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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: MsYutai on Mon, 03 March 2014, 17:19:46

Title: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: MsYutai on Mon, 03 March 2014, 17:19:46
Hey guys,

This mouse came up on Massdrop today for $120, just wondering what you guys think of this trackball?
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: funkymeeba on Tue, 04 March 2014, 00:05:17
I do already possess the -5W variant of this trackball, and I can't say enough nice things about it. It's even a joy to play games on! For me, at least. :)
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: Pacifist on Tue, 04 March 2014, 00:12:12
I do already possess the -5W variant of this trackball, and I can't say enough nice things about it. It's even a joy to play games on! For me, at least. :)

How much did it cost you? I love extra buttons
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: Hak Foo on Tue, 04 March 2014, 00:13:48
I just got one recently.

It cost me about 140.- delivered from Trackballworld; it's a little less money if you go without the two sockets for extra buttons on the back-- the Massdrop model.

I used to use the Sanwa Pro trackball, a Japanese import that costs about 80.- delivered, and it's much smoother rolling mechanism, but I don't like the shape and button layout quote as much.  I assume I will get used to it.
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: Wildcard on Tue, 04 March 2014, 00:14:35
The CST L-Trac's are great trackballs. I have the 3200dpi L-TracX at home and I use the L-Trac 1600dpi at work. They're really easy to mod. And after several years when the ball starts showing wear, simply pick up a new black cue ball for $10 and swap them out.
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: Pacifist on Tue, 04 March 2014, 00:17:33
I'd love to get the version with the extra buttons but I'm so used to the mouse and this cherry trackball kinda sucks...but mainly because its really small and the key positions are unappealing.

So many choices.....
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: Wildcard on Tue, 04 March 2014, 00:28:58
I'd love to get the version with the extra buttons but I'm so used to the mouse and this cherry trackball kinda sucks...but mainly because its really small and the key positions are unappealing.

So many choices.....

It's really easy to mod you should try it. All the pads are there, you just need to solder a few wires to some 1/8 mono audio jacks.

Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: MsYutai on Tue, 04 March 2014, 15:26:13
Oh too bad the Massdrop version doesn't have the audio jack for modding purposes!!

This would be my first ever trackball so it's a tough call on whether to spend so much money. Good trackballs can get expensive I suppose!

Feel free to recommend any cheaper alternatives if you know of them!!
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: Wildcard on Tue, 04 March 2014, 22:30:09
Oh too bad the Massdrop version doesn't have the audio jack for modding purposes!!

This would be my first ever trackball so it's a tough call on whether to spend so much money. Good trackballs can get expensive I suppose!

Feel free to recommend any cheaper alternatives if you know of them!!

Actually you can add the mono 1/8" jacks. It's part of the mod and it really takes under an hour.

It's just being careful to drill in the right places and get all the wires inside bunched/arranged so they aren't in the way.
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: demik on Wed, 05 March 2014, 00:10:47
Wild, did I sell you my l trac? i know i sold it to somebody on here but I can't remember who it was. I know they were in New York... I think.
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: Wildcard on Wed, 05 March 2014, 20:08:17
Wild, did I sell you my l trac? i know i sold it to somebody on here but I can't remember who it was. I know they were in New York... I think.

Na I picked up the L-tracX from TP
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: pmfarr on Thu, 06 March 2014, 17:23:32
Hey guys!  I just wanted to update everyone that Massdrop contacted CST about adding the expandable option (5W model) and it's now selectable during checkout!  You can update your existing buy in as well to reflect this if you'd like the option with the additional button ports!

We almost have enough people for the full drop price of $99 :-)
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: cod2 on Sat, 05 April 2014, 17:03:22
CST L-Trac is available again on Massdrop. Original and 5W (+$10) versions. 5 days left.  :thumb:
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: vun on Sat, 05 April 2014, 19:03:03
I got the 5W one from the last drop, and I just gotta warn people; the software for it is XBMC(on windows at least), so you can't mess with the buttons without also messing with the buttons on all other pointing devices you've got connected. My full thoughts on it is on my big thread somewhere towards the bottom if you're interested.

It's a good trackball, but there are def some things to be wary of when getting it.
Title: Re: CST LaserTRAC Trackball
Post by: demik on Sat, 05 April 2014, 22:37:46
I got the 5W one from the last drop, and I just gotta warn people; the software for it is XBMC(on windows at least), so you can't mess with the buttons without also messing with the buttons on all other pointing devices you've got connected. My full thoughts on it is on my big thread somewhere towards the bottom if you're interested.

It's a good trackball, but there are def some things to be wary of when getting it.

IIRC, when i had mine, their software didnt work on apple devices