Finger Trackball Mouse

Quick Summary: MSTE users who don't have an MSTE - get this mouse as it's the closest "replacement" to date. Obviously, if one wants a mouse like the MSTE, then get an MSTE. But even a used MSTE costs a bit and you have to be careful of the cord. If one wants something Less Expensive that closely resembles the MSTE and is also cordless, then this is the best mouse on the scene since the MSTE itself. Update2: Trying to add some slightly better pictures and others that show the MS Trackball Explorer, Logitech Cordless Optical Trackmall, and the smaller Elecom "DEFT" trackball mouse. But some pictures are not loading to the site. Sorry. :( Update1: IMPORTANT NOTE: Waaay down in the comments (the oldest one at the "bottom" should be a link to the Elecom software download page and the English PDF manual. As this mouse is "very new" you *DO* need a more recent Elecom proprietary software to recognize this mouse if you wish to use it's three proprietary function buttons (F1-F3). Long Winded Review =============== This new Elecom Fingerball wireless mouse - the M-HT1DRBK - appears to have been released is June 2017 and has been available on Amazon since July 2017. In August I was about to order a second of the smaller Elecom M-DT2DRBKs when I stumbled over this new **larger** "HUGE" mouse and figured it was worth a try. The M-HT1DRBK just arrived and after giving it a ten minute test spin I just ordered two more. No clue if it will take "1-2 months" for the next batch to arrive, or if the price will drop from $85.99, but would say it is certainly worth the investment. FYI: It actually does say "HUGE" on the mouse itself. :) Comparisons to the MSTE (MS Trackball Explorer) ====================================== 1) It has a nice large "red ball" like a certain MSTE we all know and love. In fact, the Elecom ball is slightly BIGGER than the MS one. There were many reviews about the smaller Elecom mouse's "grey ball" having issues, and several people purchased a "blue" M570 ball to swap with the "grey" one. From my quick tryout of this new mouse with it's "red ball", would say that the quality looks to be significantly better than that of the smaller mouse's "grey" one. An excellent improvement. 2) This mouse is *MUCH LARGER* than the smaller "grey ball" M-DT2DRBK. Excellent for people with "larger" (aka normal sized) hands. 3) It is a bit wider than the MSTE, and Elecom moved one of the three proprietary "Function Buttons" to the right side of the ball. If you use their proprietary software, this would give you "two buttons to the right of the ball" just like the MSTE. 4) MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL. This mouse has a PALM REST. As this seems to be an alien concept to most mouse manufacturers I will state it again - this mouse actually has a place for the palm of one's hand to "rest" while using the mouse, so for the first time since the MSTE, there is actually a trackball that not only fit's one's hand, it is actually COMFORTABLE. Plus it doesn't have teeny tiny thumb-killing buttons like a certain L*git*ch Trackman. Wish I could show a decent side-view of the palm rest, but this can also be seen with via the pics on Elecom's web site. 5) ??? I would assume that being a wireless device, there may be an occasional "lag" in response times, but cannot say for certain. However there does appear to be a wired version of this mouse as well. It's part number (August 2017) is M-HT1URBK. Usage ===== Bulk of this review was written after only ten minutes of mouse use, so haven't had the time to give it an extended run, but observations so far are positive. "Weeks later" - Still great. Haven't tried the Elecom software yet myself (not using the F1-F3 buttons). - Seems to respond MUCH better than the smaller Elecom version (blue or grey ball). - Range seems to be about the same as the smaller one. About nine feet out it gets tricky and Line of Sight is critical. - The "left" button isn't as "tall" as the MSTE's, so my clumsy thumb is hitting the wheel, but this should be a minor issue. - ??? I read elsewhere that the "left" and "right" mouse buttons are "better quality" than the other buttons, that one should be able to tell the difference, that they should have made *all" the buttons "better quality", etc. Haven't noticed any difference between buttons yet. Too busy enjoying having a wireless mouse that actually fits the shape of my hand for a change. Customization - aka The Buttons ======================== So far as remapping buttons, "drivers", and support for various operating systems... Would assume this mouse works as a basic mouse in anything from XP up to Win10. You've got your Left, Right, Forward, Back and Wheel Buttons, plus the three Extra Proprietary Function Buttons F1-F3. Remapping the eight buttons and basic customization is where it gets interesting. Would assume one needs at least version 5.1.0 of Elecom's proprietary software to use/control all eight buttons. For now I am sticking with X-Mouse Button Control which allows configuration of everything except the three extra Function Buttons. Both programs allow for the use of multiple profiles for easy customization across different applications. Elecom's software (and English PDF manual) is available from their website. I will try adding possible links as a "comment" later as this review is too long as it is. Odd Future Issue (?) ================ Since the palm-rest is made of a "soft" material vs plastic, I wonder how it might hold up over time. Will it wear out? Time will tell.

