Best Gaming Trackball Mouse

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 10 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 61

  • @HiLoMusic
    @HiLoMusic 11 днів тому

    I appreciate all of your vids

  • @numinous123
    @numinous123 Місяць тому +2

    I just bought the Ploopy Adapt. This reminds me of my old Kensington Trackball from WAAAAAY back in the day when they were still made in America. Except better. Higher dpi (12,000) and 1000 MHz polling rate. That old Kensington had 400 dpi and a 250 MHz polling rate. I'll let you guys know how it is when I get it.

    • @numinous123
      @numinous123 21 день тому +3

      Well, I got it. It's smaller and less functional than I expected. The buttons are difficult to program, and the trackball is small. Not a great match for someone with long fingers like me. But, it's really sturdy, The current settings are in a pretty dumb arrangement, and you can't cord buttons like a Kensington mouse. I kinda regret buying it.

    • @zack3851
      @zack3851 14 днів тому

      ​@@numinous123Thanks for actually following through in giving a review

  • @Peteriscool97
    @Peteriscool97 17 годин тому

    Amazing video quality, love it!

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  17 годин тому

      @@Peteriscool97 sorry about the gaming loudness 😅

    • @Peteriscool97
      @Peteriscool97 Годину тому

      @@lefnire No worries! First part of the video and the reviews was mostly what I was looking for personally. :)

  • @friedmule5403
    @friedmule5403 7 днів тому

    I do really like your video.
    I am so sorry that you have never learned how to use a mouse the correct way. I have used mouse all from the first Macintosh mouse, pc ball mouse and up until today and I have luckily never gotten even tried in my hand, even after 12-14 hours.
    The trick is to configure the mouse so you almost use it as a large trackball. Your wrist and arm is relaxing on the table and only your two fingers are moving the mouse. If you need more space than half a playing card, are you using it wrong. :-)

  • @laughingvampire7555
    @laughingvampire7555 14 днів тому +2

    slim pro ball is 55mm diameter the Elecom huge is 52mm diameter

  • @supersnail5000
    @supersnail5000 3 місяці тому +2

    I believe the L-Trac actually has three buttons, there is a smaller circular middle click between the trackball and scroll wheel.
    Personally I think if you want many buttons easily accessible, the MTE/gameball style is vastly superior to the ambidextrous style in almost all cases.

  • @ryanwwest
    @ryanwwest 3 місяці тому +1

    You make the best videos, really appreciate how much detail you go through. My dream setup is ZMK wireless Ploopy Adept, but ZMK has to finish adding support for pointing devices (hopefully soon) and then Ploopy needs a lower power sensor design (longer). Maybe one day..
    I have Ploopy classic and only use the scroll wheel for max 2 scroll motions. For any more, I mapped a combo of clicking buttons 1 and 5 to change the ball itself to scroll (until clicking 1+5 again) and love the combination. A bit like your setup for the Adept - mostly mitigates the poor scroll wheel.
    Btw, next time perhaps lower/mute the game audio so we can easily hear you during that testing part.

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  3 місяці тому

      Yeah I really messed up on the game audio thing. I actually thought the game was muted; I think it's bad enough to warrant a replacement video when I get the chance. I did try the mapped ball-scroll for Classic, but it feels too aggressive and I couldn't figure out how to control the speed/acceleration. I find myself having to be very precise with my ball motion for scrolling, where with the Adept it feels natural

    • @ryanwwest
      @ryanwwest 3 місяці тому

      @@lefnire I agree on the too fast Classic ball-scroll - I just got used to it but definitely there's some setting we're missing there.

  • @purplelord8531
    @purplelord8531 3 місяці тому +5

    I wish there _was_ some sort of rotary encoder on the adept - even if scrolling is better on the main ball, it would be nice to have the function for other things. and, of course, in games you don't want to stop tracking when using the scroll
    also game audio is too loud.
    love your stuff!

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  3 місяці тому +3

      @@purplelord8531 yeah I gotta redo the video for that reason. I'll do so in coming weeks. Ive been thinking of getting a keyboard with a rotary encoder for that added degree of freedom

  • @khav99
    @khav99 3 місяці тому

    As a Star Craft 2 player the HUGE beats them all hands down, productivity the same the wrist padding is unbeatable whether I'm sitting upright at my desktop or laying back in bed nothing beats it.

    • @Robosan4000
      @Robosan4000 3 місяці тому

      Do any pro Star Craft players use trackballs? I don't know much about the Star Craft scene.

