Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball Mouse with Touch Scroll Ring (K72352US),Black
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AI Verdict
A 8.5-ounce wireless optical trackball with a touch scroll ring and two buttons, designed for basic productivity and reduced wrist movement.
This trackball offers a unique finger-operated experience with a touch scroll ring, which is beneficial for reducing wrist movement during basic tasks. However, its limited two-button design and reported sensor tracking issues for fast movements restrict its appeal beyond simple productivity scenarios.
If you need more precise tracking or additional programmable buttons, look for trackballs with higher DPI sensors and more physical buttons.
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Pros
- Smooth trackball motion for cursor control.
- Touch scroll ring provides effortless scrolling.
- Ambidextrous design allows use with either hand.
- Detachable wrist rest offers additional ergonomic support.
- Wireless connectivity via a 2.4GHz USB Receiver reduces cable clutter.
- Offers precise cursor control.
Cons
- Only two buttons, lacking a dedicated middle mouse button.
- Buttons can feel stiff or have a hollow press.
- Aggressive power saving mode requires clicking a button to wake the device from sleep.
- The scroll ring can be erratic or inconsistent for some users.
- Small ball size compared to other trackballs may result in less accuracy for some tasks.
- Not suitable for gaming due to low polling rate and high click latency.
Dimension Scores
The optical sensor can lose track with quick ball spins, causing the cursor to get stuck, and the smaller ball size can impact precision.
The ambidextrous design and detachable wrist rest contribute to comfort, but the small size is not universally comfortable, and button placement can be awkward for some.
It uses a functional 2.4GHz USB receiver, but it lacks multi-device Bluetooth pairing, which is a common expectation for wireless peripherals.
While described as well-built for its price, the buttons can feel stiff or hollow, and the plastic chassis lacks a premium feel.
Best For
- Users seeking reduced wrist and hand movement for comfort.
- Basic office tasks and web browsing.
- Individuals with smaller hands.
- Users needing a stationary input device to conserve desk space.
Not Recommended For
- Gamers due to high click latency and a low, fixed polling rate.
- Users requiring multiple programmable buttons or horizontal scrolling.
- Users with large hands who might find the device too small.
Watch Out For
- The touch scroll ring can be erratic or not fine-tunable for some users, leading to frustration during use.
- Requires clicking a button to wake the trackball from sleep due to an aggressive power-saving feature.
- The absence of a physical middle mouse button means users must rely on problematic two-button press workarounds.
- The detachable wrist rest is not securely attached and can lift off when the trackball is moved.
- The optical sensor can lose track of the ball during quick spins, causing the cursor to momentarily freeze.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0050SPZMK |
| Brand | Kensington |
| Color | Black |
| Series | K72352US |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Item Weight | 8.5 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Kensington |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Special Feature | Wireless |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Hardware Platform | Laptop, PC |
| Item model number | K72352US |
| Product Dimensions | 2 x 7 x 6 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2 x 7 x 6 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless, 2.4GHz USB Receiver |
| Movement Detection Technology | Optical |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users report the optical sensor can lose track of the ball with quick spins, causing the cursor to momentarily freeze, which is a significant drawback for precision tasks. Despite this, the ambidextrous design and the smooth touch scroll ring are frequently praised for reducing wrist strain during extended use. The aggressive power-saving mode, requiring a button click to wake, is a recurring annoyance.
“Dude, this thing is okay for just browsing, but the scroll ring sometimes acts up and I gotta click it awake constantly. And where's the middle button, seriously? My wrist feels better though, so there's that.”
Common Praise
- Smooth trackball movement for cursor control.
- Touch scroll ring is smooth and works well for scrolling.
- Ambidextrous design allows use with either hand.
- Reduces wrist and hand movement, aiding comfort during long sessions.
- Detachable wrist rest provides additional support.
Common Complaints
- Scroll ring can be erratic or inconsistent for some users.
- Only two buttons, with no dedicated middle click functionality.
- Aggressive power saving requires clicking a button to wake from sleep.
- Buttons can be stiff or have a hollow feel when pressed.
- Optical sensor loses track with fast ball movements.
- Not suitable for gaming due to high click latency and low polling rate.
Ownership Tips
- It takes about a week to get accustomed to the trackball movement if you're transitioning from a traditional mouse.
- The detachable wrist rest isn't fixed and can lift off when you move the trackball around your desk.
- You'll need to adapt to workarounds for middle-click functionality due to the two-button design.
- Regular cleaning of the trackball is necessary to maintain smooth movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it have Bluetooth connectivity?
The product specifications only list 2.4GHz USB Receiver connectivity, so it connects via a dedicated USB dongle.
Can you use it for gaming?
No, it is not suitable for gaming due to its low, fixed polling rate and extremely high click latency.
Does it have a middle mouse button?
No, it only has two physical buttons. Some users report that clicking both buttons simultaneously can simulate a middle click, but this can be problematic.
Is it comfortable for long use?
Many users find it comfortable due to reduced wrist movement and its ambidextrous design, especially with the detachable wrist rest. However, some with larger hands find it too small.
How does the scroll ring work?
The touch scroll ring encircles the trackball, allowing you to scroll by rotating your finger around it. Users generally find it smooth and precise for scrolling.
Is the wrist rest attached?
No, the wrist rest is detachable and slides into a cutout, meaning it can detach if you pick up the trackball.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at trackballs, you're usually trying to reduce hand and wrist movement compared to a traditional mouse. This means less desk space needed and potentially less strain. The key is how the ball feels, how accurate the sensor is, and if the buttons and scroll mechanism fit your workflow.
Sensor (Optical)
This is how the trackball detects your finger movements on the ball. An optical sensor uses light to track movement. If it's not precise enough, your cursor might jump or get stuck, like trying to draw a straight line with a shaky hand.
Connectivity (2.4GHz USB Receiver)
This tells you how it talks to your computer. A 2.4GHz USB receiver means it uses a small dongle you plug into a USB port. It's usually reliable, but it ties up a USB port and isn't as flexible as Bluetooth for connecting to multiple devices.
Weight (8.5 ounces)
This might seem odd for a stationary device, but a heavier trackball usually feels more stable on your desk. Think of it like a solid paperweight; it won't slide around when you're flicking the ball.
Alternatives
If you need more precise cursor control for detailed work or gaming, look for trackballs with higher DPI settings and better sensor tracking. For more functionality, consider models with additional programmable buttons or multi-device Bluetooth connectivity.
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