Which Trackball device?

mtbvfr · 2025-05-17 01:27:02

Hi Folks,

Not sure if this goes here or in Off-topic.

Last night the Right button on my Logitech Trackman Marble failed. I use it Left-handed. I bought it in 2017.

Which Trackball device do you use and/or prefer these days?

Thanks!!!, mtbvfr.

golinux · 2025-05-17 01:47:23

I still use a classic roller-ball mouse! Old habits die hard . . .

mtbvfr · 2025-05-17 01:52:08

I've been using Trackballs since 1993.

When you say roller-ball, are you referring to the original mice with the rubber ball underneath?

Thanks!!

golinux · 2025-05-17 02:06:46

Yes! Does everything I need and they are still available or were last time I bought some. I don't like tools that light up and are complicated.

Altoid · 2025-05-17 02:07:42

Hello:

mtbvfr wrote:

Which Trackball device do you use ...

I have been using a ERGO M575, I think also from Logitech.
It was the least expensive (wireless) one I could find locally.

It is quite evident that it is not made to last.

Not crazy about it, lint builds up inside the ball cavity, especially around the contact points.
But then I have seen that happen in every other one of these things I have used, I guess it is part of the deal.

One pet peeve I have is that the rubber pads that keep them from sliding on the desktop are (usually) absolute crap.
They are stuck on with some sort of rubber cement and eventually they will come off.

And to clean the thing thoroughly (under the buttons, around the wheel), you have to take it apart.
This means that (besides the necessary patience and care) the pads must come off to have access to the tiny screws.
Lose them (a pad and/or screw) and you are in a jam.

You may want to consider trying possible options out before purchasing one.
My only recommendation is to avoid any brand/model with rechargeable batteries.
Common AA's are available anytime / anywhere.

Best,

A.

Last edited by Altoid (2025-05-17 02:08:43)

mtbvfr · 2025-05-17 03:41:30

Altoid wrote:

I have been using a ERGO M575

I had one of those before I bought the Trackman Marble. One of the buttons failed. Logitech lost the plot a long time ago. My first product was the original 3 button Trackman.

I am now looking at either a Kensington Orbit with Scroll Ring or the Kensington SlimBlade.

alphalpha · 2025-05-18 17:48:04

i dont really use it that often but i am quite happy with my elecom huge
not sure if there is a lefthand version tho

hunter0one · 2025-05-18 21:14:10

I really like the Logitech Marble but I just recently bought a Porlei TM551 and its fantastic if you're right-handed. It comes with a scroll wheel which is notably missing from the Marble, but the Marble can be configured to have scrolling if you hold down the left back button and move the ball. Both are very comfortable to use.

EDIT: Just realized you also used the Marble and ran into similar problems as I did. Alos that you are left-handed. I haven't used any others besides the Marble that could be used left-handed, maybe the Kensington Orbit.

Last edited by hunter0one (2025-05-18 21:18:12)

Duke Nukem · 2025-05-27 10:20:33

I have used a Logitech Trackman Wheel for years. They stopped making them long ago and I hate to think of not being able to use one any more, so I have snapped up some used ones from Ebay and have about 8 of them (but I do have 4 PCs). Even used ones are not cheap to buy. I have had microswitches fail so I cannibalise others for spare ones - I can solder. On the later version you can push the ball out from a hole below with the blunt end of a pencil to clean behind it.

I prefer the wired ones because of less to go wrong, and I can't see the point of a wireless trackball unless you are using it from the other side of the room, because unlike a mouse where the wire drags, you don't move a trackball around in use. I can use a trackball in the narrow space between my keyboard and the edge of my desk, and you can spin the ball indefinitely, while a mouse would have run out of space without lifting and replacing. I have used a trackball for so long that I can send the cursor to anywhere on the screen with a flick of my thumb with an accuracy of about 1/4", obviously followed by the final adjustment.

The Logitech Trackman Wheel is right-handed though, I've never seen a left-hand version.

Last edited by Duke Nukem (2025-05-27 10:22:56)

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#1 2025-05-17 01:27:02

Which Trackball device?

#2 2025-05-17 01:47:23

Re: Which Trackball device?

#3 2025-05-17 01:52:08

Re: Which Trackball device?

#4 2025-05-17 02:06:46

Re: Which Trackball device?

#5 2025-05-17 02:07:42

Re: Which Trackball device?

#6 2025-05-17 03:41:30

Re: Which Trackball device?

#7 2025-05-18 17:48:04

Re: Which Trackball device?

#8 2025-05-18 21:14:10

Re: Which Trackball device?

#9 2025-05-27 10:20:33

Re: Which Trackball device?

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