PRO It is a trackball which is far superior to any other mouse control on the market end of story. The large trackball makes it easy to do fine precision in graphic work. The over 7 buttons and wheel gives you the ability to do most anything any other mouse control device. I almost don't use the keyboard except when I need to create a document or email. I love having all that control in just 1 hand. Another benefit to a trackball is that it does not need much real estate. I have it on the arm of my chair and does not need anymore space cause it does not move around like a mouse. While a trackpad does not move I find it to be much slower, highly inaccurate like using finger paint, and totally horrible when trying to se fine work. Trackpads are an obscenity o technology that only a hammer can fix. Price was reasonable. CON This is a wireless which means every now and then I have to deal with batteries running low. I also have the USB version which never needs to recharge/replace any batteries which I prefer. I know some people don't mind dealing with batteries and prefer not to have wires all over the place. Wired/Wireless I'd still prefer this over any other device. I do not do gaming.

I have been searching for a good trackball replacement and wanted to switch from a thumbball to a fingertip ball. The big ball square didn't work for me so I decided to try the Huge. Unfortunately it isn't working out for my thumb and hand. Quality: As for the build and feel of the trackball, it has a good weight and feel to it. It does not move around as I am using it. It looks very durable and would last a long time. I cannot comment on battery life as I have only had it for a short time, but the AA batteries seem to be doing very well even staying on the whole time and being ready when I reboot the computer. Connection: It only has the 2.4ghz dongle and no bluetooth, so the connection was a little spotty when plugged into my usb hub from my Mac Mini. I did get better connection when plugged into the main SSD hub on the bottom with a faster communication speed. Settings and speed: Once connected well, it is very responsive and the mid setting for me was perfect. Value: I think it is a good value for a large trackball. If your hand is very flexible in your thumb, it may work very well for you and the buttons and customization is great. Scrolling: That's where my main issue comes in. When Your hand is on the soft pad and resting near the ball, it is very comfortable, but to actuate the scroll and the button on the scroll, it puts my thumb in an awkward position and I have to reposition to get at it with more accuracy. Once I reposition, the heel of my hand falls off the pad and puts my hand at an angle for the upper buttons. Sadly I may have to return to a thumbball trackball. It did connect well with my Mac Mini and the forward and back buttons worked out of the box. With the Elecom software I was able to customize all the buttons to my liking. Al-in-all, this is another trackball I really wanted to like and be my main input device, but my weird hands will not let me. Hope this was helpful.

