Kensington Announces Availability of Award-Winning, Thumb-Operated Trackball Designed for First-Time Users

[TheLostSwede]

-Kensington, a worldwide leader of desktop computing and mobility solutions for IT, business, and home office professionals, today announced availability of the Pro Fit Ergo TB450 and TB550 Trackballs, affordable entry-level, thumb-operated wireless trackballs for everyday office workers and home users. Recipients of the prestigious international 2023 Red Dot Design Award for product design, the new trackballs are ideal for users who want to improve wrist and forearm alignment or work in tight spaces with limited desktop space.

Compatible with Windows and macOS, the Pro Fit Ergo TB450 and TB550 Trackballs combine the feel of a wireless mouse with the convenience and accuracy of an advanced trackball. The ergonomic design was derived from a clay sculpture to perfectly fit the contour and natural angle of the human hand, placing the hand in a natural vertical position to improve wrist and forearm alignment for all-day comfort and optimal function.




The Pro Fit Ergo TB450 Trackball (K72194WW; $49.99 MSRP) features five programmable buttons, and provides the familiar left click, right click, and scroll wheel of a traditional mouse to ease the transition to the trackball. The energy-efficient wireless trackball provides long battery life of up to 18 months using 2.4 GHz or up to 15 months when using Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) connectivity.

The Pro Fit Ergo TB550 Trackball (K72196WW; $69.99 MSRP) offers seven programmable buttons and adds an enhanced, customizable 4D scroll wheel that provides intuitive four-direction scrolling; scroll left, right, up, and down, to provide a comfortable user experience. The rechargeable battery provides up to four months of battery life with a single charge.

Benefits and features of the Pro Fit Ergo Trackballs include:

• Precise, Accurate Cursor Control - The high-quality tracking sensor, 34 mm thumb-operated trackball, and multiple DPI switch (400, 800, 1200, 1600 dpi), combine to provide smooth cursor control, optimal precision, and easy cursor speed transitions to maximize productivity.
• Flexible Wireless Connection - The Pro Fit Ergo Trackball is capable of connecting to up to three devices via the 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth, and allows users to easily switch between devices with the push of a button. Government-grade 128-bit AES encryption provides enhanced security to stop hackers from monitoring wireless connections and obtaining sensitive information.
• Customization - Both trackballs can be used as plug-and-play devices, or can be used with the feature-rich KensingtonWorks software for professional customization and superior productivity. KensingtonWorks enables users to customize the functions of each of the trackball buttons, and adjust the pointer speed and acceleration.
• Easy to Clean - Both models feature a unique design that incorporates a built-in, patented, trackball ejection button to effortlessly remove the trackball for cleaning.
• Sustainable Manufacturing Process - To reduce the impact of plastic on the global environment, the trackballs are made with GRS-certified 70% post-consumer recycled ABS, and at least 50% of the overall plastic used is recycled plastic.

"While the ergonomic and space-saving benefits of using trackballs are well-documented, the unique form factors and comparatively higher price points of trackballs, can be intimidating for users who are accustomed to using a traditional computer mouse," explained Lisa Schuiteboer-Shuler, Global Marketing, Manager, Product Marketing at Kensington. "These new trackballs provide users with an affordable solution that features a familiar mouse-like look and feel to enable a seamless migration for experiencing the many benefits of trackball technology."

The Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB450 and TB550 Trackballs are available at Amazon.

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[Nephilim666]

This looks awesome for work and anywhere with very limited desk space.

 

[shagath]

I can see use to use as a remote controller for tv connected to pc.

 

[ZoneDymo]

always will champion trackballs but I feel we are decently covered in the thumb range, really I would want someone to pick up on the Logitech Trackman Marble FX design

basically that with a bit more tweaking to the ergonomics to force your arm in a good position, new sensor, more buttons, DPI switch, think we would be golden.

 

[TheLostSwede]

always will champion trackballs but I feel we are decently covered in the thumb range, really I would want someone to pick up on the Logitech Trackman Marble FX design

basically that with a bit more tweaking to the ergonomics to force your arm in a good position, new sensor, more buttons, DPI switch, think we would be golden.

This ^

 

[gurusmi]

good to prevent tennis elbows.

I use tracknalsls aside mice since centuries. Right not i own Keyboard, mouse and trackball from logitech to reduce the amount of USb Receivers. But trackballs are really rare on the market. especially if one has larger hands. The last Kensington has been too smal to fit and suit my hand. The Logitech MX does. The usage is real great also at CAD and/or 3D programs.

 

[GNORT.V6]

This looks somewhat like the Logitech Trackman series. I've used the various iterations for years. They've gone by several names the latest two are the M575 & the MX. Currently I have an MX for home and a M575 for work. I like them both but while the MX is better ergonomically its connectivity can sometimes get a little flaky causing the pointer to jump around. Frequent cleanings do not help. Another issue I have is that while I have Logitech MX keyboard and mouse they require different bluetooth/usb receivers. Which is really dumb.

 

[cvaldes]

This looks somewhat like the Logitech Trackman series. I've used the various iterations for years.

Correct. This trackball's basic design (thumb style) has been around for a couple of decades, nothing revolutionary or new here.

I've had a couple of Trackman Marble Wheels over the years (wired and cordless) and I have a couple of currently marketed Sanwa trackballs that closely resemble the Trackman design.

 

[Eskimonster]

My son would troll me , if i ever got one. I just use a G900, luckly my chair armrest aligns perfectly with the table so i dont strain the arm.

 

[gurusmi]

Another issue I have is that while I have Logitech MX keyboard and mouse they require different bluetooth/usb receivers. Which is really dumb.

I do have the same Combo also. But here they work at one receiver. you need to download the software from logitech, where you can connect that device to different receivers. It should be this small software: https://support.logi.com/hc/de/articles/360025297913
I downloaded it once and use it locally all the time.

 

[trsttte]

My son would troll me , if i ever got one. I just use a G900, luckly my chair armrest aligns perfectly with the table so i dont strain the arm.

Doesn't matter how aligned you are, a G900 can only be used with your arm flat on the table (pronation). If you don't want to take the plunge for a vertical mouse, which requires a bit of getting used to, the MX master series is not terrible as the mouse is quite angled and rotates the arm a fair bit towards a better posture. A G900 just doesn't do that

 

[Eskimonster]

Doesn't matter how aligned you are, a G900 can only be used with your arm flat on the table (pronation). If you don't want to take the plunge for a vertical mouse, which requires a bit of getting used to, the MX master series is not terrible as the mouse is quite angled and rotates the arm a fair bit towards a better posture. A G900 just doesn't do that

And my arm are flat like a 3 days old open beer. If you notice my thump, there is a scar. That injury have made it not very flexible, that also prohibits me in using a trackball , i would get pain in it after short time.
my longest gaming session so far is 65 hours in a row. i felt no fatique in the hand nor arm.

 

[trsttte]

And my arm are flat like a 3 days old open beer. If you notice my thump, there is a scar. That injury have made it not very flexible, that also prohibits me in using a trackball , i would get pain in it after short time.
my longest gaming session so far is 65 hours in a row. i felt no fatique in the hand nor arm.

I can't speak on how your injury may affect things, but being flat is the problem, a more ergonomic position is having the arm and hand at 90º degrees like you were giving an handshake, trackballs reduce repetive arm movement but they aren't the best ergonimically speaking either, vertical mouses are.

Of course your injury may make things different and one should always go with whatever feels confortable