse was a pretty dumb idea - ever since I first used one in 1985. Trackballs are way better. You don't have to hold your hand like a cramped claw. You can use any finger to roll a trackball. You don't have to lift the thing to reposition or reserve desk space for rolling room. You don't need a stupid small scroll wheel. A trackball can act like a big comfortable scroll wheel.
I only use trackballs on my computers (not the stupid small "mouse" trackballs - the big balls). I've liked trackballs ever since I first tried one in 1980 - on the Centipede arcade game.
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I like trackballs better than trackpads, but that's not saying much, because trackpads ARE THE DEVIL. I find trackballs pretty useless for gaming and anything that requires speed or precision. Then again, I don't have any RSI problems.
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I agree with this in theory, but in practice I have always felt that I had better control when using a mouse. Perhaps that is just a result of using one every day for years and years. I keep a Kensigton Expert Mouse around for those times when I feel the itch.
One issue I have with trackballs - I find it annoyingly difficult to press the buttons on it without giggling the trackball somewhat. That's a big deal when I'm playing Starcraft or an FPS, to the point of rendering the game unplayable. Maybe it just takes practice.
Anything is better than a trackpad, in any case. Satan designed those.
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It boggles the mind that more FPS gamers don't use trackballs exclusively.
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I like it. Where did you see that?
reddit (http://www.reddit.com/r/gadgets/comments/ehjdb/people_always_give_me_grief_about_my_trackball/)
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One issue I have with trackballs - I find it annoyingly difficult to press the buttons on it without giggling the trackball somewhat.
Try binding unused keyboard keys to pointer buttons. Avoids the jiggling issue. Also you will sound like you're working when you're just browsing GH.
I never used left shift, left control, or left alt so those became left, middle, and right pointer buttons.
No idea how to do that in Windows; my CST review has a little howto for Linux.
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I've used trackballs exclusively for 20 years now. The main advantage to me has always been, they don't require desk space, or a desk to use them, so you can use them reclining in a big comfy chair, or even in bed.
The main problem that people have using a trackball these days is that most trackballs now are 10 years old and use low dpi sensors. The TBE is probably the greatest trackball ever made, but only uses an 800 dpi sensor, so it's fairly low resolution and kind of imprecise on modern size desktops. You can see that if you ever try to draw with one, the line is super jagged. That's one of the reasons I made my gaming trackball mods.
There's also the issue that they usually require more maintenance if they don't have rotating points, which most people are clueless about, so after a month or even a week or two as a result of dust, the trackball becomes difficult to use, and they throw it away. Even the designers and sellers in many cases don't anticipate the wear of points and the degradation of experience, which adds to the difficulty of using them.
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I've used trackballs exclusively for 20 years now. The main advantage to me has always been, they don't require desk space, or a desk to use them, so you can use them reclining in a big comfy chair, or even in bed. The main problem that people have using a trackball these days is that most trackballs now are 10 years old and use low dpi sensors. The TBE is probably the greatest trackball ever made, but only uses an 800 dpi sensor, so it's fairly low resolution and kind of imprecise on modern size desktops. You can see that if you ever try to draw with one, the line is super jagged. That's one of the reasons I made my gaming trackball mods.
Most of the pointing devices I use (trackballs, laser mice, and even mechanical mice) work great without a desk. I use my mice on the armrest of my chair all the time.
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Most of the pointing devices I use (trackballs, laser mice, and even mechanical mice) work great without a desk. I use my mice on the armrest of my chair all the time.
Depends on the kind of comfy chair you have, and how big the arm rest is. They're definitely more difficult to use than a trackball that doesn't require movement over a surface.
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#1 comment on Reddit.
I joined the 50 others in upvoting it.
I used to use a trackball to fps game exclusively, but switched to a wacom tablet for that. It works fine and actually has some advantage because you don't have limits really like you do with a mouse. In a turning close in fight you can spin around an opponent and catch him because he may only be able to spin 3 times, where you don't have that limit. The main key to using a trackball to fps game with is being able to adjust the resolution and polling on the fly, so you have sensitivity depending on the situation. Without that it's more difficult and you have to find the exact right butter zone in the sensitivity control in the mouse properties, which can be difficult. I use a trackball as well still today to play games like fallout and it still works great. I almost never use VATS.
A trackball has uses in games, depending on the game, for instance it's actually a great alternative to a joystick believe it or not. I use my trackball to control aircraft and choppers in Warrrock which doesn't work with joysticks. I have precise control, even better I would say than I would have with a joystick. If you use a mouse to control an aircraft you have a limit that you hit in turning fights which is a great disadvantage.
