Found a 15€ damaged Kensington Expert wireless trackball. Is it salvageable ?

Hi there

I found 2 Kensington Expert wireless trackballs in the classifieds ads, one for 35€, the other for 15€. Both in "good condition". Seemed fishy, but there's a good buyer protection so I bought them to see what's what.

First one is missing its dongle, but other than that it's in very good condition and works perfectly via Bluetooth. That's a win.

The other one is not. One of the "ruby holder" is missing, with the ruby obviously. I know how to get the latter, but the holder is part of the plastic shell.

I think I know the answer (search before), but does anyone know a way to replace the whole plastic piece that's hold the 3 rubies ? For 15€ it may be worth trying something. Maybe a new ruby with epoxy would do the trick ? With an 8-ball it could be good enough.

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https://preview.redd.it/ptmf9b78a8ga1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=7e804097da111afbbdfb6aaf5dd27ddc153e0f17

https://preview.redd.it/ugo8uc78a8ga1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=f67e3c67c9c7c6ac7531308ea9e146bb762be307

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Anyone order a Sanwa Gravi in Canada?

I'd like to get a wireless Sanwa Gravi but I'm not sure the best way. Just wondering if anyone has ordered one shipped to Canada? I haven't found it listed on the Canadian Amazon and the US site keeps telling me it won't ship to Canada. I've been waiting but at this point I don't know if it'll be released on the Canadian site. eBay seems overpriced. I reached out to Sanwa and they said Amazon is their only North American distributor. So I was thinking about the Japan Rakuten site or Sanwa direct from Japan...? Not sure if those would work.

https://redd.it/10trssv
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Orbit Fusion: scrollwheel dead on arrival

Hello, everyone. I've just received my first trackball, a Kensington Orbit Fusion.

The scroll wheel seems to be dead. I've tried it both with and without Kensington Works installed, on two different computers, with the USB dongle both by itself and in the USB-C adapter. Dead as a dodo.

All of the other functions are working fine.

I'm disappointed because this, to me, was supposed to be the killer feature. It also wasn't exactly cheap, so I'm a bit sad about the idea that I've wasted my money.

Am I missing something, or am I just out of luck?

Thanks, all.

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Where can I get the plastic base for MX Ergo? It didn't come with mine.
http://xahlee.info/kbd/logitech_mx_ergo_trackball.html

https://redd.it/10tpoa1
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Well, that didn’t last long.

I ordered the Sanwa Gravi (bluetooth model) in November and I’ve been loving it ever since. So much, in fact, that I just looked it up on Amazon to buy a second one and it says unavailable. What gives?

https://redd.it/10u6fci
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Does Elcom HUGE have a free motion wheel?

I'm not sure what the official name for this is, but does the scrollwheel keep moving once you set it in motion? Or does it stop immediately? Apparently $100 MX Ergo didn't deserve this feature.

https://redd.it/10u6e6d
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Daily driver for the last 2 years: plain old Kensington Expert. Even though I had used virtually every other trackball out there.
https://redd.it/10ubm4k
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Microsoft Ballpoint Mouse

Is anybody still using a Ballpoint Mouse? This doesn't fit any of my current laptops, but is still a nice, portable size. I'm thinking of crafting a freestanding base. (Completely functional with a USB adapter.)

https://preview.redd.it/0l0wtfv4tfga1.jpg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=30fa7318bd33ea88aed95919ec0dc435ab06feb8

https://redd.it/10unxu3
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What is the best lubricant for trackball bearings?

I'd like to eliminate some of the stiction on my T50 without swapping the bearings. Someone suggested lanolin oil, but it seems like that might create a mess and dry up quickly. I've been looking at dry lubricants, but I'd prefer not to handle PTFE all day if possible, and graphite can be messy also. Are there any better options out there?

https://redd.it/10uqmg1
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My setup with Kensington Orbit and tiny keyboard
https://redd.it/10v6utz
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Middle trackballs seem more common than thumb, why is that?

Most trackballs I see have the ball in the middle, but I've always used the thumb ones and I have trouble imagining that I'd enjoy a middle one as much, but there's so many more to pick from that I'm often considering it anyways.

If you've used both and prefer middle, why? If not, why not?

https://redd.it/10w3ycd
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Current setup. Went full wireless with Elecom Huge and custom keyboard
https://redd.it/10w6rmm
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Choosing my second trackball.

Hey everyone, I know these sorts of questions must get old, but I'm genuinely having a hard time choosing.

My 'first' trackball was an Orbit Fusion. I really liked the feeling of interacting with it - very comfortable in my hand, and the layout was very smart.

...unfortunately, it was defective. Scroll ring didn't work at all. Ended up returning the unit the day after it arrived.

I've since learned that the QC on the Orbit Fusion is apparently abysmal.

This has kinda scared me off the idea of just buying another one. Which is sad, because the ergonomics were superb and it's by far the cheapest of the models I'm interested in.

