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When you're planning your workstation, I'm sure you put a lot of consideration into the computer you're using
While most people are using a mouse keyboard combo to drive their everyday computing tasks, I know there's this diehard group of people who insist a trackball is better.
Whenever I'm shopping for deals and see a trackball on special, I'm always tempted to pick one up. I have visions (delusions?) of using it for retro arcade gaming on my computer or perhaps to enhance my audio and video editing flows when I'm working on projects.
Recently I took the plunge and swapped my mouse for a keyboard. Two weeks later I'm ready to share my thoughts.
To test out trackball life, I chose the Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball. It works for Windows or Mac. Has additional buttons with customizable functions through its free software. And it can connect via Bluetooth, through an included 2.4 gHz wireless dongle, or through a USB C cable.
Kensington Slimblade Pro
Pros
- Genuinely fun to use
- Comfort & precision
- Wired or wireless connections
Cons
- Adjustment period
- Less portable
- More expensive
After using it for two weeks, I don't know if I'm fully converted and ready to tuck my mouse into a drawer for all time. But after a few days I felt like I was in the flow, and now I'm ready to share what I enjoyed most about trading up to a trackball.
Geeking Out Shop
Slimblade Pro Trackball
Trackball time!
This is the trackball I've been using and it's been top-notch. Kensington makes a variety of PC and Mac accessories and their Slimblade Pro is possibly one of the best trackballs on the market thanks to the high-quality build, excellent customization options, and the versatility of ways it can connect to your laptop or PC.
These are the top three reasons you might want to consider trying out a trackball instead of a mouse.
1. Precision & Control
When you use a trackball, there's a high level of control and precision you feel when you're navigating through your daily tasks.
I certainly wouldn't consider my Apple Magic Mouse uncomfortable or imprecise. However, the main thing I was curious about with a trackball was how it would work with my production flow for audio and video editing – and I'm happy to report it's fantastic!
I do a lot of audio editing (I host a daily radio show) and a lot of video editing (I do a tech-focused TV segment and make videos for YouTube and my instagram). When I'm in the radio studio, I have a special deck that I use for editing that has buttons for the most common audio edit functions (in and out points, delete, record, etc) and it has a spinning jog wheel for precise audio edits.
I was chasing this level of precision when I switched to a pro trackball, and was impressed that the experience has similarities. I felt more dialed into the audio edits for clipping small parts of a project than I feel with a mouse keyboard combo. And I really appreciated that with the Kensington software, I could customize the individual buttons (and button combos) for each specific program in my production flow.
I wasn't able to get really granular with those customizations but since this tool isn't specifically meant for what I was trying to use it for (a control deck in audio and video editing software) I was impressed with what I was able to do overall.
2. Comfort
While there is a bit of an adjustment period when you go from a mouse to a trackball, once you're in the zone, navigating on your computer using a trackball feels very comfortable.
I don't have wrist or hand-related pain from repetitive motions of a mouse, but I know for many people this is a problem. Using a trackball may help this since the unit itself stays stationary and you're using your fine motor skills by twisting and sliding across the trackball to control the cursor.
An added bonus is that you don't have to worry about whether or not your mouse is going to work on the surface your laptop is on. For anyone who has worked remotely from a hotel room desk or a coffee shop, you know not every surface is conducive to using a mouse. You can be left trying to find something to MacGyver a mousepad, but this is never an issue with a trackball since it sits in its own cradle.
3. Aesthetic
On the one hand, you should buy computer accessories because they work great, not because they look cool. On the other hand, why do all those gaming mice and keyboards have RGB lighting – because they look cool on your desk!
I absolutely love the look of the Kensington Slimblade Pro Trackball on my desktop. It's somehow both futuristic and incredibly retro at the same time. I get flashes of arcade machines for Golden Tee or Arkanoid (I know most cabinets used a dial, but my cabinet had a massive trackball for that game).
Are trackballs worth it?
Like any tool, it depends on the job at hand. For the most part, I think the mouse and keyboard combo is dominant for a reason – it's simple and works well.
I think in order to start thinking about trying a trackball you're likely going to be having a specific need that's making you rethink the ergonomics of your work. For example, wrist and forearm pain, possibly from carpal tunnel could be lighting your tendons on fire, making you seek out an alternative.
Or, this is a device you'll want to be able to pull out for specific tasks – in my case this was audio and video editing.
Once you get over the learning curve (a day or two) and start really getting in the zone with your trackball, it can be tough to go back! If you want to give it a try, you can order the exact one I've been using through this link here.
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