If you want to do more than just swap the left/right mouse buttons, the xmodmap utility gives you complete control over each button and every function. If you want to use it left-handed, the button assignment can be reversed using the Mouse Settings control of whatever desktop you are using. The trackball is symmetrical, so it can be used comfortably with either hand. By default the bottom buttons are the left and right mouse buttons (button 1 and button 3 for Linux/Unix types), the top left is the middle button (button 2) and the top right is a "back arrow" (button 8), for example going to the previously viewed page in a browser session. Oh, and this LED will also blink red when the batteries are low, according to the User Guide.įinally, the four buttons. There is a very subtle blue LED between the left and right buttons (visible in the scroll ring picture above) which will start to blink when it is in pairing mode, and will go off again when pairing is complete.
KENSINGTON EXPERT MOUSE BLUETOOTH
To initiate Bluetooth pairing, you switch to Bluetooth mode (duh), and then press and hold all four buttons simultaneously. I can see this use case coming on my own desktop already. Of coursed this dual-mode function means that it would be very easy to use this trackball on two different systems, for example with the dongle on my Acer All-in-One desktop and via Bluetooth on a Raspberry Pi 3. Also, the User Guide that is included has a few pictures, and short bursts of text in 13 languages (yes, thirteen), so one way or another you should be able to puzzle it out. This is illustrated at least twice on the bottom of the trackball, as shown at right, with a label and with embossing in the case. The one on the right is a wireless mode switch - when set to the right it is in USB 2.4GHz mode, and when set to the left it is in Bluetooth mode. The one on the left is a simple on/off switch, so you can turn it completely off to save batteries when you want. It is a dual-mode wireless device which can connect either via a USB nano dongle (2.4GHz) or via Bluetooth 4.0 - thus saving a possibly precious USB port.Ĭonnectivity is controlled by two switches on the under-side of the trackball base. I think the cleverest thing about this trackball, though, is in the functionality. I find it easier and more natural to use, and more precise to control, especially when I am trying to move it very small distances. I honestly prefer the ring on this new trackball. It has a scroll ring, but it is touch-sensitive rather than mechanical as this one is. I also own a Kensington Orbit Wireless Mobile Trackball. This is a small movable ring surrounding the ball, which serves the same purpose as a wheel on a traditional mouse. The first really clever thing that I discovered about this trackball was the scroll ring. If you don't need a wrist rest for medical reasons, I doubt that anyone would use it for aesthetic reasons. The way that it attaches, and the fit against the main body of the trackball is sub-optimal, though. As a result of this, it is more stable sitting on the desk.įor those who might want a bit of wrist support or elevation it also includes a detachable (padded) wrist rest. It is considerably larger than I expected it to be judging only from the pictures I had seen of it. well, I'll come back to that in a minute. By default the buttons function as traditional mouse left, right, middle and.
Physically, it has a large, easy-to-use ball, which is surrounded by a scroll ring, and four large buttons. It has a number of features, both physical and functional, which I think are extremely good and some of which are quite unusual. Therefore, I think the source of the name is clear: Kensington has a Department of Silly Names.īut once you get past the name, this really is a very nice and exceptionally versatile trackball. But you can't, and there is nothing else you can do with it which qualifies for the "Expert Mouse" part of the name, as far as I can see. If it were possible to turn it over and use it as a mouse, I might understand the name (don't laugh, I already own a Kensington Slimblade Trackball Mouse which can be used as either a mouse or trackball). This device is called the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball. Let's start this by getting the name out of the way.
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