Author Topic: Trackball showdown (Read 20583 times)

do_Og@n · « **on:** Tue, 14 August 2012, 01:23:46 »

Some of us understand the wonderful world of the trackball mouse. I am trying to decide what is best for gaming. I know that every person is different but I am looking for a majority vote. Here are the competitors and let me know if I miss any.

1- Logitech Trackman Marble FX
2- Microsoft Trackball Explorer
3- CST LaserTracX 2545-5XW
4- Logitech Trackman Marble
5- Kensington Slimblade
6- Kensington Expert

I know there are some I am missing and please feel free to mention them but don't forget to give a reason why?

Djuzuh · « **Reply #1 on:** Tue, 14 August 2012, 04:05:45 »

CST.

It's the only one which a high resolution.

mikelanding · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 16 August 2012, 01:29:54 »

How about Logitech M570? Using one now. Love it. But I do plan to buy another one. Kensington Slimblade is my choice
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/mice-pointers/trackballs/wireless-trackball-m570

SmallFry · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 16 August 2012, 10:36:43 »

Quote from: do_Og@n on Tue, 14 August 2012, 01:23:46

Some of us understand the wonderful world of the trackball mouse. I am trying to decide what is best for gaming. I know that every person is different but I am looking for a majority vote. Here are the competitors and let me know if I miss any.

1- Logitech Trackman Marble FX
2- Microsoft Trackball Explorer
3- CST LaserTracX 2545-5XW
4- Logitech Trackman Marble
5- Kensington Slimblade
6- Kensington Expert

I know there are some I am missing and please feel free to mention them but don't forget to give a reason why?

For gaming? CST is a fine trackball, but not optimized for gaming, nor will any trackball. Maybe I'm crazy though, if those Korean SC2 players are using them then you must be a pro.

funkymeeba · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 16 August 2012, 21:24:45 »

Alright, I have tried a Logitech Trackman Marble before (though a much older one), and it was pretty decent, but I have just placed an order for the next logical progression... a CST L-Trac 2545-5W. I'll be sure to update with more thoughts on it later regarding gaming, music making, and programming.

braaaiiins · « **Reply #5 on:** Mon, 20 August 2012, 19:07:33 »

I have a Trackman Marble and it is perfectly usable for gaming. No low dpi issues for me. I even modded it with some cherry mx switches, so it's even funner to game with =). I have a Marble FX coming in soon and i think that will be even more comfortable. It's great for FPS like Counterstrike and with practice it is usable in RTS.

I'd really like the CST trackballs, especially the laser model, but it's a bit too expensive and not very ergonomic for gaming. They do have much higher dpi though, but as I said before, that hasn't really been an issue for me like with traditional mice.

do_Og@n · « **Reply #6 on:** Tue, 21 August 2012, 02:33:15 »

So far I have used the newer Logitech TrackMan Marble and I liked it but the ball was to small. So I upgraded to the Logitech TrackMan Marble FX and fell in love. The only real problem I'm running into is the lower DPI. What can I say I'm a twitchy gamer

. I have also tried the Microsoft Trackball Explorer and wasn't impressed. It was nice to have the extra buttons and USB connection but it didn't work for me. I've tried the Logitech M570 (what can I say...I get around) and it is okay for everyday computing but not gaming. The thumb isn't as accurate or agile as your pointer finger.

I just ordered myself the Kensington Slimblade. I'll be sure to post my opinions on it after I've given it a good run on L4D2.

Thanks for all your input so far guys/gals. Keep it coming!!!

Matt3o · « **Reply #7 on:** Tue, 21 August 2012, 02:46:35 »

thanks for your reports, I'm myself evaluating a trackball but I can't find the "definitive" one. I kinda like the Logitech M570 but I heard that the wheel is clicky not free-run like all new logitech mice... and I don't know if I can live with it.

I've also heard of the Kensington Wireless Orbit Mouse which seems nice at first sight but the 2 scrolling areas are too close to the ball and it's easy to mistakenly scroll while resting the fingers.