I love this, I have both wired and wireless versions, the former being used with my desktop computer and the latter my laptop. This has the feel of my old Microsoft TrackMan, and works very well. I'm a gamer and for me it's much easier to use than a mouse (and doesn't aggravate my carpal tunnel as much). It's simple to connect using the provided dongle that plugs into a standard USB port, and the dongle stores tightly in the bottom of the unit, so minimal chance of it coming loose and getting lost. It's plug and play, so for basic use you can use the Windows (I haven't tested it on a Mac) default mouse driver to adjust button assignments, but the manufacturer has it's own software that gives you far greater flexibility. If you have either version of this unit (wireless or wired), and travel with it, I highly recommend getting the Hermitshell case (search Amazon for M-HT1DRBK) to protect it, you won't regret it. I've been using the same case since 2018 when I bought my first of these trackballs, and it's still in fantastic shape. Note: If you have the wired version you just have to coil the cord on the bottom of the unit. The fit will be tight, but it does work. The only downside to this unit is that it will eat batteries if you have it on high performance mode. It would be much nicer if it had an internal rechargeable battery. I'm not taking anything off for that as it works perfectly well for me in the standard mode (I don't compete in e-sports any longer, so no need for high precision), and I get about 4 months out of a 1 set of batteries. It might be longer if I didn't forget to turn it off occasionally. This is a product I highly recommend, or I wouldn't have purchased 4 of them (2 of each over the years). This was a replacement for one that I'd had for a couple of years, but it got dropped and the buttons broke, otherwise I think it would still be going strong.

This is almost exactly what I was looking for in a trackball. Finger controlled, huge ball, padded wrist, smooth operation. It really is nice. I am currently using it at work and really love the hardware. However, I have had no success with their proprietary software and Windows 11. If you want to use all the buttons or customize them, you have to use their software. And on two different systems now I have had the experience of the cursor freezing up or massively stuttering on screen when using their software. It doesn’t happen right away, but after a short time, it shows up. I’ve tried uninstalling, repairing, reinstalling… no joy. Fortunately it mostly works with the Windows drivers. No freeze, no stutter, as long as you do not install their software. You just have to live with the fact that you can’t use all the buttons. Which for some could be a deal breaker. For me at home - a Blender3D user, IT professional and casual gamer, it wasn’t going to work. At work, it’s enough to get by, and I like the thing enough to make concessions. So, I wish I could rate it higher. It’s a great piece of hardware, hobbled by crippling software.

Update: I just purchased my 5th Huge wireless trackball; I have one in my home office, and use three at work in different locations, two that are just a few feet from each other. I love them and 4 of the 5 work exactly as expected. The 5th one was bought used and was likely returned for the same problem I encountered with it, but thought it might be a set up problem on my end...its not, its the trackball. Whenever I plug my laptop into the system that trackball is attached to, I have to unplug and replug the usb transceiver to get it to work. Once its working, I can go all day with it working fine, even if the laptop isn't used for a while and goes to sleep, but once I disconnect the laptop and reconnect it, i have to also disconnect the transceiver and reconnect it to get it to work again. Some other reviews mention that. The other four work perfectly, especially after a week or so of use to 'break them in' to where the ball responds without sticking when first trying to move it. They do break in. My oldest one is a couple of years old now, so I am also happy with durability. I previously bought the huge version and the smaller original deft, both wired. I bought the wireless one I am reviewing about a week ago, as "used--very good". I'm very happy with it; its a keeper, if set up correctly. First, make sure the transceiver is located in a position where there isn't interference of some kind. I originally placed it in the back of a caldigit T3 thunderbolt dock and it was working, but had the slow start and perhaps hard to be precise with like some people have talked about. For various reasons, I replaced that dock with the new Plugable thunderbolt dock, and noticed how poorly my logitech wireless keyboard was working when I placed its transceiver and this trackball transceiver to the back of the plugable dock. I moved both transcievers to a 4-port USB hub so they are still out of the way but not behind objects, and this trackball is now working excellently, with no hesitancy at all. the slow start and imprecision is completely gone--BTW, I have always had it set to the middle position in the back (for precision), and the middle position for speed. It doesn't emit the high pitch hum that came from the small wired deft, and I have found it comfortable to use for hours on end. I downloaded the software ( I am using mac OS Big Sur) and quickly programmed the keys. For me, I have both of the far right keys set to function as a right click just because its less confusing for me to do so. I have the smaller function keys programmed to cut and paste...but it will take me some time to get used to using them for that--I am coming most recently from a logitech trackman that is only 2 button, so I have to rewire my brain to use the extra functionality. Same with the track wheel. It works great, I just have to train myself to use it. I've been using trackballs for 20+ years, and can't get the hang of thumb-balls. If logitech had a more advanced finger driven trackball than the trackman, I probably would have gone that route, but the whole point of moving from the trackman was to go wireless. The new kensington is having mixed reviews and was too pricy to try sight unseen. I'm quite satisfied with how this telecom is working. My use over the past week has included some graphics work where precision is needed, not just documents, spreadsheets, and webpages. Thumbs up. Update July 2021--I must like these because I now have three of these (plus 2 wired ones) for different work stations I work from during a typical week.