  • @kissalude9032
    @kissalude9032 2 місяці тому

    I agree I have huge sticktion issues on my ELecoms. I counter it with candle wax. I love the ergonomics like you said, but the durability is lacking. Also I miss having on board programming. Sure I can copy my conf files between Linux installs, but I prefer being able to plug and play. Thanks for the reviews

  • @u2bst1nks
    @u2bst1nks 3 місяці тому +2

    I hate the L-Trac, I would rather use an Elecom Huge or Slimblade any day. I find the dynamic bearings on the L-trac to be worse than the static bearings in any Elecom trackball. I also theorize that the 'stiction' with static bearings may be due to oils interacting with the plastic ball. My niece got into speed cubing, and they use silicone based lube on the cubes. I noticed that using a petroleum based lube will make a speed cube experience stiction. I washed off an old logitech ball (and static bearings) that was experiencing stiction using detergent and alcohol. Then I used a speed cube lubricant on the ball. No stiction. I find lubricating trackballs using the "forehead/nose" method will help stiction for a few days and then it comes back. Using a silicone lubricant seemed to fix it for a long time.

    • @thisusedtobemyrealname7876
      @thisusedtobemyrealname7876 2 місяці тому

      Thanks for the tip! I bought an entry level trackball mouse recently because I have RSI (bicep tendonitis) on my mouse hand. That mouse is surprisingly good considering the 20e price but does suffer from stiction when I have to make really precise movements. Thanks to your comment, I ordered some silicone based speedcube lube to maybe mitigate that issue a bit.

    • @TimJohnson-x1o
      @TimJohnson-x1o Місяць тому +2

      you should look into other forms of lubrication. specifically dry and powder forms like say graphite and other things.

  • @jammies701
    @jammies701 3 місяці тому +3

    Using the Elecom Huge was terrible for me. I was really excited for it based on what I read, but I had no intentions of modding it. After opening and trying it, the shape didn't make any sense, like a warped version of the Ploopy Classic/Microsoft Trackball Explorer form factor, but the ball was the worst

  • @laughingvampire7555
    @laughingvampire7555 14 днів тому

    the largest ball is kensington's elecom is smaller and a lot light, I got elecom huge and kensington expert, the large size of the ball does not help a lot with the sticktion the new bearings help something but is barely noticeble and from my 2 elecom huge I got issues with both scroll wheels. I have just tried the ceramic bearings, I still have to try the steal ones but I'm looking for a fix to the scroll wheel encoder. Maybe I'm just going to buy another of the newer model.
    for gaming, it depends on what are you gaming, because FPS doesn't have the same requirements as colony simulator that allows you to pause or change the speed of the simulation.

  • @jammies701
    @jammies701 3 місяці тому

    Can confirm around 10:30 regarding the Gameball scroll pad. It somehow manages to be so hyper-sensitive that just using the mouse constantly interrupts what you're doing with scrolls, yet when you actually want to scroll, it's inaccurate and laggy, on top of taking a significant amount of scroll input to actually start outputting to the computer (or it's lag. Which would obviously manifest the same way if you go fast)
    BUT… it sure felt good to use that ball. Too small for me, and it's worrisome to always have to keep in mind using tiny strokes because if you don't you'll trigger the scroll pad
    ALSO, fantastic customer service. Really hope they (and Ploopy) stay in business for that reason on top of using real parts and not whatever junk the big companies keep trying to get away with, like my Logitech Vertical that doesn't even have a good sensor, let alone something acceptable like a 3360. The "top of the line" in its segment, and it's sensor may not even be as good as the wired dell my IT guy gave me 10 years ago for free because he didn't want to check it back in

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  3 місяці тому

      Glad to know I wasn't tripping then! Same sentiment, I hope Ploopy & GameBall stick around, since they "get it" and it's a craft for them, they do so much right. Really looking forward to GameBall Pro / 2.0. Yeah, you're right about the polling rate discrepancy in the trackballs vs the solved industry of traditional mice. I'll see these off-brand $10-$20 gaming mice with like 8k hz like it's nothing.

  • @JessicaFEREM
    @JessicaFEREM 3 місяці тому +1

    I like what the gameball pro looks like.

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  3 місяці тому

      Me too, looks like a real upgrade from lessons learned

    • @GameBallTrackball
      @GameBallTrackball 3 місяці тому +2

      @@lefnire That's the plan ;-)

    • @xIxHaZexIx
      @xIxHaZexIx 20 днів тому

      I am STOKED for the pro. It's getting a larger ball too.