Icarium · « **Reply #8 on:** Tue, 21 August 2012, 06:06:43 »

What kind of games do you play with that? Can you actually play FPS with a trackball?

damorgue · « **Reply #9 on:** Tue, 21 August 2012, 06:11:23 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Tue, 21 August 2012, 02:46:35

thanks for your reports, I'm myself evaluating a trackball but I can't find the "definitive" one. I kinda like the Logitech M570 but I heard that the wheel is clicky not free-run like all new logitech mice... and I don't know if I can live with it.

Making it run free is easy, just remove a small wire inside. I could post a guide of how I modded my mice to adjust the force required to press the scroll wheel and the force of the notches while scrolling,

Matt3o · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 21 August 2012, 07:00:26 »

Quote from: damorgue on Tue, 21 August 2012, 06:11:23

Making it run free is easy, just remove a small wire inside. I could post a guide of how I modded my mice to adjust the force required to press the scroll wheel and the force of the notches while scrolling,

Great to hear that they are easily hackerable! Would be great if you could post a quick guide. I think I'll get one after all.

damorgue · « **Reply #11 on:** Tue, 21 August 2012, 07:58:27 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Tue, 21 August 2012, 07:00:26

Quote from: damorgue on Tue, 21 August 2012, 06:11:23
Making it run free is easy, just remove a small wire inside. I could post a guide of how I modded my mice to adjust the force required to press the scroll wheel and the force of the notches while scrolling,

Great to hear that they are easily hackerable! Would be great if you could post a quick guide. I think I'll get one after all.

The notches are created by something. Locate it and change or remove it according to your preference. Look at that and see what you can apply to your trackball:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34845.new#new

braaaiiins · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 21 August 2012, 15:52:51 »

Quote from: Icarium on Tue, 21 August 2012, 06:06:43

What kind of games do you play with that? Can you actually play FPS with a trackball?

Yes. In a way it makes a lot more sense using one than a traditional mouse does. Joysticks make more sense than a traditional mouse does for FPS, but a traditional mouse is just quicker, so many gamers use it for that advantage. Trackballs to me are right in the middle. Not quite a joystick, not quite a mouse. I use inverted look when I use a trackball or joystick so pushing the ball up is as if I am tilting my head forward and looking down and viceversa. Just makes sense to me. My main issue with trackballs in FPS games is turning 180 really fast. If only there was a button for that...

Icarium · « **Reply #13 on:** Wed, 22 August 2012, 02:23:07 »

Hm..I don't know what your definition of "making sense" is when you're better with something else.

Edit: At least in CS1.6 people used to have bindings for turning 180 and sometimes even 90 degrees (those with verly low sensitivity).

braaaiiins · « **Reply #14 on:** Wed, 22 August 2012, 18:35:26 »

Quote from: Icarium on Wed, 22 August 2012, 02:23:07

Hm..I don't know what your definition of "making sense" is when you're better with something else.

Edit: At least in CS1.6 people used to have bindings for turning 180 and sometimes even 90 degrees (those with verly low sensitivity).

This is just my opinion. What I mean is it makes more logical sense to roll a ball forward and expect the camera view to pan downward - just like a person would tilt his/her own head. Although following the same logic you would expect your view to tilt left and right when you roll the ball left and right =P.

Check this out http://www.axsotic.com/overview.html - I really want to try this!

Those 180 scripts are not legal in leagues. CS:GO has a 180-button for controllers, but not for keyboard mouse users.

do_Og@n · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 23 August 2012, 02:23:48 »

Quote from: Icarium on Tue, 21 August 2012, 06:06:43

What kind of games do you play with that? Can you actually play FPS with a trackball?

I play mostly first person shooters like L4D2, TF2, and the Call of Duty series. I've also used a trackball for StarCraft 2 and other RTS games.

funkymeeba · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 24 August 2012, 10:05:39 »

Well, after a day of using my L-Trac (CST 2545 5W-RC), I can say that I immediately regret not bringing it to work today. This mouse I am using is just awkward now. The L-Trac has been really nice to get used to, and the 1600dpi lets me fly around my entire desktop with ease. My only concern is that it sits a little high on my keyboard tray, so I'm likely going to pull that whole business apart and cut a spot out so I can have the L-Trac a bit closer to keyboard level. The scroll wheel initially felt a little stiff, but it seems to be gliding pretty well after a bit of use.

