Kensington SlimBlade™ Pro Wireless Trackball, Rechargeable Battery, Bluetooth 2.4GHz Connection Options (K72080WW)
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AI Verdict
This is a finger-operated, ambidextrous trackball with triple connectivity and a 4-month rechargeable battery, designed for users prioritizing wrist comfort and desk space.
This trackball is a strong fit for users seeking an ergonomic alternative to a mouse, especially those with wrist discomfort or limited desk space. Its triple connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) and ambidextrous design make it highly adaptable to various setups and users. The 4-month battery life and programmable buttons further enhance its utility for extended professional use.
If you need more physical buttons or a scroll ring, consider Kensington's Expert Mouse trackball, which offers a different button layout and scrolling mechanism.
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Pros
- Offers Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless (with dongle), and wired USB-C connection options for maximum flexibility.
- Rechargeable battery provides 4 months of use on a single charge via its USB-C port.
- Features a low-profile shape and ambidextrous design for comfort for both right- and left-handed users.
- Dual sensors accurately track the 55mm ball, providing precise cursor control and twist-to-scroll functionality.
- KensingtonKonnect software allows assignment of a wide variety of program functions to 8 sets of programmable buttons.
- Government-grade 128-bit AES encryption secures the 2.4GHz wireless connection.
Cons
- The trackball picks up dirt quickly, requiring cleaning of the ball and receptacle about once a week for smooth movement.
- The large buttons can be difficult to actuate if pressed too far from the center, requiring specific hand placement.
- Some users found that a separate wrist rest was necessary to prevent wrist fatigue during extended use.
- Windows ARM-based computers are not currently supported by the KensingtonKonnect software.
- Bluetooth 3.0 is not supported, only Bluetooth LE (4.0/5.0).
Dimension Scores
Dual optical sensors accurately track the large 55mm ball, providing precise and responsive cursor control.
The low-profile, ambidextrous design reduces arm and wrist movement, but some users found a separate wrist rest necessary for extended comfort.
Offers triple connectivity via Bluetooth (BT4.0/5.0), 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C, providing maximum flexibility across devices.
Users report a premium feel and durable construction, though the glossy body can show fingerprints and the buttons require specific actuation.
Best For
- Users needing an ergonomic input device to reduce arm and wrist movement.
- Professionals who switch between multiple devices (e.g., desktop, laptop) using different connection types.
- Individuals with limited desk space who cannot accommodate a traditional mouse.
- Anyone seeking precise cursor control for productivity tasks, including those with larger hands.
Not Recommended For
- Users who prefer thumb-operated trackballs or traditional mice for navigation.
- Gamers or graphic designers requiring extremely high DPI settings or numerous easily accessible buttons for rapid actions.
- Users exclusively on Windows ARM-based computers due to software incompatibility.
Watch Out For
- The trackball's large 55mm ball requires cleaning about once a week, as oils and dirt can accumulate and hinder smooth movement.
- Actuating the four large buttons can be inconsistent; pressing them closer to the center near the ball works best, while pressing further out requires more force.
- Despite its low-profile design, some users found that maintaining a comfortable hand position without a wrist rest led to fatigue.
- The unique twist-to-scroll mechanism, while effective, takes some getting used to and might not appeal to everyone accustomed to scroll wheels.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BLRQ4116 |
| Brand | Kensington |
| Color | Black/Red |
| Series | Kensington SlimBlade Pro |
| Language | French |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
| Item Weight | 8.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Kensington |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Special Feature | Ergonomic Design, Programmable Buttons, Rechargeable, Wireless |
| Operating System | Windows, macOS |
| Hardware Platform | PC, Mac, Linux |
| Item model number | K72080WW |
| Product Dimensions | 5.23 x 6.02 x 2.2 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.23 x 6.02 x 2.2 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, USB |
| Movement Detection Technology | Trackball |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 4 months |
What Buyers Say
Users frequently highlight the seamless switching between multiple devices using its triple connectivity options, which is a major convenience for hybrid setups. The unique twist-to-scroll feature, while initially unfamiliar, quickly becomes intuitive and is often praised for its efficiency. However, the trackball's tendency to accumulate dirt, requiring regular cleaning, is a recurring point of feedback. The large buttons, while programmable, sometimes require a deliberate press closer to the ball for consistent actuation.
