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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: Sugoi on Wed, 13 April 2011, 09:06:40

Title: Question regarding "Kensington Slimblade Trackball"
Post by: Sugoi on Wed, 13 April 2011, 09:06:40
Hello guys!

I recently got the Kensington Slimblade Trackball. I like it quite much but there is one big problem. When using the scroll function the trackball makes a (faint) clicky noise, which if I find very annoying.

Do you possibly know if it's possible to switch that off?


If that is not possible, what other non-wireless trackball would you consider as a good alternative?

Thanks a lot for your help in advance.
Title: Question regarding "Kensington Slimblade Trackball"
Post by: woody on Wed, 13 April 2011, 13:45:31
Quote from: Sugoi;329961
Do you possibly know if it's possible to switch that off?

By software - dunno. But if you're brave enough, you can screw the warranty and open it - there is something that produces the sound. Just disconnect it.

It's an aural feedback for scroll, which I find very helpful.
Title: Question regarding "Kensington Slimblade Trackball"
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 13 April 2011, 13:54:02
I also have the slimblade, IIRC the clicky sound you  here is not mechanical in nature, it is done via software(?).

I am running linux, and I also hear the clicking sound when I scroll. I remember reading somewhere that this is by design. Kensington is 'providing' audible feedback to scrolling.
Title: Question regarding "Kensington Slimblade Trackball"
Post by: woody on Wed, 13 April 2011, 13:55:25
Quote from: bigpook;330114
I also have the slimblade, IIRC the clicky sound you  here is not mechanical in nature, it is done via software(?).

Yes, it's produced by the MCU inside.
Try with the trackball unpowered if unsure.
Title: Question regarding "Kensington Slimblade Trackball"
Post by: Sugoi on Wed, 13 April 2011, 17:55:50
Mhh, the clicky noise is only audible when the trackball is powered. Too bad that this feature apparently can't be disabled without screwing the warranty.

While it's surely helpful to some it does drive me nuts. x__X Gonna return it.
Thanks a lot for responses anyways. ^_^
Title: Question regarding "Kensington Slimblade Trackball"
Post by: woody on Thu, 14 April 2011, 04:35:31
For me, they have the perfect sound. Seems to fool most people it's actually mechanical.
Title: Question regarding "Kensington Slimblade Trackball"
Post by: Sugoi on Sat, 16 April 2011, 09:22:47
Quote from: ripster;331434
Snip out the speaker.

Bad firmware design there to not make it an option.  At least it's better than a DIP switch.

I have decided to go with a CST Trackball instead. They seem to be of far better quality and more ergonomic.