I'll test the trackball out with games this weekend, perhaps. Initial thoughts on it are excellent, though. The question remains: What billiards ball would go best as a replacement for the stock ball? I'm thinking a 9-ball of some variety.

mikelanding · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 24 August 2012, 13:23:57 »

I took just migrate to trackball moust using Logitech M570 now while waiting for Kensington Slimblade to reach here.
I read on other forum that Super Aramith Pro-Cup cue ball have the smoother surface and best for L-Trac or Kensignton with OD of 2 1/4"
Link: http://www.saluc.com/html/billiard/index.php?idlien=13

I will order locally from this site: http://billiard.co.th/main.php?url=product_view&id=21

JustCallMeCrash · « **Reply #18 on:** Mon, 27 August 2012, 05:06:34 »

I game with a Logitech Trackman Wheel. It's a thumb-operated trackball and I've been gaming with it for over a decade.

kurplop · « **Reply #19 on:** Mon, 27 August 2012, 06:01:51 »

Quote from: funkymeeba on Fri, 24 August 2012, 10:05:39

. My only concern is that it sits a little high on my keyboard tray, so I'm likely going to pull that whole business apart and cut a spot out so I can have the L-Trac a bit closer to keyboard level. The scroll wheel initially felt a little stiff, but it seems to be gliding pretty well after a bit of use.

I'm curious to know why you want to lower your trackball. Is it for comfort or to shorten the distance to the keyboard? I'd like to hear how that works out for you and maybe some pictures.

funkymeeba · « **Reply #20 on:** Mon, 27 August 2012, 08:21:31 »

Quote from: kurplop on Mon, 27 August 2012, 06:01:51

I'm curious to know why you want to lower your trackball. Is it for comfort or to shorten the distance to the keyboard? I'd like to hear how that works out for you and maybe some pictures.

Comfort, mostly, but also a little bit just to keep it at about the same level for my hand as the keyboard.

do_Og@n · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 28 August 2012, 08:38:35 »

Quote from: funkymeeba on Fri, 24 August 2012, 10:05:39

Well, after a day of using my L-Trac (CST 2545 5W-RC), I can say that I immediately regret not bringing it to work today. This mouse I am using is just awkward now. The L-Trac has been really nice to get used to, and the 1600dpi lets me fly around my entire desktop with ease. My only concern is that it sits a little high on my keyboard tray, so I'm likely going to pull that whole business apart and cut a spot out so I can have the L-Trac a bit closer to keyboard level. The scroll wheel initially felt a little stiff, but it seems to be gliding pretty well after a bit of use.

I'll test the trackball out with games this weekend, perhaps. Initial thoughts on it are excellent, though. The question remains: What billiards ball would go best as a replacement for the stock ball? I'm thinking a 9-ball of some variety.

Where and how much did you find your L-Trac? The cheapest I've been able to find it is $170 (add another + $30 for foot pedals) on fentek-ind.com.

funkymeeba · « **Reply #22 on:** Tue, 28 August 2012, 10:26:02 »

Quote from: do_Og@n on Tue, 28 August 2012, 08:38:35

Where and how much did you find your L-Trac? The cheapest I've been able to find it is $170 (add another + $30 for foot pedals) on fentek-ind.com.

I got it from ErgoGuys for $124. Ended up around $135 after shipping. Here you are: http://store.ergoguys.com/ltrac-high-performance-laser-trackball-w-scroll-wheel.html

do_Og@n · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 29 August 2012, 01:16:04 »

I finally received my Kensington Slimblade today. I wouldn't say it is the best Trackball mouse for gaming but it is the best one that I have tried so far. The tracking on it is incredibly accurate, smooth, and having a usb connection with programmable buttons is always nice.

