Completely disagree. Been using a trackball to game since the old microsoft trackmans, and I hold my own quite well. Especially in FPS games. It's all in what works for you.
If they'd make this a mouse WITH a trackball then it would be in a whole new league of controllers but as it is, sadly, its a niche device with limited use rather than a general use item with an addon.
Wait it's not actually also a mouse? Well that's disappointing, because it certainly looked like an ergonomic mouse _with_ a trackball, and I was in the market for a super-ergonomic mouse, and the trackball can be a nice additional option for when my wrists get tired, but if it's just a trackball then that definitely limits its usefulness for me.
Looks just like their wireless trackball m570 that they've had for years, so I'm not going to buy this one either. Wish they'd switch back to the trackballs you roll with your fingers instead of your thumb. I'm still using a 15 year old Trackman Marble FX, and I guess I will continue to.
Kensington's "slimblade", while stupidly named, is a decent trackball; it's been my "mouse" since about 2012 or so. Elecom also makes quite good trackballs, both "finger" and "thumb" varieties (with left handed models, too!), and those are available on Amazon. Both the Elecom and the Kensington trackballs can be bought wired, which means no juggling batteries or worrying about wireless interference.
Oh, yeah, and Sanwa Supply also makes trackballs that are very reminiscent of the '90s Logitech trackballs. Sadly, nobody seems to make anything like the Logitech Marble FX.
Yeah I greatly prefer a finger trackball over a thumb ball. I've got a Kensington Orbit trackball with Scroll wheel at work and a Expert Mouse Wired trackball at home.
I also have a couple Evolution Track balls by Itac. They are little light on the feature side of things and not small by any means but they are pretty much indestructible. They have 6 buttons but are big enough I find it fairly awkward to use more than 3 or 4 and no scroll wheel.
Personally? I'm glad to see this style instead. They can make both - but I really hate the ones you use your fingers on instead of your thumb. Not comfortable to me at all. Just go to Logitech's site and ask them for the other style. Let them know there's some demand for that to be updated too.
Until I saw the side button I'd assumed it was wheel tilt left/right; AFAIK I've seen that counted as buttons somewhere before. Could still be it if the side button's a mechanical release for the tilt adjustment only.
I've never used a trackball; but I do have a Razer mouse with a pad of thumb buttons on the side and the pad's too far back for me to use all of it though; its placement was apparently designed for someone with a shorter thumb or who folds his fingers up so most is above the mouse.
Looking at the pictures for this I suspect I'd have the same problem, with the ball located somewhere either at or just forward of the knuckle in my thumb. On the mouse I tried keeping my thumb bent enough to reach the back half of the pad as well as the front; but after a few hours holding my hand like that grew somewhat painful.
Logitech "needed" a new model considering the disaster the m570 was with it's micro switches failing prematurely. I'm just hoping this version also fixes the interference issues when using it on a single dongle with their K800 keyboard. http://lgponthemove.blogspot.com/2014/09/tech-tips...
I didn't have the left click fail on my first M570, but the middle (wheel) click stopped registering. I did have a left click failure on a couple of Logitech mice before (MX1000).
The thing that saved me in both cases, though, was the generous 3-year warranty that Logitech used to offer. Most of the newer devices have a 1-year only warranty. Combined with the high price, I'm not sure I'd buy this one without a significant price reduction (say, less than $50).
That's why I didn't care for the m570. It would only last 1-2 years before one of the buttons stopped responding with every click. It was the only option for me though due to wrist issues. The prior wired one I had lasted about 8+ years but I suppose that is why it was discontinued.
I used to love the old logitech trackman wheels that had the red marbles. They were among the best thumb-based trackballs ever made, IMHO. Unfortunately the the follow up M570s never seemed to have the same precision or control. I also burned through batteries like crazy. if Logitech offered this as a wired mouse and a couple of months ago, I probably would have given it a try. However I just bought an ELECOM M-XT3URBK which is fitting my needs.
I'd also highly recommend the Kensington Expert Trackball, sadly I broke mine as it was just slightly too tall for the keyboard tray I use and I finally broke on of the bearings it rides on.
However, I should note that trackball manufacture seems to have a recent upsurge as there are a number of models from Japanese manufacturers like Elecom and Sanwa that came out in the last few years. So the article should be updated to reflect this as they are readily available on Amazon, meaning you aren't limited to Logitech or Kensington.