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The person in that drawing has HUGE hands.
There's only one thing that I can do better with a mouse than a trackball, but sadly it seems to be very important for gaming: clicking and dragging.
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reddit (http://www.reddit.com/r/gadgets/comments/ehjdb/people_always_give_me_grief_about_my_trackball/)
So much ignorance on that thread. Most of the people keep going in circles with the same trackballs, I bet not one of them knows about higher-end trackballs, it's always logitech/Microsoft.
Hilarious the fact they said not one pro plays quake or unreal with a trackball. Some of the first quake/Unreal hell for other games as well, those pros were trackball users. Even the combined systems like panther XL (http://assassin3d.squarespace.com/), were considered (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xqw7d0aHfo) trackballs.
I still think most of the anti-trackball comes from gaming or at least the lack of a gaming capable trackball. No matter what it seems that is the case for a lot of products popularity. It doesn't matter how unergonomic, it doesn't matter how much RSI you can get from using a mouse people will still use a mouse. Like in that thread most don't know any better and don't bother to research any better.
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So much ignorance on that thread. Most of the people keep going in circles with the same trackballs, I bet not one of them knows about higher-end trackballs, it's always logitech/Microsoft.
Hilarious the fact they said not one pro plays quake or unreal with a trackball. Some of the first quake/Unreal hell for other games as well, those pros were trackball users. Even the combined systems like panther XL (http://assassin3d.squarespace.com/), were considered (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xqw7d0aHfo) trackballs.
I still think most of the anti-trackball comes from gaming or at least the lack of a gaming capable trackball. No matter what it seems that is the case for a lot of products popularity. It doesn't matter how unergonomic, it doesn't matter how much RSI you can get from using a mouse people will still use a mouse. Like in that thread most don't know any better and don't bother to research any better.
What's a "gaming capable" trackball, and how would it be different from a normal trackball? Other than silly paint and LEDs.
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What's a "gaming capable" trackball, and how would it be different from a normal trackball? Other than silly paint and LEDs.
A much better engine capable of taking more snapshots of the surface of the ball for more accurate movements. Capable of withstanding high Gs of forces when moving; some people are capable of flicking their mouse hard enough to register almost 3 meters/s, I wouldn't be surprised if some are flicking the ball on their trackball and hitting the max tracking speed with barely any effort. In particular to higher DPI especially wanted in trackball. And the capability to change the polling rate.
Just like how the mouse has been improved over the years the same benefits for the trackball.
And just because a mouse is seen to you as a "paint and LEDs" doesn't make it silly. Are there gimmicky gaming mice out there yes but there are also some who have proven to be excellent peripherals.
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I found a video of a guy playing Counter Strike with a Logitech Trackball Marble Mouse:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NUJIuh6AxA&feature=related
So I actually think that trackball will not be that bad for gaming but anyways i will tell you this week I hope when I receive my new M570
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This guy as well (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-ymhj8q5N4)
You can tell there's some points were he loses control for just a tiny moment but that might be inherent with the trackball.
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Err, my statement wasn't a dig on mice or gaming mice, just the gimmicky ones which we both know of.
It sounds like there's a chicken and egg problem - most gamers will buy what's popular, and what's popular are gaming mice. And then the top gamers will be the ones who grew up using gaming mice, not trackballs. Those top gamers are used as sponsors for... gaming mice.
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A much better engine capable of taking more snapshots of the surface of the ball for more accurate movements. Capable of withstanding high Gs of forces when moving; some people are capable of flicking their mouse hard enough to register almost 3 meters/s, I wouldn't be surprised if some are flicking the ball on their trackball and hitting the max tracking speed with barely any effort. In particular to higher DPI especially wanted in trackball. And the capability to change the polling rate.
Just like how the mouse has been improved over the years the same benefits for the trackball.
And just because a mouse is seen to you as a "paint and LEDs" doesn't make it silly. Are there gimmicky gaming mice out there yes but there are also some who have proven to be excellent peripherals.
On the fly variable dpi up to 4000+, programmable macro 5+ buttons. Buttons positioned so that you can actuate two or more at the same time and still have full control and manipulate the trackball.
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I couldn't get used to a trackball for gaming (Marble Madness and other such games designed specifically around trackballs excluded). That's why I sold my CH DT225 USB, which actually was bought partially with gaming in mind (to integrate with the Fighterstick and Pro Pedals I also used to have, all with the Control Manager).