So far out of the Logitech TrackMan Marble, M570, TrackMan Marble FX, and Microsoft Trackball Explorer. The Kensington Slimblade beats them all.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #24 on:** Wed, 29 August 2012, 04:18:39 »

Well if any of you are interested in a usb dt225 im sitting on 2 in black. Each has had their ball swapped one for a 8 ball and one for a premium que ball.

do_Og@n · « **Reply #25 on:** Wed, 29 August 2012, 13:37:12 »

Quote from: TheProfosist on Wed, 29 August 2012, 04:18:39

Well if any of you are interested in a usb dt225 im sitting on 2 in black. Each has had their ball swapped one for a 8 ball and one for a premium que ball.

Holy crap those things are expensive....how much are you asking for them? How do they track?

TheProfosist · « **Reply #26 on:** Wed, 29 August 2012, 15:33:05 »

Quote from: do_Og@n on Wed, 29 August 2012, 13:37:12

Quote from: TheProfosist on Wed, 29 August 2012, 04:18:39
Well if any of you are interested in a usb dt225 im sitting on 2 in black. Each has had their ball swapped one for a 8 ball and one for a premium que ball.

Holy crap those things are expensive....how much are you asking for them? How do they track?

they track really well especially the one with the premium cue ball but the one with the 8 ball isnt bad either. ill probably except any reasonable offer, so send me a pm if your interested.

do_Og@n · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 30 August 2012, 11:29:09 »

Does anybody know the size of trackball the Kensington Slimblade uses. I've seen on some websites that it is 2 1/4" but I've measured it at 2 1/16". I am looking into getting a Superior Aramith Cue ball for it but I want to make sure I buy the right size.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 30 August 2012, 20:29:03 »

Quote from: do_Og@n on Thu, 30 August 2012, 11:29:09

Does anybody know the size of trackball the Kensington Slimblade uses. I've seen on some websites that it is 2 1/4" but I've measured it at 2 1/16". I am looking into getting a Superior Aramith Cue ball for it but I want to make sure I buy the right size.

thats the same que ball i got for my dt225 and ltrackx

mikelanding · « **Reply #29 on:** Fri, 31 August 2012, 01:23:03 »

Quote from: do_Og@n on Thu, 30 August 2012, 11:29:09

Does anybody know the size of trackball the Kensington Slimblade uses. I've seen on some websites that it is 2 1/4" but I've measured it at 2 1/16". I am looking into getting a Superior Aramith Cue ball for it but I want to make sure I buy the right size.

Quote from: TheProfosist on Thu, 30 August 2012, 20:29:03

Quote from: do_Og@n on Thu, 30 August 2012, 11:29:09
Does anybody know the size of trackball the Kensington Slimblade uses. I've seen on some websites that it is 2 1/4" but I've measured it at 2 1/16". I am looking into getting a Superior Aramith Cue ball for it but I want to make sure I buy the right size.
thats the same que ball i got for my dt225 and ltrackx

Thank for this info. I also plan to change the trackball once my Slimblade arrive. Should be next week.
To do_Ogan, do let me know how the different when change to Cue ball. ok? Thank

do_Og@n · « **Reply #30 on:** Sat, 01 September 2012, 02:06:51 »

Just an FYI for everybody out there that wants to buy an Aramith Pool Ball for their Kensington Slimblade....don't (at least for now). The standard 2 1/4" ball is to big and the 2 1/16" ball is hard to find at a local store. I am going to keep looking for a size 2 1/16" and I will update this forum once I do. Hopefully I can still find an Amarith Pool Cue Ball in that size.

mikelanding · « **Reply #31 on:** Sat, 01 September 2012, 09:27:24 »

Quote from: do_Og@n on Sat, 01 September 2012, 02:06:51

Just an FYI for everybody out there that wants to buy an Aramith Pool Ball for their Kensington Slimblade....don't (at least for now). The standard 2 1/4" ball is to big and the 2 1/16" ball is hard to find at a local store. I am going to keep looking for a size 2 1/16" and I will update this forum once I do. Hopefully I can still find an Amarith Pool Cue Ball in that size.