I already have an order in for one of these, and I hope it turns out well.
Excluding a few cheap Chinese models that don't work that well, this is the first major thumb trackball release in about 7 years since the debut of the M570.
I have enough spare m570's to last me till Armageddon. I was excited about the announcement of a new Logitech trackball but the $99 price and legacy micro-usb port are a real wtf...
I use a trackball at home & a mouse at work. Switches up the motion, to reduce chances of RSI.
Also, my home setup includes an ancient steelcase keyboard tray with no room for a mouse. I hacked it to provide a perch for the trackball, however. Switching my right hand between it and the numpad-less keyboard is super-fast, not that I game or anything.
I'm glad to see this update, but I prefer wires vs. batteries. Moreover, I won't use their "flow" feature, as I've already got a KVM switch and my network drives mapped. Interesting idea, though. ...until somebody hacks it to steal your data.
BTW, there's a cute Linux game called "Trackballs", that's sort of a Marble Madness clone. At one time, it was a pretty good way to test OpenGL acceleration. Naturally, trackball users will be at a bit of an advantage. You'll find it included in most open source distros, I think.
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Thrawn - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Glad to see any interest in trackballs. My wife would love this MX Ergo and might get one later.For myself I am hoping this succeeds because I need a replacement for my Microsoft Trackball Explorer https://www.gamingtrackball.com/pages/overview
Diji1 - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
I am eagerly awaiting the same product. So hoping this is a great product.These types of trackballs that use the thumb are unsuitable for gaming.
Red_Sun - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
Completely disagree. Been using a trackball to game since the old microsoft trackmans, and I hold my own quite well. Especially in FPS games. It's all in what works for you.Tams80 - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
Elecom make a 'middle finger and index finger' trackball. It's on the cheaper side build wise and is on the small side, but hey, it's also cheap.Diji1 - Wednesday, September 13, 2017 - link
There's the L-Trac Laser from CST which is very niceMadAd - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
If they'd make this a mouse WITH a trackball then it would be in a whole new league of controllers but as it is, sadly, its a niche device with limited use rather than a general use item with an addon.lewisl9029 - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
Wait it's not actually also a mouse? Well that's disappointing, because it certainly looked like an ergonomic mouse _with_ a trackball, and I was in the market for a super-ergonomic mouse, and the trackball can be a nice additional option for when my wrists get tired, but if it's just a trackball then that definitely limits its usefulness for me.JackTheBear - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Looks just like their wireless trackball m570 that they've had for years, so I'm not going to buy this one either. Wish they'd switch back to the trackballs you roll with your fingers instead of your thumb. I'm still using a 15 year old Trackman Marble FX, and I guess I will continue to.hexgrid - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Kensington's "slimblade", while stupidly named, is a decent trackball; it's been my "mouse" since about 2012 or so. Elecom also makes quite good trackballs, both "finger" and "thumb" varieties (with left handed models, too!), and those are available on Amazon. Both the Elecom and the Kensington trackballs can be bought wired, which means no juggling batteries or worrying about wireless interference.hexgrid - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Oh, yeah, and Sanwa Supply also makes trackballs that are very reminiscent of the '90s Logitech trackballs. Sadly, nobody seems to make anything like the Logitech Marble FX.kpb321 - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Yeah I greatly prefer a finger trackball over a thumb ball. I've got a Kensington Orbit trackball with Scroll wheel at work and a Expert Mouse Wired trackball at home.I also have a couple Evolution Track balls by Itac. They are little light on the feature side of things and not small by any means but they are pretty much indestructible. They have 6 buttons but are big enough I find it fairly awkward to use more than 3 or 4 and no scroll wheel.
svan1971 - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
I think the only thing missing from your rant is : hey you kids get off my lawn!egmccann - Monday, September 18, 2017 - link
Personally? I'm glad to see this style instead. They can make both - but I really hate the ones you use your fingers on instead of your thumb. Not comfortable to me at all. Just go to Logitech's site and ask them for the other style. Let them know there's some demand for that to be updated too.DanNeely - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Where's the 8th button? I only see 7. Left, middle, right, below the wheel, 2 on the edge for the index finger and a 7th on the side above the ball.Ukyo - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Maybe they're counting the side scrolling feature of the scroll wheel as a button? lolDanNeely - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Until I saw the side button I'd assumed it was wheel tilt left/right; AFAIK I've seen that counted as buttons somewhere before. Could still be it if the side button's a mechanical release for the tilt adjustment only.DanNeely - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Is tilt really the only key ergonomic adjustment?I've never used a trackball; but I do have a Razer mouse with a pad of thumb buttons on the side and the pad's too far back for me to use all of it though; its placement was apparently designed for someone with a shorter thumb or who folds his fingers up so most is above the mouse.