The problem I have is that with a mouse, I make a quick flick to the desired area of the screen in under a tenth of a second, and then fine-tune it from there. With a trackball, there generally isn't enough surface area for me to do that without ramping up the sensitivity to ludicrous, uncontrollable levels or letting inertia carry the cursor there...while the enemy just shot you in the face.
On the other hand, that rolling inertia is exactly why it works better for Marble Madness and such in the first place.
I used to use a trackball to fps game exclusively, but switched to a wacom tablet for that. It works fine and actually has some advantage because you don't have limits really like you do with a mouse.
Wait, what? Something tells me you aren't using the bundled mouse, or the pen in pen mode for that matter (which relies on absolute coordinates whereas games rely on relative coordinates, so putting the pen within range of the tablet results in spazzed-out mouse input). I really want to know how you got it to work out.
A trackball has uses in games, depending on the game, for instance it's actually a great alternative to a joystick believe it or not. I use my trackball to control aircraft and choppers in Warrrock which doesn't work with joysticks. I have precise control, even better I would say than I would have with a joystick. If you use a mouse to control an aircraft you have a limit that you hit in turning fights which is a great disadvantage.
Let's see how well that trackball holds out in IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 or DCS: Black Shark...I honestly want to know if you'd fare better off with a trackball over a joystick in those titles.
It probably works out better in games with simplified flight models, where it's largely "point, fly, and shoot", but when you have to worry about the aircraft twitching about because it's on the edge of a stall or you're just handling it too roughly, and you don't know whether you've hit max deflection on a given axis or not...then again, I suppose that if you put your finger in the center of the trackball, never reposition it, and just move it 'til your finger hits the edges of the trackball base, you'd get a good approximation. (No centering force, though, for better or for worse.)
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I haven't tried using a trackball in a full on flight sim yet as I haven't played any in the last few years as no good titles have come out. Do you know one? It's true that War Rock has a flight control system that is simplified, and the control surfaces on the jets and choppers return to zero if no input is detected. The speed that the mouse or trackball is moved is what defines how fast you turn and how much the control surface is deflected. That would probably be the difference. I'm not sure if that's true with a normal sim, or if that would be able to be set. Probably if they don't return to zero though I imagine it might make it easier to control...the key would be to just create a spot on the trackball with a piece of rubber or something, and it would work exactly as a joystick in that case.
Wacom tablets have mouse mode for pens which allows relative positioning.
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That's why I suspected you weren't using the pen in pen mode. Mouse mode would get around that, but it still wouldn't feel quite right to me. (Then again, I suppose it would look kind of like poking your foe in the face with the pen as you tap it down onto the tablet surface for a kill...)
And you're saying that no good flight sims have come out in the last few years? IL-2 would probably be old to you, but DCS: Black Shark and A-10C Warthog (still in beta) are definitely recent sims in my eyes...and, yes, they're full-on flight sims for the hardcore of the hardcore. I personally wouldn't want to imagine using the clickable cockpit without a TrackIR...
...oh, yeah, if you're using your trackball to control the aircraft in lieu of the joystick, how are you going to toggle all of those switches when needed? Keyboard shortcuts?
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Yeah, a nostromo should work. Also my gaming trackball is based on a lachesis and has 4 customizable buttons, in addition to the right and left click and dpi switching. I'll look up dcs black shark.
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Honestly those videos of the QLive and CounterStrike looked extremely stiff, they were basically aiming with the the keyboard by strafing and only having a general direction with the pointing device. They are not able to do a quick 180 turn or any direct aim it seems.
Mice for FPS are perfect in my opinion...
And what about the 2nd illustration in the picture? I've never seen anyone using the middle finger for the mouse3 since the mousewheel was invented
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Who uses his arm and shoulder for precision aiming with a mouse?
Fancy pictures do not a legitimate argument make.
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I fricken' hate mice!!!! Trackball all-day everyday, even for gaming.
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Who uses his arm and shoulder for precision aiming with a mouse?
It's the entire bases of medium-to-low-sensitivity gaming.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FD3_T6N20A&hd=1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FD3_T6N20A&hd=1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hBJjRguDsI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hBJjRguDsI)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlqJlUqz-hA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlqJlUqz-hA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW5rmOiKoy0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW5rmOiKoy0)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M9SvDlCi_Y (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M9SvDlCi_Y)
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So much ignorance on that thread. Most of the people keep going in circles with the same trackballs, I bet not one of them knows about higher-end trackballs, it's always logitech/Microsoft.