Owned for a year and a half First the cons: 1. Uncomfortable. It takes a bit to get used to the feel of this mouse. I use it on the armrest of a recliner so it is slightly above my elbow and that can irritate my fingers after extended use. It is much more comfortable if you are using it on a desk or other surface that puts it below your elbow it is significantly more comfortable than a standard mouse. 2. Pretty heavy. If you drop it, the mouse is sturdy enough that it's not likely to break, your toes may not be so lucky. Be careful. 3. The software is definitely the biggest con. The "ELECOM MouseAssistant5" uses up an abnormally high amount of CPU so it uses up more electricity than it should, and it can slow down other programs that need a lot of processing power. Trying to find a fix for this is what made me think to leave an updated review. 4. Fine movements are difficult. I use this mouse for gaming rather than editing so it takes a while to tweak the software settings in order to get it set up to make the precise, single-pixel movements that are sometimes necessary for photo editing. (not 5) Not actually a con, just a tip. When the batteries(2xAA) get low the mouse can double click or hold your click when you don't want it to. Hopefully, none of those were deal-breakers because the Pros definitely make up the Cons in my opinion. Pros: 1. Long-life/durability. I got this mouse a year and a half ago and it is still in great shape even after a few tumbles that sounded pretty harsh. 2. Easy to clean. Occasionally you'll need to pop out the trackball to clean the sensor, ball, and bearings the ball rotates on. The ball is pretty easy to remove despite it not falling out by accident, unless it falls from high enough. You may need to use a cotton swab or other tool to remove hairs that get caught around the sensor but I never have. I've only ever had to use a swab once, otherwise, I simply blew on the sensor like it was a Nintendo cartridge and the rings of oil build-up around the bearings I just wiped out with my finger. You may want to use soap on the ball from time to time if you want it to roll as smoothly as possible. I've only done that once though because it doesn't actually improve performance by a significant amount, it does feel nice though. 3. Responsive. Most gamers recommend against wireless mouses because they can be unreliable, but unless the batteries are dying(which takes about 9 months for me) I haven't had a single issue with my cursor not responding as expected. 4. Efficient battery use. I use this mouse daily for several hours, and I turn off the mouse when I'm not using it. I've just replaced the batteries for the second time now so 2xAA have lasted me about 9 months. 5. Stays put. It's not a big deal if you only use your mouse on a flat surface, but for me, it is very convenient that the rubber pads on the bottom do so well at keeping the mouse from sliding off my armrest despite the weight of the mouse. 6. Convenient slot for the USB dongle. It seems like a minor thing but if you've ever lost a USB dongle you know just how much of a hassle that is. If you decide to take this mouse on the go you don't have to risk the USB breaking or getting lost in your bag, you can just slide it in the slot on the bottom of the mouse. I hope I've helped your decision one way or the other. :)

The ergonomics of a trackball (or mouse, I suppose, if I ever used them) are very personal. What fits one person may not fit another. For a designer, one solution to this problem is to provide several alternative controls and a way for the user to specify what they do. This seems to be the philosophy behind the 8-button Huge model from Elecom. The Huge trackball is indeed fairly huge, and next to my Logitech M570 it seems unrealistically huge. But in fact it's almost exactly the same size as the Microsoft Explorer trackball I used for many years, until Microsoft inexplicably stopped making them. After a few others, most of which relied on clumsy rolling bars and ball-bearing races, which were rough and unresponsive, the optical trackballs arrived, notably the M570. Reluctantly, I decided perhaps my thumb could be as nimble as my index and ring fingers, and to my surprise it worked fine. I settled on that device for several years, but one problem kept recurring -- the microswitches in Logitech products are beyond cheap. They're very short-lived, at least for someone who makes their living on the computer. I've bought 6 of these compact, effective trackballs, and that's just not acceptable quality. Logitech also makes keyboards, which again, I quite like -- except their keycaps are cheap, with painted-on labeling that wears off in a year or so (the home keys, for those who touch type). A nuisance, but blank keycaps don't make the keyboard useless. Double-clicking button switches do. It was time to try another brand, and I bought an Elecom clone of the M570, and it's held up nicely in my studio, which isn't the friendliest place for precision devices. With the good performance of that trackball, I decided to see if my muscle-memory from the finger-style trackball was still functional, so I got the Huge model for my office. To my great relief, I found that switching back from thumb to forefinger control was effortless, and once the big red globe was sitting next to my K780 keyboard, I found myself unconsciously reaching for the ball with my fingers instead of my thumb. Some will disagree, but although the thumb has a bit more freedom of movement, I believe the forefingers have significantly more refinement of sensitivity and movement, and along with the much larger ball that gives me a very useful level of control. I may not convert to finger models for the four other computers I use regularly, but I suspect I can switch back and forth between thumb and forefinger models without a problem -- most of the others are used to control CNC, laser, MIDI, etc., so the pointing device isn't as critical as it is for Adobe apps and extensive writing. The specific features of the Huge are well documented elsewhere -- the buttons and wheel all work fine. I can't yet say whether the switches will last longer than the M570, but it's hard to imagine they wouldn't! Overall, I give the button action and placement a 90% score. The areas for improvement are few, but worth considering: The wheel is great in its own right, but its placement slightly obstructs the default LEFT button, and I would address this by extending the LEFT button outward a little (I might try sticking a layer of plastic on it myself). More significantly, the wheel is also a button, and in its near horizontal placement it's hard for the thumb to press it all the way to a click without bracing the fingers on the opposite side, to keep the whole device from sliding to the right. This is a problem that could only be fixed by using a much lighter spring on the wheel-switch itself. There is a similar "ease of activation" issue with the slider at the bottom left. This is used to select Low, Medium, or High wheel sensitivity, and although it works as expected, actually sliding it is much too difficult for interactive use. I can "deliberately" put it any position, but it's impossible to just "casually" slide it back and forth while actually using the pointer. That means if you need to change resolution for a moment or two and then return to normal, it's just not doable. Unfortunate, but not a big deal for my use. It would have been nice, though, and it seems odd to provide that capability and not make it effortless to slip into the needed gear. Finally, my biggest disappointment. With the M570, my wrist sits squarely on my desk, so it gets uncomfortable pretty quickly, and I resort to various pads, thick and thin, to avoid stressing that bundle of tendons, nerves, and blood vessels exposed on the bottom of the wrist. The Huge, on the other hand (pun intended), has a large wrist support area with a squashy pad on top -- perfect! Except on my unit the pad is only slightly softer than the tread on an automobile tire. It's definitely a pad, softer than wood, but not by much. If I push with my finger on a thick section (about half an inch thick in places), I can with some force get it to collapse about 1/3 of its thickness. But my wrist is a large area and the weight of my hand & forearm is far too little to produce any compression at all. It might as well be solid plastic (or tempered steel) with a thin cloth glued to it. It's only technically a pad. Realistically, it's not. I do wonder if Elecom might have replacements for the pad, perhaps with some compliance or softness. There's no cushioning value in the present one, and I'm even considering peeling it off (if possible) and replacing it with something that's actually soft. I don't know if Elecom reads these reviews, but they would have no way to contact me anyway, so I'll have to try contacting them elsewhere. My conclusion is that I like the Huge very much, I'm very satisfied with the ball action, there are buttons aplenty for my clicking needs, and with luck it will prove much, much more long-lived than the nice (but flimsy) M570 it replaced. I do recommend it highly, with the small caveats mentioned.