Kensington Expert: Simple Design Done Right
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- Today we run through the Kensington Expert trackball mouse - one of the few ambidextrous trackball devices. Everything from usability, durability, and build quality are covered in this comprehensive review.
Full write-up here: bytethority.com/reviews/kensi...
If you'd like to purchase a Kensington Expert, please consider supporting the channel by using our Amazon affiliate link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Build Quality: 0:48
Usability: 7:26
Summary: 11:40
New videos uploaded weekly! Let me know what you think in the comments below! - Наука та технологія
thanks for doing a review on this one! I have both the Expert Mouse Wireless, MX Ergo for my main computers- and the CST LTrac as well!
I have used Kensington Orbit (wired) for years. I do have Logitech MX which is more expensive, but still prefer my Orbit any day....
The smooth scroll IS THE MAIN REASON I LOVE MY ORBIT, I see the reason you accidentally touch the scroll IS BECAUSE you move the track ball with your palm (several fingers), your palm is not rested, with my Orbit, and palm rest (comes free, it's plastic but does the job nicely) I move the trackball with my index AND middle finger (the ball is between two fingers), ring finger is rested at scroll ring, pinky finger at right button (and my elbow is also rested on silicon wrist pad). I don't have any problem moving between 3 monitors, but doing tiny gesture (like in editing video) is not as accurate as using Logitech MX (maybe because the ball is mid sized, not large enough). But those slight inaccuracy is still preferable than to strain my wrist all the time using mouse.
I never have issue with drifting or jumping cursor/stutter cursor movement, because I'm using wired version, it's not that the sensor or receiver is bad, think about it, around our computer, 2.4Ghz is pretty much crowded (assuming you still using router with no 5Ghz option) and mouse/trackball is among the less powered devices, so it will receive more interference from more powerful devices like router, wifi and bluetooth card. If you want to test this theory, move away your router (assuming your router is standing next to your computer), disable and take away your wifi / bluetooth card (use LAN cable for internet), and basically ANY device that use 2.4Ghz band. Now you can enjoy your wireless device much better (but at what cost....).
great review. Very Helpful!
Nice review. Once I watched this video, I purchased this gadget
I’ve been using the wired Kensington Expert Mouse for decades (and this specific one for maybe six or seven years). I agree-the scroll wheel is a bit scratchy but I’ve gotten used to it. I have _never_ accidentally knocked the scroll wheel with my pinky but I tend to keep my fingertips, rather than my whole hand, resting on the ball. I’ve also never experienced that “cursor drift” issue but I’m doing just basic productivity stuff. I don’t regard the build as particularly “premium”-aside from the scratchy scroll wheel, the click of the buttons doesn’t feel all that solid (but it’s not bad, either)-but it’s good enough that it’s held up for years. The Kensington Works software always seems to me to be a bit rudimentary-you can assign actions globally or per application to six buttons/button combinations (the four individual buttons on the mouse and the two “chords”-the bottom or top pair clicked simultaneously) but that’s it for programmability-and you _can’t_ assign a whole string of commands or macros to a given button or chord. The Expert Mouse does basically what I want so I’m not really looking for an alternative but I _do_ wish it were better.
I picked up an expert last month for $20 brand new in box off craigslist. Absolutely agree with the cursor drift & issues with wireless connection. I also really dislike how much the ball weighs, which is weird because I really like the L-Trac, but I just cannot stand the inertia of the experts ball. Maybe its the weight combined with the static ball bearings? All in all I would have been pretty disappointed if I paid full price & if I were to buy one again I'd go with a wired model. Great review as always.
I just picked one of these at goodwill. I'm trying to figure out how to use it!
Nice overview. Just picked up a (wired) version of the Expert Trackball - Black (?) Ball with Gray Body - and thus far have had no problems with the Ball / Scroll wheel interaction, and both are quieter than those on my Orbit Trackballs (with Scroll Wheel).
The problem with the Orbits (own 3) is that the Buttons eventually fail - or Mostly Fail, in that Sometimes the "Click" takes and Sometimes it doesn't - which becomes very frustrating! These failures led to trying the "Expert," hoping for longer life.
ALAS, I do agree with your observation on Ergonomics: the Expert, with or without the wrist pad, does seem nearly as comfortable as the Orbit. To be fair, continued usage might result in a hand placement that works better, but the wedge shape seems problematical - so much so that I tried it "backwards" for a brief time.
It is also worth noting that the Expert is LARGE: not only does it command a larger footprint than the Orbit, but it is also appreciably Taller - enough that it does NOT allow sliding the keyboard shelf in (under the desk top) when the Expert is on the shelf.
Still, a Single Day has improved "dexterity" in usage, and the programmable buttons are useful (with a learning curve): IF I can find a comfortable grip this is probably a keeper, although perhaps not worth the "MSRP."
Thank you so much for this detailed review.