Hilarious the fact they said not one pro plays quake or unreal with a trackball. Some of the first quake/Unreal hell for other games as well, those pros were trackball users. Even the combined systems like panther XL (http://assassin3d.squarespace.com/), were considered (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xqw7d0aHfo) trackballs.
I still think most of the anti-trackball comes from gaming or at least the lack of a gaming capable trackball. No matter what it seems that is the case for a lot of products popularity. It doesn't matter how unergonomic, it doesn't matter how much RSI you can get from using a mouse people will still use a mouse. Like in that thread most don't know any better and don't bother to research any better.
Most "hardcore" FPS gamers are treading water in a huge ocean of groupthink, so you're not going to see many of them up for "new" ideas (despite the trackball predating the mouse).
I think you're right about the lack of "modern" gaming capable* trackballs causing most to not even consider using one, but I can understand why manufacturers don't bother making one when such a "radical" new idea is likely to be rejected with cries of "LOL ***!" by the very demographic it attempts to woo. It's a circle of defeat.
* By "gaming capable" I don't mean "gussied up with a bunch of gratuitous LEDs and shiny crap, and named Deathmasta Eviscerator 9000 XL Double Extreme Edition". I mean something capable of high resolution and accurate high-speed tracking.
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Honestly those videos of the QLive and CounterStrike looked extremely stiff, they were basically aiming with the the keyboard by strafing and only having a general direction with the pointing device. They are not able to do a quick 180 turn or any direct aim it seems.
Mice for FPS are perfect in my opinion...
That's one of the reasons I don't think thumb operated trackballs, or smaller diameter trackballs for gaming. You pretty much need a high sensitivity to do a quick 180, which makes your regular movements more jerky.
I won't try to talk anybody out of using a mouse if that's what they like, but with a good trackball, I don't think you're handicapped versus a mouse.
Unfortunately, good trackballs are hard to find.
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Unfortunately, good trackballs are hard to find.
What is good? I have been using a kensington slimblade for the past year with no problems. Its a great trackball and don't see myself changing it out for something else but I don't game with it. While I don't game on the pc anymore, when I did, I used a regular mouse.
What are/were the great gaming trackballs?
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I received my M570 2 days ago and I have to admit that's using a trackball it's fantastic.
In desktop usage I prefer it over the mouse and I play many games with it doing it better than with the mouse but mainly in shooter games I still use my Kinzu. Playing Bad Company 2 with the Trackball when using Helicopters it's so nice and more easy than with the mouse or keyboard only.
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if trackballs are this awesome i might consider it
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Trackballs have a low-volume manufacturing run, meaning the good ones (Kensington, Microsoft) are expensive.
Recently the best value in trackballs are refurbished Logitech Trackman Marble models. Unfortunately we bought them all up and they're back up to the $25 range, close to the price of new ones (which has also gone up).
Where I can, though, I use Kensington Expert Mouse 64325. About once a year it gets down to $60 after rebate.
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What is good? I have been using a kensington slimblade for the past year with no problems. Its a great trackball and don't see myself changing it out for something else but I don't game with it. While I don't game on the pc anymore, when I did, I used a regular mouse.
What are/were the great gaming trackballs?
Funny you should mention that, because I just got a Slimblade yesterday, and spend a good portion of last night testing it out.
There's a lot I like about it, but it's showing the problem I've seen in other laser devices in that there seems to be built-in acceleration. It's not as noticable as with the CST L-Trac, but it's definitely there and it gives movement an imprecise "floaty" feel. I think this is just the way that the laser sensors deals with difficulty with high speed tracking, and I think they have difficulty tracking a completely smooth surface, despite what the marketing hype would have you believe. This makes it a bad choice for gaming, for me.
Yeah, I know, I'm too damn picky.
You can go to gaming forums and find people objectively testing and reporting on the minutiae of optical sensors in gaming mice, trying to find the one that most accurately translates movements to data, but gripe about how there's still no trackball out there that can track high speed/high resolution on par with a good gaming mouse, and you're some sort of obsessive weirdo.
Currently, I still use a CH DT225 for gaming. Though it's using old-fashioned opto-mechanical sensors, and it's too low resolution for normal desktop use, it never fails to solidly track my movement. Also, it's built like a freakin' HumVee.
I think what I'd really like to see is a higher resolution version of the DT225, with a scroll wheel mounted on it. I'd also like a pony, and free ice cream for the rest of my life.