My other option is to get an Orbit Wireless. This is more similar in design to Kensington's old school trackballs. I worry about the ergonomics, though, and wonder if it will suffer from the same QC problems as the Fusion. It's way more expensive than the Fusion, too. If someone has owned both, I would appreciate a firm recommendation either way. If you could only pick one or the other, which would it be and why?

...my final option is to get one of the old wired Orbits, with scroll ring. I figure those must pre-date the recent QC issues. I also hear that they have the nicest scroll ring of Kensington's whole lineup. Also, blue looks nicer than red.

But it has a wire dangling from it to get in my way, and it's still more expensive than the Fusion.

Basically, of the three I just want somebody to pick for me. Please. If it wouldn't be too much trouble.

The trackball will be used for work. I am an accountant. I don't do much gaming, besides the odd bit of Anno 1404 when I get the urge.

I'm not interested in other manufacturers since the scroll ring is a killer feature for me.

https://redd.it/10wcn7e
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Elecom Mouse Assistant on Windows 10

Hey all!

I just installed the Elecom Huge M-HT1DR I got for Christmas. It seems to work fine, even if the buttons are in weird places.

I got the Mouse Assistant software from the Elecom US site. The box it came in was completely in Japanese; no idea if that made a difference.

I installed the Assistant software without incident, restarted as it recommended, etc.

Now when I start the Assistant, it throws up an alert in Japanese that says something about the Elecom mouse not being connected (it is, and it works). Then it throws up the standard Windows mouse box.

the error I get

How can I get the Elecom software to work properly? I'd love to be able to use the extra buttons on this thing!

I should note that I also have installed the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard drivers (for my keyboard) and the Kensington mouse drivers (I use one with my left hand). I mention this because the Elecom software recommended I uninstall all other driver software before proceeding.

So ... does anyone have ideas on how I can get this thing working to spec?

​

Thanks!

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Looking for a way to have device specific settings

Hey there, I've recently switched to a Kensington Expert for most of my work. Since I work in games, most of the userbase I develop for however uses mice. For some of the work I do, I also prefer using a traditional mouse or a trackpad so I use up to 4 different pointer devices (trackball, ergo mouse, gaming mouse, trackpad) during a single day.

The problem I'm running into is that most software for customizing input behaviour assumes that you only want to customize it for a single device. So if I turn on acceleration for my Expert, all other mice now also have acceleration enabled. The software for the mice I use at least have per device button mappings but I'm really lost when it comes to configuring the trackball.

Either my googling skills are failing me or this is a very niche problem so I'm hoping maybe some of you have encountered (and hopefully solved) a similar problem :)

If someone could point me to one or more pieces of software that could alleviate some of my issues I would be super thankful!

Cheers

https://redd.it/10wte1n
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Finally able to order a Slimblade Pro :D
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Kensington-SlimBladeTM-Rechargeable-Connection-K72080WW/dp/B0BLRQ4116/ref=sr_1_2?crid=36DVVRBYS45VJ&keywords=slimblade+pro&qid=1675861149&sprefix=slimblade+pr%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-2

https://redd.it/10ww3ke
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Trackball without required "app" for office?

I recently returned my first trackball, a Logitech MX Ergo that I couldn't quite adjust to. The mouse itself wasn't terrible (though it did strain my thumb) but I couldn't use it on my work computers for the simple fact that it requires the "Logi Options +" application to adjust any settings!

Unfortunately, since I can't add any new programs to my work computer, it meant that it took three swipes on the ball to get the cursor across the screen, even when trying to adjust Windows' internal settings. I'm a registration clerk, so that made it impossible to do anything on time.

Is there a good and fast trackball that's ergonomic and doesn't require an in-house application to use efficiently? Just trying to do my best to avoid future carpal tunnel surgery! Thanks!

https://redd.it/10wx838
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WITHOUT a wrist reset, is Expert mouse better than Slimblade Pro?

I have a very limited working space. It was a no-brainer to get Slimblade Pro this year. But it gets bad review from PCMag. That makes me consider Expert mouse instead. But is Expert mouse usable without the rest, will its high profile tires the wrist just like other mouses?

https://redd.it/10x7r35
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Re-attach nonskid strips?

One of the little rubber non-skid strips fell off the bottom of my Orbit Fusion. Nothing I've tried seems to want to stick it back on for more than a couple of days.

Does anybody have any suggestions on what to use to stick these back on - I've had the same issues with the rubber feet on my old laptop too.

Probably shouldn't be anything completely permanent since the strip also covers up a couple of the screws

https://redd.it/10x8slo
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Favorite Travel Finger Trackball?

I am considering getting a finger trackball strictly for travel and portability. What are some your favorites and why?

Primary uses will be video editing, animation, and occasionally general entertainment/browsing. If it includes software, it must play well with both Mac and PC.

I use a GameBall as my daily driver at home, but want to get something a bit smaller and wireless that I can take with me. I don’t imagine I will use this one for gaming like the GameBall.

From what I’ve found it looks like the Elecom Bitra might fit the bill, but wanted to read what everyone’s experience has been with different options first. Ultimately I just want to replace my little Bluetooth travel mouse and have a trackball handy wherever I go.

https://redd.it/10xwotr
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