This is cool. I’ve always loved trackballs over traditional mice. I also wish you could still get a traditional mouse with an actual ball in it instead of being optical. I only say that because I’m a nostalgic dumb ass though lol.
Is there a reason for using a ball-based mouse? Or are you focused on retro aesthetics (which is fine)?
not OP but I think trackballs are superior because of 3 reasons:
- they don’t move so you can blindly reach where you set them and they’ll be there making them a better extention of the keyboard
- because they do not move, you’ll never find yourself in a delicate operation while getting to an uncomfortable position at the end of the mat or the table or run out of room against the keyboard
- you can lay back and chill while operating them just the same resting on your lap or chests or wherever
I used to use one of these old serial Microsoft trackballs for a few years. They use less desk space and they were much more reliable than contemporary ball mice.
I think the high quality of even cheap optical mice has made them obsolete. Their high precision means that they also don’t need a lot of desk space and they are more reliable than trackballs.
I think the main reason to use one of them today is probably nostalgia and personal preference.
No real reason. I think optical mice are most likely superior (depending on the surface. I think optical mice have issues with glass tables?) Ball mice need to be cleaned every once and a while. Thr interface between the ball and roller can slip sometimes, so the cursor doesn’t move.
So, mostly just nostalgia lol.
Never tried a finger ball to be honest. But I own a few thumb balls that I use every day all day at work. I also 3d printed risers for them that make them vertical
Track balls suck
Just like your mother.
She can proudly suck a trackball through a garden hose.
