Slimblade Trackball

By Xah Lee. Date: . Last updated: .

Slimblade Pro Trackball (bluetooth)

new. wireless version came out in 2022-11-08.

Slimblade Pro 20240909 Z4NwC-s1200
Slimblade Pro 20240909 Z4NwC 〔photo by jamesni 2024-09-09〕 4000×3000

Marketing Blurb

  • Includes choice of Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless and wired connection options for maximum flexibility. Compatible with Bluetooth BT4.0/BT5.0. Features 2.4GHz wireless dongle (USB-A with USB-C to USB -A adapter) and 1.5m USB-C to USB-A charging cable (USB-C port on the trackball).
  • Rechargeable battery provides 4 months battery life with single charge via USB-C port
  • Low-profile shape allows all-day comfort for both right-handed and left-handed users. The trackball takes up less desk space than what is needed to operate a mouse and is more comfortable during extended use because it requires less arm and wrist movement.
  • Dual sensors accurately track the large 55mm ball, giving users better cursor control that requires less hand and wrist movement. Provides highly accurate and responsive cursor tracking and scrolling.
  • Simply plug in the USB cable to the trackball and users will be up and running quickly. Free downloadable KensingtonWorks software provides an easy-to-configure personalized experience, giving users the ability to assign a wide variety of program functions to 8 sets of programmable buttons with KensingtonWorks installed
  • Customizing with TrackballWorks software on Mac OS is only available when connected with the wire of wireless via the USB dongle
Slimblade Pro Dactyl Manuform 20240909 zdtM9-s1200
Slimblade Pro n Dactyl Manuform 20240909 zdtM9 〔photo by jamesni 2024-09-09〕 4000×3000
Slimblade Pro left 20240909 kJ4tf-s1200
Slimblade Pro left 20240909 kJ4tf 〔photo by jamesni 2024-09-09〕 4000×3000

Kensington Slimblade Trackball

The Kensington Slimblade Trackball came out in 2009.

This is one of the better trackball loved by the trackball users community. Featuring large ball, and 4 large buttons.

Kensington Slimblade trackball 78432
Kensington Slimblade
slimblade d80ed
〔image source https://x.com/ginsukeMonitor/status/1003262843469250560〕
Kensington Slimblade trackball TEK 92960
• Truly Ergonomic Keyboard • Slimblade Trackball

Ball Size

Ball diameter: 55 mm.

Buttons

The 2 buttons on the north side are harder to reach. The buttons near you easier to press, by thumb.

  1. Lower left button is left click.
  2. Lower right button is right click.
  3. Top left button is double click.
  4. Top right button is browser back button.
  5. Twisting for scroll also works.

Twist Ball to Scroll

twist the ball to scroll, like rotating earth.

you can do that easily by swiping index finger around the rim of the ball socket.

Note: in some 3D applications, you need to both scroll and move cursor. This is not possible with Slimblade.

Work in Linux?

Yes. Works in Linux out of the box.

You can remap mouse buttons in Linux using xinput. 〔see Linux: Swap Mouse Buttons〕

Slimblade vs Expert Mouse

Kensington Expert Mouse and Slimblade
Kensington Expert vs Slimblade Trackball. 〔photo by ronin http://www.hitokiri.com/blog/archives/2009/03/the_kensington.php © ❮https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/legalcode❯〕

Of all web reviews, there is no consensus of which is better. Some prefer Slimblade, some Expert Mouse.

Kensington Expert Mouse and Slimblade side-view
〔photo by ronin http://www.hitokiri.com/blog/archives/2009/03/the_kensington.php © ❮https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/legalcode❯〕

Trackball Size Comparison

Where to Buy

Slimblade trackball