“Dude, my wrist pain from my old mouse is GONE, and I can switch between my work laptop and my personal PC with just a flick of a switch, it's actually kinda amazing. Just gotta remember to wipe the ball down every few days, but that's like, a 5-second job.”
Common Praise
- Seamlessly switches between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections across different computers.
- The twist-to-scroll mechanism is effective and becomes second nature after a short adaptation period.
- The 4-month battery life means infrequent charging, making it practical for daily use.
- The ambidextrous, low-profile design contributes to reduced wrist pain compared to traditional mice.
- The device feels premium and well-built, exceeding some users' expectations.
Common Complaints
- The trackball requires frequent cleaning, about once a week, to maintain smooth cursor movement.
- The large buttons can be stiff or unresponsive if not pressed precisely near the center.
- Some users found the height necessitated a separate wrist rest for prolonged comfortable use.
- The KensingtonKonnect software does not support Windows ARM-based computers.
Ownership Tips
- The trackball picks up dust and oils, necessitating a quick wipe of the ball and its housing weekly to prevent sluggishness.
- The twist-to-scroll takes a day or two to get used to, but then it feels natural and efficient.
- The battery life lives up to its 4-month claim, requiring very infrequent charging.
- Switching between devices via the connection selector on the side is quick and reliable.
- The buttons are large, but you learn to press them closer to the ball for a consistent click.
Frequently Asked Questions
What connection options does the SlimBlade Pro offer?
It offers Bluetooth (BT4.0/BT5.0), 2.4GHz wireless via a USB-A dongle, and a wired USB-C connection for maximum flexibility.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
The rechargeable battery provides up to 4 months of battery life with a single charge via the USB-C port.
Is this trackball compatible with Mac and Windows?
Yes, it is compatible with both Windows 10/11 and macOS 10.15 or later. However, KensingtonKonnect software does not support Windows ARM-based computers.
Can I customize the buttons?
Yes, the free downloadable KensingtonKonnect software allows you to assign a wide variety of program functions to 8 sets of programmable buttons.
How does the scrolling work?
The SlimBlade Pro features a unique dual-sensor ball-twist scrolling mechanism, where you twist the large 55mm ball horizontally to scroll through pages and documents.
Is a wrist rest included or necessary?
A wrist rest is not included. While the low-profile design aims for comfort, some users found a separate wrist rest beneficial for preventing fatigue during prolonged use.
Buying Guide
When looking at trackballs, you're essentially trading traditional mouse movement for stationary finger or thumb control. This means less arm and wrist movement, which can be a game-changer for comfort and desk space. Pay attention to the ball size and how it's operated (finger or thumb), as this dictates precision and how your hand rests. Connectivity options are also key; if you jump between devices, having Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired is super convenient.
Sensor (Trackball)
Unlike a mouse that moves across a surface, a trackball's sensor tracks the movement of a ball you manipulate with your fingers or thumb. This keeps your hand and arm stationary, reducing strain and requiring less desk space.
Connectivity (Bluetooth, USB, 2.4GHz)
This determines how you connect to your computer. Bluetooth is great for laptops without needing a dongle. 2.4GHz wireless uses a small USB dongle for a dedicated, often more stable, connection. USB wired provides a zero-latency, always-on connection and charges the device.
Battery Life (4 months)
A longer battery life means less frequent charging, which is a huge convenience. A 4-month battery means you'll only need to charge it a few times a year, similar to how often you might change batteries in a traditional wireless mouse.
Programmable Buttons (8 sets)
These buttons can be customized to perform specific functions, macros, or shortcuts. More programmable options mean you can tailor the trackball to your workflow, saving clicks and speeding up tasks, much like having extra hotkeys on a keyboard.
Alternatives
If this trackball doesn't fit your needs, look for trackballs with a thumb-operated ball for a different ergonomic feel, or models with a dedicated scroll ring if you prefer that over ball-twist scrolling.
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