  • @zeebadeeba
    @zeebadeeba Місяць тому +1

    Would love a comparison of the ploopy and protoarc em03. Just got an em03 and for the price it’s incredible

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  Місяць тому +1

      I need to buy that. I've had a few Protoarc devices: vertical mouse, standard mouse, keyboard, and recently EM05 (thumball). I'm always anti-thumb, but it was a freebie on Amazon Vine so I couldn't help myself. Unfortunately it was pretty low-quality compared to MX Ergo. I've found the same for their other devices. They're value buys (not budget, but bang-for-buck); which IMO makes them a tough sell for gaming, where quality shines. Of course, I haven't tried the EM03 personally, so it's unfair of me. But my bones tell me I'd only suggest it on a tight budget. Adept is $75, EM03 is $35, and I feel like mice are pretty darn fundamental for gaming, so I'd recommend the extra $40.
      Again, I think of Protoarc as *value*, not *budget*. That's to say, damn good for their price - and leaps better than contenders in the same price range. But for mice, I think the price differential is worth it. Keyboards, on the other hand, you can go from $50 to $400 quickly, and I think the lower prices are just fine.

    • @zeebadeeba
      @zeebadeeba Місяць тому

      The fact it’s Bluetooth for me really makes it quite the bang for your buck. I’m going to get an adapt kit pretty soon. Really looking forward to the dynamic bearings

    • @shrek22
      @shrek22 День тому

      Says not available on Amazon, em03 I mean.

  • @donkhydraulics6479
    @donkhydraulics6479 2 місяці тому

    I'm curious about the Adept. Have you used it for first person games much? In a shooter you would need to be holding down a right click, scrolling the ball and left clicking repeatedly all at the same time very often. I'm just a bit curious what that looks like for you on the Adept. Also a little concerned about not being able to aim while scrolling.
    Probably not a dealbreaker for me either way since I mostly play strategy and third person action games.

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  2 місяці тому

      I've been playing BG3 and Cyberpunk. To your scenario, left + right + ball is easy-peasy with the Adept. But I will caveat: I'm not a good gamer. I play both games on the easiest setting, so I can't speak to high reaction comfort on Adept vs the others; I can only speak to overall long-term comfort, and simplicity of accessing most buttons most of the time - to wit I think Adept is the best. For left + right + ball, I think the only contender would be Gameball, which in its current form (pre Pro / 2.0) isn't ergonomic enough for long-term use. Next-up contender is Ploopy Classic, whose scroll-wheel sucks. So even with my caveats, I feel very confident telling you: Adept is the way.

    • @donkhydraulics6479
      @donkhydraulics6479 2 місяці тому

      @@lefnire Sounds good to me. I don't usually play competitive stuff anyway. I was mostly worried I'd be having to hold my hand in an awkward position to aim and shoot. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

  • @GRiMS2K
    @GRiMS2K 2 місяці тому

    yo! so for fps games, basically just get the ploopy adept? ty for a solid video.

  • @mnsvcar9900
    @mnsvcar9900 День тому

    I'm thinking about trying the Ploopy Mini, the smaller version of the Classic. Bought a ProtoArc Trackpad but my wrist still hurts, so the Adapt might not work for me.

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  День тому +1

      My intuition and experience says that wedge trackballs (eg Adept) are more ergonomic than trackpads. But I don't have enough data for that, even just from comments in the forums I follow - so take that with a grain of salt (and you don't want to make a big purchase on an intuition). So the Mini or Classic would be great for you. I have a sneaking suspicion they're working on a refreshed Classic. There's also GameBall 2.0 theorized for December, and judging by that company's wisdom and the designs I've seen, I think that will be the winner

    • @mnsvcar9900
      @mnsvcar9900 15 годин тому

      @@lefnire Thanks for your info Tyler. I just ordered the Mini. Might even try the GameBall 2.0 whenever it comes out. I've tried 8 ergo mice from different brands, but none of them has relieved me from RSI. At this point, I'm willing to try anything. Miss my Logitech Marble FX.

  • @alveox
    @alveox 3 місяці тому

    Nice review man! IMO All about preference. For the diy part on elecom is true. I got huge for pc, and deft pro for my laptop, all using zro2 bearing, their ruby bearing is trash. lol 😂.
    Other than that i kinda amaze on how people play with ambidex trackball, on my experience it only work for original kensington orbit (only fps). tried gaming wih expert and slimblade, but nothing came right.

