The main criticisms we hear about trackballs are their lack of ergonomics, the ball is depending Central (for ambidextrous use), or remote (usually dedicated right-handed) and the absence of roulette.
Ergonomics is a factor to be considered, of course, but this by definition is related to the morphology and sometimes very specific expectations of each, some will always find the trackball too large, others too small, some will find the too small ball or misplaced.
Personally I find the size of the trackball rather modest, it is not suitable for (very) large hands. To be objective, I compared the Kensington Slimblade, and the Logitech Trackman Marble ... it is substantially smaller than the latter.
Ergonomics is something very subjective, everyone will judge, but after several hours of intensive use, I must admit that the profile chosen by Kensington is not bad, it does not cause any discomfort or embarrassment particular.
But where is Roulette?
I can not count the comments about it, some not hesitating to establish a direct link between the absence of roulette and the ability to perform a scrolling (scrolling). If it is true that roulette is undeniable comfort to scroll, we must not lose sight of a trackball, by definition, allows natively this action, and unlike a traditional mouse (without roulette).
Indeed, with a trackball, scrolling (scrolling) can be effected very simply by pointing the scroll bar with the left and click while holding down the left mouse button, you use the ball as a huge roulette c ... It is quiet, accurate, brief ... a real pleasure!
You can even deviate from the scroll bar while performing a "scrolling", but be careful not to deviate too because beyond a few centimeters the scroll function is interrupted.
It is important to note that Kensington features, like Logitech, control software for its devices, allowing, among others, to (re) program the buttons or for this at hand, assign a particular function to the simultaneous click (left click + right click). It is therefore very easy to assign the "middle click" click and the simultaneous benefit therefore of a "scrolling" software.
For those interested, you must download the software TrackballWorks 1.1.18 for Windows (32-bit, 64-bit) on the manufacturer's website.
As stated in the installation instructions, the process requires administrator privileges to do this, Windows 7, right click on the executable you downloaded and "Run as Administrator" (Run as Administrator) .
Once installed, the software will require a system restart and propose a French interface.
For your information I posted a screenshot on this page.
In summary, I think it deserves its trackball 5 stars because I think:
- It has an excellent price / quality ratio
- It allows, in addition to "scrolling" native, a "scrolling" through software TrackballWorks
- It has a "design" still relevant
- It is compatible PS / 2 - USB (USB to PS / 2 interface)
- It has a significant cable length (160 cm)