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can't we just mod a modern day gaming mouse (at least 1500 dpi) into a trackball? i smell research!
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I prefer the mouse because it has less momentum. Trackballs tend to have a ton of momentum so constantly stopping and rolling the trackball can get tiring in games like CS:S. Mice may not be the best ergonomically but they are are maneuverable.
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can't we just mod a modern day gaming mouse (at least 1500 dpi) into a trackball? i smell research!
Apparently so: http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=259326&postcount=28 (http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=259326&postcount=28)
Not sure if he's got a thread or wiki with more info though.
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Honestly those videos of the QLive and CounterStrike looked extremely stiff, they were basically aiming with the the keyboard by strafing and only having a general direction with the pointing device. They are not able to do a quick 180 turn or any direct aim it seems.
Mice for FPS are perfect in my opinion...
And what about the 2nd illustration in the picture? I've never seen anyone using the middle finger for the mouse3 since the mousewheel was invented
+1, my thoughts exactly.
This type of play may work in those games though, especially CS 1.6 (where you basically have to fire in the general direction of the target anyway). I'd like to see some impressive kills in CS:S.
Actually, I'm not sure if I'd really use a frag video when deciding whether or not to use a trackball for gaming.
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Apparently so: http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=259326&postcount=28 (http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=259326&postcount=28)
Not sure if he's got a thread or wiki with more info though.
i found it!
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=7536 (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=7536)
Chimera15 is there an update?
I think i'll try something like this too (don't know if i want to take on 2 mods at once tho) But i can't get the thought out of modding a trackball, would seem cool!
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Trackballs are better?
Yes .
4. Less sure this matters... Started holding my hands in the air over the keyboard, instead of resting them on a palm rest. This encourages you to rest your hands off the keyboard between thoughts, instead of keeping them frozen tensely in place.
I'm pretty sure that's a MAJOR part of it !
A low keyboard-tray just makes it easier ..
People were taught that hand-positioning back in the old days
when typewriters were mechanical devices .
Or try and rest your hands on the piano during lessons
and see how fast you get a slap !!
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I am not sure whether this thread is about trackballs being better in gaming or in general. The former I don't know and don't care, but for the latter my preference goes to the Slimblade - I am really satisfied with it as a pointing device. In the beginning was using it with a corner of the wrist pad, but then I realized it works better for me without one and slightly angled with respect to the keyboard.
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I loves my CST L-TracX. Feels vastly better than my Logitech. I'm not a gamer though, so I can't say anything about that, but being able to use my fine motor skills better with the trackball than the mouse is a bonus.
And, you know, the billiard ball is slick looking.
Plus, the switchable DPI is nice. If only I could get it stay at 1600 (my preferred speed for usual movement). Whenever it gets unplugged and replugged, it goes back to 800. I admit, many gaming mice have this ability as well. But it's still nice.
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If only I could get it stay at 1600 (my preferred speed for usual movement). Whenever it gets unplugged and replugged, it goes back to 800.
Turns out that the L-Trac-X I bought defaults to 1600 =)
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Weird, mine definitely defaults to 800. 400 -> 800 -> 1600 -> 3200 is how it goes. At least according to the documentation. Maybe it's 8,16,24,32?
Whatever it is, I want the 3rd level. I thought that was 1600, but I could be wrong. The docs it came with say one thing, everywhere else it says something different.
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Weird, mine definitely defaults to 800. 400 -> 800 -> 1600 -> 3200 is how it goes. At least according to the documentation. Maybe it's 8,16,24,32?
Whatever it is, I want the 3rd level. I thought that was 1600, but I could be wrong. The docs it came with say one thing, everywhere else it says something different.
If I read right no led = 400, red = 800, green = 1600, and amber = 3200
Mine will always start at green, I might just not know what the LED means though xD
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i bought an old ass kensington trackball (the 2 1/4 kind) and i'm gonna mod it with a deathaddler!
i hate you trackball ppl, you got me rolling with ideas.
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Maybe the HHKB3 or the HHKB 2024 Anniversary edition will remove the DIP switches.
Blasphemy, I tell you. Get the infidel out of the holy place.
