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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: czarek on Fri, 01 July 2011, 06:06:15
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Hi Guys, I'm looking forward to upgrade my Kensington Expert Mouse (K64325) and the only thing that seems better is CST L-Trac trackball. I'm just wondering what's the plastic case like - is it more like Filco (small grain, very smooth) or more like Unicomp (bigger grain, a bit harsh) in texture? To be honest i'd prefer it to be like Unicomp as that feels more durable. My Kensington is really worn after a year of use... And so is Filco keyboard which has been now replaced with Endurapro - this one looks bad even brand new so i don't think i'll notice a difference after i use it for few months :D
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I wouldn't call it like the filco, but its a smoother plastic than the dye sub keys on a unicomp
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I want one of these so bad. How did you guys pull the trigger on a $100+ mouse?
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Solid peripherals sometimes cost money. The mouse is the second most important part of interacting with your computer (if not the most, depending on how you use it), so why not pay for quality and longevity, and get a good one?
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I wish DT225 was more affordable in Europe - currently it's 228 EUR + 23% VAT + some shipping and 7 weeks waiting... But I like the design of it so much more than CST I may actually order it ;)
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I wish DT225 was more affordable in Europe - currently it's 228 EUR + 23% VAT + some shipping and 7 weeks waiting... But I like the design of it so much more than CST I may actually order it ;)
This will make you cry, but I feel mean today. ;)
A bunch of us got new DT225's for $10 plus shipping a couple of years ago:
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?7386-am-I-missing-something
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Isn't the DT225 a bit too low resolution to use with a modern monitor resolution? I definitely like the feel of it, but it's S L O W on my 4 monitor setup, and almost as slow feeling on my 2 monitor setup. Even with speed jacked through the roof in both linux and windows.
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I looked up your wiki - good piece of trackball science ;)
I'm not that worried about the resolution as I'm using only one 24" monitor and 6 virtual screens (spaces) but that may change after OS X Lion is released. I also tend to do a lot of magic with ControllerMate. In fact I have to post some of my fancy stuff in here. It's stuff like HHKB mode on Filco/Unicomp keyboard, 2D scroll on Endurapro pointing stick when 2 mouse buttons are pressed, UPS power monitor using keyboard LEDs etc.
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I found a company that sells CH trackball USB really cheap compared to trackballworld and other guys - already placed an order for the black one :)
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?lang=en&site=US&KeyWords=dt225&x=0&y=0
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Is the USB model the same low DPI as the PS/2 model?
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I think so but we will double check that theory.
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Ok I've just received it and while it feels very solid and I really love its looks, tracking is absolutely horrible. I had to set tracking speed to maximum to make it somehow usable but it's not very smooth and all. Honestly I think my previous Kensington was better.
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Sounds like your mouse pointer speed settings are messed up.
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What do you mean? Is there any other way to change them on a mac other than system settings or in controller mate (it has an option to use system curves or its own)? I'm using 1920x1200 res on ACD 24" btw.
It's not better in Win 7 or Ubuntu either (standard drivers, no add ons installed) so it's not a mac related issue...
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If that's the case, maybe yours doesn't get along with your computer's USB controller.
Perhaps it's running into the polling issue described here: http://clearlysuperiortech.com/incompatibility.html (http://clearlysuperiortech.com/incompatibility.html)
What's the Manufacturing date on the bottom?
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Thanks for info - that's really interesting. Do you know how can I check that? I'm using motherboard controller of my Mac Pro which I believe uses standard intel stuff like most of that machine. Connecting directly to front / back USB or via active D-Link HUB doesn't make any difference. I believe it's just dated tracking mechanics and the thing I have to get used to.
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Derp, I didn't notice that OP had ordered the CH trackball, I was going off the thread's title.
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if the design would have been closer to the MS Trackball Explorer I could have justified the expense.
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Check Sig>Reviews>Trackballs>CH DT225 and check your DIP settings.
Did that but new one uses different DIP settings which only allow changing movement axis in case someone wants to rotate the trackball 90-180 degrees. The only speed altering setting slows down the pointer 4 times (DIP switch 11). The last switch does nothing according to manual. Ah there is also one switch that enables click lock but I prefer to have 4 configurable buttons + chording ;)
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Hehe I just modded it - bought 58 mm crystal ball from esoteric shop which is 0.79 mm bigger in diameter than the original ball so i had to sandpaper the hole a little bit to make it fit. It's also heavier - weights 248 grams so the difference in feel is noticeable. I think I like it more now. It's more precise and glides better. And of course it looks superb (and it's possible to see rollers and bearings when looked from angle), only thing I still have to do is to add a red led below it but I need to find a nice looking potentiometer to make the glow strength adjustable :) Oh and my trackball can now be used it for scrying easily :D