I have been using Kensingtom Expert moue (wired) forever. Since I sart using it I'm addidcted to it and it really helped with my RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
BUT!! since Kensington start making the scolling ring from this rubber material after some time the rubber starts to disintegrate and the residue is falling inside and makes the arrow jump all over the place. You need to clean it all the time. The lines on the weel are gertting flat and ventually you can no longer use although the mouse is OK. To me, this is a big disadvantage when you try to be ecologic. The don't sell parts so I need to buy a new mouse one becuase of that. Also the wrist rest part that connects to the mouse is not strong and the pins will break over the years. This is about ecology, not money. I will no lobger buystuff that needs the use of a buttery. Only when it charges with a USB cable.
Perhaps I should consider buy a moue from a different compay but I don't know any and have no experience. Can you please put a list of the best ones? I'm aslo using the 4 buttons of the kensington mouse.
Thank you again.
Shlomit
This "drift" is caused by the position of the sensor. It is located slightly above the centre of the ball. Thus, it detects more side movement when you rotate the ball by the bottom than if you do it by the top. The problem could be solved by moving the sensor directly under the ball, but this would increase the overall height of the device. Also below the ball, the space is occupied by the scroll ring sensor.
And dust would accumulate easier. Almost have to have an island with rods connecting the sensor so it can remain clean while functional
I am starting to feel pain on the back of my hand, using the Elecom Deft Pro. I'm afraid fingertip is not for me anymore... can be it's because I am a heavy user, with several hours every day, or my posture, desk arrangement... I already did the bearings swap, on both my Elecoms (Huge, Deft Pro). I will try to find a renewed Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Vertical and see if the bearings will fit. Nice review as always...
Have you tried the slimBlade?
Used one for years great track ball but had to switch to different one scroll wheel eventually hurt my finger quite badly
I heard people had issues 6 years ago trying to connect to a Mac via Bluetooth. Have you had any issues?
Only asking since this video was released a year ago.
had the wired version of this since '21 and this has to be like ... one of the best things ive bought haha
have 2, one is like 12 years and other like 6 and all working perfectly....but the scroll wheel felt always weird, scratchy and flimsy...
Great review, I did find when I had this a few years back I had a bit of wrist ache with the high position of the ball. Do you recommend trying out the Elecom Huge? (It's currently on sale in the UK for £39.99)
That's a pretty good price for the Elecom Huge, so if it were me I would probably grab one for price alone. There are a few things to note about the Huge though:
- You'll need to replace the bearings or else there will be so much stiction that it'll be tough to use
- The layout (palm support) isn't for everyone, and you may find that it's not super comfortable for long periods of time
Those issues aside, I used the Huge as my primary FPS mouse for a few months and really liked it (after performing the bearing swap). I eventually switched back to my MX Ergo, but I still cycle the Huge in every once in a while. I guess if I were to summarize - I would grab the Huge if you can get it cheap enough, but I wouldn't pay a premium for it because it does have its own set of issues.
Hopefully that helps, and thanks for watching!
I have both the Huge and the Deft Pro. I got both as renewed units on Amazon. The Huge I got the wired version as disconnection is an issue.
The problem I have with the Huge is the angle, flat, not tilted. So I use a palm rest for my keyboard that I extend to where the mouse is. So the arm rest perfect over the mouse. But for the Deft Pro I need to use it over the palm rest. My palm rests are very deep.
But, still, no angle, yes pain. Try it, anyway.
Yes the Deft Pro is my trackball of choice. The Huge is also great. I cannot agree with the poster regarding the bearings. I’ve had mine for 2 years of daily use with absolutely no issues whatsoever. So I’m not sure where he’s coming from?
I will opt for the slim blade The scrolling is easier. Hands don’t have to lift off the ball. And turn ring. Just have to glide finger next to Trackball. The expert you can move ball accidentally when turning ring. Your thoughts? Have you reviewed or used it ??
Fully agree slimblade is easier for scrolling, but i find the shape the sharp corners keep digging into my hand
@@AdultshopitCoUk I have put some Sugru on the corners to alleviate this very issue.
Great video - gave a thumbs up/like. How would you rate the ergonomics of this Expert vs the Logitech trackman? I'm a little leery of the positioning of the ball on the Expert and the flat base vs the contoured one on the trackman. Thanks in advance.
In my opinion, the Trackman feels much better than the Expert, but it's hampered by the lack of scroll wheel. This is a purely subjective thing, but I always personally found the Trackman to be a much more natural trackball to adapt to.
On the flip side, the Expert is wireless and Kensington provides some software to remap the buttons (if that's important to you).
@@techbytes4988 Thanks for the reply - somehow didn't see the notification earlier. I ended up getting the Expert wireless and the scroll wheel has become a "must have" for my workflow. Unfortunately, due to the angle of the device right clicks are not very comfortable and I even developed a burning RSI feeling in my forearm tendons when playing Diablo 3 for more than an hour on the Expert (it's the wrist-bending angle, the flat buttons, the awkward right click, etc.) Switched back to my Trackman and guess what....the pain immediately vanished (and hasn't come back). However, the lack of scroll on the Trackman is rough. I have a Slimblade PRO coming in tomorrow and I look forward to seeing how the Blade will feel.