Looking at the pictures for this I suspect I'd have the same problem, with the ball located somewhere either at or just forward of the knuckle in my thumb. On the mouse I tried keeping my thumb bent enough to reach the back half of the pad as well as the front; but after a few hours holding my hand like that grew somewhat painful.
Luscious - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Logitech "needed" a new model considering the disaster the m570 was with it's micro switches failing prematurely. I'm just hoping this version also fixes the interference issues when using it on a single dongle with their K800 keyboard.http://lgponthemove.blogspot.com/2014/09/tech-tips...
andy o - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
I didn't have the left click fail on my first M570, but the middle (wheel) click stopped registering. I did have a left click failure on a couple of Logitech mice before (MX1000).The thing that saved me in both cases, though, was the generous 3-year warranty that Logitech used to offer. Most of the newer devices have a 1-year only warranty. Combined with the high price, I'm not sure I'd buy this one without a significant price reduction (say, less than $50).
Tewt - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
That's why I didn't care for the m570. It would only last 1-2 years before one of the buttons stopped responding with every click. It was the only option for me though due to wrist issues. The prior wired one I had lasted about 8+ years but I suppose that is why it was discontinued.stargazera5 - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
I used to love the old logitech trackman wheels that had the red marbles. They were among the best thumb-based trackballs ever made, IMHO. Unfortunately the the follow up M570s never seemed to have the same precision or control. I also burned through batteries like crazy. if Logitech offered this as a wired mouse and a couple of months ago, I probably would have given it a try. However I just bought an ELECOM M-XT3URBK which is fitting my needs.I'd also highly recommend the Kensington Expert Trackball, sadly I broke mine as it was just slightly too tall for the keyboard tray I use and I finally broke on of the bearings it rides on.
However, I should note that trackball manufacture seems to have a recent upsurge as there are a number of models from Japanese manufacturers like Elecom and Sanwa that came out in the last few years. So the article should be updated to reflect this as they are readily available on Amazon, meaning you aren't limited to Logitech or Kensington.
Red_Sun - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
+1Just bought the wired Elecom to replace my aging m570. This logitech looks to have fewer features. Too little, too late in my book.
CaedenV - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
Sees Title:YES!!! I'll order 3 of those please!
Reads $100 price tag
Ok... maybe just one X-)
twtech - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
I already have an order in for one of these, and I hope it turns out well.Excluding a few cheap Chinese models that don't work that well, this is the first major thumb trackball release in about 7 years since the debut of the M570.
boozed - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
My mum will be thrilled.(No joke!)
ianmills - Monday, September 11, 2017 - link
God damn I really wish they would update their marble mouse to a dpi that is actually usable with large monitorkubi - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
Ugh, thumbball. I'll be sticking with my Elecom Deft for now.nathanddrews - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
Good to know that after my wife's M570 dies and the second M570 we have as a backup dies, maybe she can get this one in 2025.Icehawk - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
Pretty excited, I love me some thumb ball action. Too bad there aren't a few more buttons and higher dpi though.Anyone know what the difference is with the Plus model?
groundhogdaze - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - link
I have enough spare m570's to last me till Armageddon. I was excited about the announcement of a new Logitech trackball but the $99 price and legacy micro-usb port are a real wtf...mode_13h - Wednesday, September 13, 2017 - link
I use a trackball at home & a mouse at work. Switches up the motion, to reduce chances of RSI.Also, my home setup includes an ancient steelcase keyboard tray with no room for a mouse. I hacked it to provide a perch for the trackball, however. Switching my right hand between it and the numpad-less keyboard is super-fast, not that I game or anything.
I'm glad to see this update, but I prefer wires vs. batteries. Moreover, I won't use their "flow" feature, as I've already got a KVM switch and my network drives mapped. Interesting idea, though. ...until somebody hacks it to steal your data.
BTW, there's a cute Linux game called "Trackballs", that's sort of a Marble Madness clone. At one time, it was a pretty good way to test OpenGL acceleration. Naturally, trackball users will be at a bit of an advantage. You'll find it included in most open source distros, I think.