Thank for the info again. Eagerly waiting for your info.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #32 on:** Sat, 01 September 2012, 14:34:56 »

Quote from: do_Og@n on Sat, 01 September 2012, 02:06:51

Just an FYI for everybody out there that wants to buy an Aramith Pool Ball for their Kensington Slimblade....don't (at least for now). The standard 2 1/4" ball is to big and the 2 1/16" ball is hard to find at a local store. I am going to keep looking for a size 2 1/16" and I will update this forum once I do. Hopefully I can still find an Amarith Pool Cue Ball in that size.

grab one off ebay their plentiful and cheaper since its standard for snooker

do_Og@n · « **Reply #33 on:** Thu, 06 September 2012, 02:25:20 »

Poking around in the Geekhack posts I found this one:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=23761.new#new

In there I found the proper measurements for the Kensington Slimblade trackball (55mm). Also in that post I found that there is a website out there that makes that size of balls.

http://www.baodingballs.com/yellow_jade_baoding_balls.html

Knowing this I should be able to find an Aramith ball in size 55mm.

Matt3o · « **Reply #34 on:** Thu, 06 September 2012, 05:20:34 »

I finally tried the Logitech M570 and I must say that moving the cursor with the thumb is a pain. You loose a lot of pixel precision. Don't know if I just have to get used to it.

Apart from that the build quality is decent and hand position good and definitely more relaxing than a standard mouse. The ball is a bit light, maybe. I'll try to use it for a week or two and see how it goes

tayot · « **Reply #35 on:** Thu, 06 September 2012, 16:20:04 »

Quote from: do_Og@n on Sat, 01 September 2012, 02:06:51

Just an FYI for everybody out there that wants to buy an Aramith Pool Ball for their Kensington Slimblade....don't (at least for now). The standard 2 1/4" ball is to big and the 2 1/16" ball is hard to find at a local store. I am going to keep looking for a size 2 1/16" and I will update this forum once I do. Hopefully I can still find an Amarith Pool Cue Ball in that size.

Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.dynamicbilliard.ca/products/view/381/individual-aramith-premier-2-1-16-pool-ball-asst-numbers
I bought some balls for my CST from them because they are close to where I am.
If what they sell is the right size for Kensington Slimblade and Expert trackball - Then I'd probably get some for my Slimblade and Expert.

do_Og@n · « **Reply #36 on:** Thu, 20 September 2012, 03:15:33 »

To Matt3o...I did like the M570 because it was easy to get used too. I didn't give it enough time to really game on though.

Come to find out the ball size for the Kensington Slimblade is 55mm. I haven't been able to find an Aramith Cue ball that size (even though 2 1/8th is close) but you can find polished rare gems on ebay. I did however purchase and receive an old CH serial optical Trackball recently. Other than it being stiff I really like it, but I still find myself using the Kensington because the tracking is much smoother.

Has anybody else out there tried the CST L-trac or a newer CH trackball that feels better?

snooze2looze · « **Reply #37 on:** Sat, 22 September 2012, 12:56:24 »

Tried a trackball for gaming but it sucked for that.

mikelanding · « **Reply #38 on:** Sun, 23 September 2012, 04:02:20 »

I had both Slimblade and M570. I can get use to M570 very quick. But I still have some issue with slimblade. Now I try to use it as my daily mouse. Wrist and joint pain started develop. Hope I can get pass the get use to stage

zareliman · « **Reply #39 on:** Wed, 26 September 2012, 18:45:05 »

I have the Logitech Trackman Marble, however I would never use it for gaming... I bought it to reduce stress in my arm and wrist muscles after prolonged mouse use, so I use it for working but when gaming I switch to a mouse.

Viz · « **Reply #40 on:** Tue, 30 October 2012, 03:46:52 »

+1 for the CST LtracX!

MissMurd3r84 · « **Reply #41 on:** Tue, 30 October 2012, 03:53:12 »

I used the M570. Been using it about a month now. It was my first ever trackball and now I can't stand using a mouse.