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  3 місяці тому

      @@alveox thanks for naming the bearing, I hadn't done the research on which and I'm sure others here will want to know

  • @shareclipsave
    @shareclipsave 16 днів тому

    Do any of you have an alternative for the Slimblade trackball? I read a lighter one will be more ergonomic and I'm not optimizing for performance but ergonomics. It's main use is productivity.

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  16 днів тому

      @@shareclipsave ploopy Adept, baby!

    • @shareclipsave
      @shareclipsave 16 днів тому

      @@lefnire Hi Tyler, thanks for the very informative videos. I got out and grabbed a Slimblade Pro since it was $28 off at Bestbuy based on your reviews. I really meant to ask about replacement 55mm balls that are lighter. Apparently a lighter ball makes it more ergo which is what I'm optimizing for. I'm also considering an Adept since you make it very convincing that I should just try both and decide after.

  • @swissbliss1547
    @swissbliss1547 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for this review, but is it good for fps games?

    • @xIxHaZexIx
      @xIxHaZexIx 20 днів тому

      Yes, I'd recommend the gameball or something like it though. Pushing down on your finger tips with your thumb and pinky like the square one there just to aim down sights and shoot would really limit mobility of your fingers moving the ball compared to something like the gameball, ploopy, or some of the elecom options.

  • @GreyDeathVaccine
    @GreyDeathVaccine 2 місяці тому

    Great review. Lots of details. Thx.
    BTW: The game's music is too loud. It makes it hard to understand what you're saying, especially for someone with English as a second language.

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  2 місяці тому

      Yeah, I plan to remake the video and unlist this when I do - just haven't found the time. I didn't realize the videogame audio would come through, when I watched it after it was so jarring

  • @seannolan3927
    @seannolan3927 2 місяці тому

    how do you make the adept sound and feel less griddy? I want it to feel as smooth as the game ball lol

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  2 місяці тому

      @@seannolan3927 that's the primary complaint about it, you'd have to mod it with ball bearings (which is a diy task). I love the mechanical nature of it personally

  • @LoafingMushroom
    @LoafingMushroom 2 місяці тому

    Man why can't ploopy get a hold of the Logitech g series scroll wheel. Infinite scroll to notch scroll is so fun to use for everything.

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  2 місяці тому

      The Classic would be the total winner if they fixed the scroll wheel

  • @jammies701
    @jammies701 3 місяці тому

    Drag scroll on the adept is great… I just can't figure out where to map it to without getting in the way of mouse buttons 1-5

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  3 місяці тому +1

      Mine is ring finger; top-left for left-handed, top-right for right-handed. I've tried a few configs, and that feels the best for me.

    • @jammies701
      @jammies701 3 місяці тому

      @@lefnire are you keeping L/R-click on the bottom two buttons then? Or the top key just inside the one your using as drag scroll? Thanks for the input

  • @robflores5172
    @robflores5172 3 місяці тому

    I took a ploopy today

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  3 місяці тому

      Just today? Fiber my friend!

  • @TimJohnson-x1o
    @TimJohnson-x1o Місяць тому

    Personally I cant comprehend how anyone still says $100 a lot of money. Like, what do you own that costs less than a $100 these days? I mean a basic decent quality T shirt will cost like $30 these days unless you have Costco. AirPods Pro cost $200. an Iphone costs over a thousand dollars. A decent pair of running shoes that isn't an older model costs at least $150 if not more, and of course you need more than one pair. A decent set of bath towels costs close to $100. A month worth of paper towels cost like $20 with costco and double that or more without. A tank of gas in these giant cars most Americans drive costs nearly $100. A dinner for 2 at some over rated American restaurant serving trash food costs about $100. I just bought one package of insecticide for my home and it cost $45, and it's nothing special. Calling an exterminator out for one trip would cost a multiple of that. God forbid your air conditioner breaks and you need to call an AC company, I've seen them charge people $350 to change a $10 capacitor that takes 5 minutes. My point is. $100 is just normal for anything in the world today. in 1994 money this thing would cost about $45, call it $50. Thats the evolving value of money in terms of purchasing power. Maybe I'm just stressed and going off.

    • @lefnire
      @lefnire  Місяць тому

      Totally fair, that's the going rate of a peripheral these days

    • @beefsupreme67
      @beefsupreme67 Місяць тому +1

      normal people don't buy $30 shirts and $200 headphones. why can't people who are well off realize that. to most people $100 is a lot of money, you are in the top 5% at least