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two questions please. i am pretty intrested in a trackball as my wrist hurts like a mf.
are trackballs equivelant to a mouse in the sense of dpi? i do precision work and my mouse must be on 1500dpi to be right for me on a 22" display.
does this translate to a trackball. or is a 800 dpi trackball equivelant?
if it is equivelant, please name a top of the line trackball i can get at a well known retailer. like new egg,tiger direct,cdw,best buy etc. i only shop at those places.
thanks
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Does anyone know if CST Lasertrac is available anywhere from Europe? I wouldn't want to pay customs fee because of ordering from outside of EU.
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oops, i just realised the g500 is set at 2400 dpi all this time! i am rather amazed i am using it that fast. from side to side of the 22" lcd i move it about 1 1/2 inch.
i guess a trackball is not going to give me that type of precision. however i am convinced they are a lot more comfortable. i think i will get one for coding and internet and use the mouse for autocad and photoshop.
is the kensington expert ok? i can't seem to find anything better at best buy or tiger direct. i would prefer a trackball with a laser if i could get one at a big store.
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can't we just mod a modern day gaming mouse (at least 1500 dpi) into a trackball? i smell research!
I'm actually looking into the possibility of replacing the sensor of a Kensington Expert Mouse with a much faster/higher-res sensor (like the one used by the MX518), but it may end up being beyond my limited time, budget, and motivation.
DPI is kinda weird with Trackballs. Logitech and Kensington just don't like to talk about it.
But yeah, I'd say if you use 1500dpi on your mouse you're gonna need a pretty high speed trackball >1000dpi and unfortunately other than the CST Lasertrak my guestimate is the average Logitech/Kensington is in the 800 range.
The sensor used by the Expert Mouse is 800 dpi, and I'm pretty sure Logitech uses the same one (Avago ADNS-2051). The Slimblade is all lasery and stuff. I don't know what sensor it uses, but in comparison to the Expert Mouse, I'd guess it's about 1000 dpi.
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I'm actually looking into the possibility of replacing the sensor of a Kensington Expert Mouse with a much faster/higher-res sensor (like the one used by the MX518), but it may end up being beyond my limited time, budget, and motivation.
The sensor used by the Expert Mouse is 800 dpi, and I'm pretty sure Logitech uses the same one (Avago ADNS-2051). The Slimblade is all lasery and stuff. I don't know what sensor it uses, but in comparison to the Expert Mouse, I'd guess it's about 1000 dpi.
i tried tracking a ball with my deathaddler 3g, doesn't work so well, i might have to go with a twin eye. Note this was a "mouse ball" i don't have the trackbgall in yet, and i don't play pool so i don't have a spare cue ball around.
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i tried tracking a ball with my deathaddler 3g, doesn't work so well, i might have to go with a twin eye. Note this was a "mouse ball" i don't have the trackbgall in yet, and i don't play pool so i don't have a spare cue ball around.
You're probably going to have problems with it tracking anything smooth and unmarked, e.g. pool balls. Even the twin eye would have problems.
Laser sensors might work a bit better, but as evidenced by the CST, they're not all *that* great with smooth unmarked surfaces, either.
That's the problem with optical trackballs. Optical sensors work by tracking the change of the position of surface details, and by nature a trackball has to be smooth. That's why all the ball for optical trackballs have a pattern or sparkles or something on the ball that gives it visible features for the sensor to track when light is bounced off it.
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My CST has a glossy black ball. The Kensingtons do as well, when I looked at them. Maybe not as gloss as the CST, but still not patterned.
And actually, the CST tracks the glossy black better than it does the old fashioned 12 ball I sometimes use. I think it's the multipiece construction on the billiard ball that does it. The piece boundaries sometimes cause the cursor to jump.
But as for the ball it came with, it's spot on. All the time. And it's SUPER GLOSSY.
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As I said, it's a very old ball, with a multi-piece construction. Basically, where the 12 is, there are very faint edges. And from what I recall from my physics degree, edges tend to diffract light, which would result in occasional jumps.
It's really only this one ball that does it. I just think it looks the best of all the pool balls I have. I tend to swap back and forth between the default ball and this 12.
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Have you considered giving your balls a Male Brazillian? (not that I've tried it).
You need some big blue balls:
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:s9wS9NL-ktzgCM:http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL699/2583063/5137917/81929438.jpg&t=1)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=11759&stc=1&d=1279303188)
(http://www.geeks.com/imageshare/S/150x150/SPACEBALL-4000FLX-unit.gif)
(http://inaps.org/static/pools/mulo_du_futur/souris_trackball_ibm_3.png)
Gumby is watching you ripster:
(http://www.focusedaudio.com/articles/images/clipPOST_89_RetGumbyClient.jpg)