CreamyNutButter · « **Reply #42 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 12:40:33 »

Quote from: zareliman on Wed, 26 September 2012, 18:45:05

I have the Logitech Trackman Marble, however I would never use it for gaming... I bought it to reduce stress in my arm and wrist muscles after prolonged mouse use, so I use it for working but when gaming I switch to a mouse.

I use it for gaming and it kicks ass. I would never use a mouse for gaming since I tried that trackball.

CreamyNutButter · « **Reply #43 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 13:15:13 »

I would rule out the Microsoft trackball and the Marble FX. The Microsoft trackballs are overrated crap. I tried one of the Microsoft ones (my brother found one for free) and it couldn't even play Minecraft well for me. Symmetrical ones work the best for me. I own the Logitech Marble and the Kensington Orbit and they are excellent for gaming. I could never beat Quake 3 bots on Nightmare, or Unreal Tournament bots on Godlike with a regular mouse.

do_Og@n · « **Reply #44 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 13:39:10 »

I'm glad somebody else can see this. I've started stomping at cod and l4d2 since playing on a trackball.

CreamyNutButter · « **Reply #45 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 14:39:38 »

It all depends on what you're used to. I never had the best mouse aiming skills so now I am trackball dependent. I can't aim with the M570 because it is thumb operated. The Trackman Marble and Kensington Orbit are fantastic for aiming and shooting. I do not suffer from RSI but the comfort of a trackball is an advantage. I tend to do much better with a trackball on most FPS games. I thought it was funny because the guy at Best Buy couldn't believe I gamed with a trackball.

EDIT: I discovered that the secret is in the sensitivity. I adjusted it so moving the ball from the left edge to the right edge does a 180, or center to right does a 90 degree turn. It made a HUGE difference. I could actually make it through the Unreal Tournament and Quake 3 campaign on Godlike and Nightmare mode. The sensitivity didn't hurt my precision aim; I was doing even better with the railgun, sniper rifle, and shock rifle in addition to the rapid fire and explosive weapons. I racked up lots of multikills because I could jump from enemy to enemy quickly. I will never use a regular mouse for games again if I can help it.

1839cc · « **Reply #46 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 21:55:02 »

I use a Trackman Wheel for general pointing and most gaming. For fine precision I switch to Trackman Marble FX. I've been using trackballs for many years. I can still use mice but I don't like them. I absolutely HATE touchpads. Trackpoints are awesome, but I've never had one of my own.

do_Og@n · « **Reply #47 on:** Wed, 30 January 2013, 23:18:14 »

If only I could find somebody out there who was willing to get rid of their CST LaserTRAC 2545-5W. That way I can attach foot pedals to it and start tapping while I kill stuff.

JustCallMeCrash · « **Reply #48 on:** Fri, 22 February 2013, 14:53:01 »

I've been gaming with a Trackman Wheel for 15 years! I'm not half bad, either. :-)

Glod · « **Reply #49 on:** Wed, 13 March 2013, 20:10:46 »

So i have a Slimblade, M570, and Trackman Marble. I have acquired them all in just the last 2 weeks (lol). only reason i have the M570 is because my wife didn't like it. I personally hate it as well; i cant get used to using a trackball on just the thumb. I guess ill find some use for it.

So on subject....

Yesterday i just tried playing Starcraft 2 with the Slimblade and i immediately love it though its still a challenge; i'm going to keep playing the single player with it and see if i can get good with it. I've tried FPS with the trackball and really no luck in liking it and i gave it a good try. Games that have iron sights which require holding down right click while moving the trackball and clicking left click to fire--thats hard to do with the design of the slimblade. Plus the slimblade is slippery and my hands get a little bit sweaty when playing. i did find that if i am playing a recon/sniper role and i'm camping the trackball is great for steady shooting and then switching back to mouse when i need it

one thing i wish the slimblade or any of these trackballs had though to make them more acceptable for games is a sensitivity/dpi adjustment kind of like how gaming mice have.

and even though ive just had the slimblade for 2 weeks im really curious how the L-Trac feels, i didn't know about it until after i bought my Slimblade. But maybe i should hold off on spending more money....

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Author Topic: Trackball showdown (Read 20583 times)