Does it work for linux?
I actually have the OPPOSITE problem with the scroll wheel - it's horrible on my model. It's basically unusable, it's hard, when I try to turn it it sometimes turn a little bit and lock, and I can only turn it with two fingers...
Great, honest video.
Also, a depressing video - as I was just about to buy this mouse.
For years now, I use vertical mice. Specifically for ergonomic reasons.
Can you recommend a vertical mouse (or flat mouse) with a tracking ball (I've never used a tracking ball before)?
Or for any type of mouse, what's the best ergonomic mouse available? Price is not a problem.
I want to buy a new mouse, for work purposes. I'm constantly looking at Excel sheets, MS Word documents, and then lots of emails.
I’ve used an ergonomic mouse for years after suffering from CTS & RSI. I am totally enamoured with Contour-Design’s products and used the original RollerMouse re:d (later called just “red”, sensibly) for about 10 years now. I have just picked up their mobile RollerMouse and the Free3, both excellent products, as is the red. Stay away from the SliderMouse; it would be nice to use but there are too many issues that will drive you up the wall.
Any opinions on the SlimBlade? Thanks! :)
By my observations Slimblade is the trackball most of trackball pro users are staying with, after they tried all other options. It doesn't mean that Slimblade is a perfect device, though. It's probably means it has a better balance of imperfections than other trackballs have. )
What type of track would you rate better?
I personally would recommend the Logitech MX Ergo for most people - it has solid build quality and seems to fit most people perfectly. If you're looking for a palm/finger operated trackball, then my vote goes to the X-keys L-Trac (although that is a little more expensive).
well, I own a kensington expert and elecom trackballs and I keep going back to the elecom, they are just simply better to Kensigton in my opinion. ambidextrous devices are always just a gimmick, because they never have good ergonomics for right handed people (the huge majority) neither for the lefties (the very small minority) And my expert trackball had issues, the scrolling ring works but has some bump like the ring is missaligned and I already opened it and there isn't anything obvious. To me just sucks, I have bought 3 elecom mice and the 3 work perfectly fine I haven't even felt the need to swap the bearings, I'm still using the ruby bearings in the 3 mice. I agree that comparing with kensington the plastic feels cheap but they work just better than my KET
Not sure why you are so negative about Elecom trackballs. I have arthritis (AS) and as such have personally tried pretty much all trackballs on offer. My personal favourite is the Elecom Deft Pro. Build quality as good if not superior to that of Kensington. The Huge is also a super comfortable option as it has a memory foam hand rest. If you are just someone who uses a trackball for convenience then the Kensington is an ok choice but limited in operation, in that to reach all the buttons requires awkward mechanics. But each to their own. I would just remind everyone that the build quality of Elecom is easily equal to that of Kensington. To answer a previous commenters question regarding the Huge in the uk. I’d give it a try and see how comfortable you find it. Anyway I like trackball videos, just don’t be so negative about a manufacturer who has great prestige and history albeit in Japan.
I don.t know, man. You were very generous with your rate. I never tried this mouse, but, the design is outdated, and stuck in time. simple put, not ergonomic at all. OK, it's ambidextrous, but it sacrifices a lot in terms of finger position, resting position, even finger location. Maybe it's amazing for video, image edition, but for everyday, long hours use, like my job require, it's a no-go.. Also, I think after you go vertical, you can go back. Manufacturers needs to realize that and making more mice with angle, at least 15 degrees tilt. It's just how your hands and arms are. If I need to twist my hand using a normal flat mouse, pain comes quick, same day.... Perks of being a 45+ IT dude. Cheers... Happy holidays!
I agree! While it's not necessarily the trackball for me, it is constructed well so I gave it a few extra points. There are definitely other trackballs that I would recommend (Logi Trackman Marble, MX Ergo, etc.) before this one, but for those that like this wedge-style I think it's overall a pretty well built device. Now for me personally, I find myself gravitating more towards the vertical/slanted mice like the MX Ergo. :)
Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
@@techbytes4988 Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Vertical (K75501WW) has the perfect ergonomic design. Why they didn't use that and just added the ball?
cursor drift? I think its skill issue(joke). probably in macos and windows by default you have "mouse acceleration". What is that - Mouse acceleration is a Windows feature that increases the speed of your cursor movement based on the velocity of your mouse.
So I think this is the thing
It looks so much smaller than it is
This trackball is $200 and you praise them for adding a required element to it. Anyway, this trackball is absolutely against any ergonomics. I prefer Orbit Fusion much more. But Nuela is even better, but it lacks the game changer scroll ring unfortunately.
It would be nice if you show something making a sound, to not keep on talking so we can actually hear it 🙃