The Insane Trackball Gaming Mouse

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The GameBall Trackball gaming mouse. Lowering the bar of accessibility to good aim?
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[@jamesleung2450]

Before optical mice were a thing trackballs were a legitimate competitor to mice for gaming from what I remember.

[@funghazi]

Yeah, when I was a kid we used a trackball on our 8088 and 286, we didn't switch to mice until we got a 486 in the early 90s.

[@HollowRick]

I remember those days using one to play starcraft back in the day

[@FlameRat_YehLon]

Nowadays most trackbacks are optical anyway. If you pop the ball of you can see the sensor beneath. And you don't need a good mouse pad to get low friction out of it, as long as you clean the ball regularly.

[@nukeum9535]

I still use the wireless trackman for games. I find more range of motion then a traditional mouse.

[@TH-lo8mq]

The MS Trackball Explorer is one of the best peripherals ever made. I wish they'd update it, and not this 3D printed Ploopy nonsense.

[@willeh9492]

We’ll be using this in 2050 when we get arthritis.

[@zadsazhad]

Well i have arthritis 🥲 but i play on low sens 800dpi 2.5

[@Nicc93]

@@Geppsyy vaccine is not a cure, vaccine does not stop you 100% from getting sick. If it actually did stop you from getting sick it would have been mandatory from the start

[@notchipotle]

🤣 my hand is already make some weird noise

[@mclilzenthepoet2331]

@@Nicc93 oke and when did he argue that point he just said it's not going to give you an illness if you take it because the comment on top was spewing anti-vaxx propaganda

[@zorbalight3933]

@@eventhorizon88 potato alert

[@michaelthompson9798]

Having an uncle who had mobility issues from a stroke and restricted control, yet loved his console gaming ……. This for a pc would give many the opportunity to either start or keep playing many pc titles despite their ailments or disabilities. Great product to see, as well as to see in action.

[@shApYT]

the m575 is also pretty good as it is closer to a traditional mouse and you can use your thumb for the trackball instead.

[@michaelthompson9798]

@@shApYT 👍😆 thanks for letting me know, will keep an eye out for it. Cheers 🍻

[@ferndelisle]

More accessibility is never a bad thing! Seems like a nice product despite the niche use cases. Props for dialing it in and performing pretty well with it.

[@primordialcat6986]

For casual it is

[@callmeacutekitten3317]

@@primordialcat6986 i guess quake pros are casuals no

[@primordialcat6986]

@shirase it's shit for gaming imo

[@jepubepu9570]

@@primordialcat6986 then its not for you, take note of the word "accessibility"

[@primordialcat6986]

​@@jepubepu9570 im talking about in competitive gaming perspective and besides who would use it when mouse is much better? a fcking guy who has a hand injury? then this product is for them and casuals LOL

[@hfklsd]

one of my friends games with a trackball because he doesn't have a lot of desk space... he doesnt play many competitive fps but in Garys mod and minecraft, he has no problem at all! I definitely think that a trackball is a viable gaming device, but with a very niche market..

[@yensteel]

It's really useful for large displays! One flick and you're at the other corner of the screen. It's also useful on the couch.

[@tldrinfographics5769]

Like how small is his desk? are we talking about the size of large plate?

[@syekow7732]

tell him he can use a higher dpi and lower sens for games

[@elijahperez9330]

@@takh6806 For me, trackball is better than a mouse. I use the Trackman Marble for FPS.

[@stratosvagiannis5140]

@@takh6806 cause not every game has aim assist, minecraft, apex, csgo,valorant.ect are all basically inaccessable to controller players (at least not accesable comfortably)

[@Pixelcraftian]

_"Suddenly, the gameball started to click"_ Wait, then how have you been playing the game beforehand?

[@HDJess]

yep, notice that too. I was almost sure IT DOES have that function, aside from the side buttons :)

[@Malysitos]

I think he was just playing like normal. He just need some time to adjust to his trackball’s acceleration settings to aim better. But if you thought that the trackball itself started clicking, then no. He meant that he finally understood and adjusted to the feel of the trackball mouse, hence why it “clicked” for him after 3 hours of using it.

[@Pixelcraftian]

-Guys the joke is that if he can't click he can't play-

[@aeis0]

@@Malysitos and the joke just went flying over your head

[@atom6486]

@@aeis0 one can hear the sound of the joke whooshing by his head

[@genmaicha_]

props to being one of the few tech channels that actually considers niche markets and viewpoints instead of other channels that clickbait with "THE STRANGEST LOOKING MOUSE (IS IT TRASH FOR GAMING??)"

[@haifutter4166]

We both just came from said video, aren't we? XD Also I generally like the not named channel, but I was disappointed about that premature and poorly done review. This channel here one the other side does a great job.

[@genmaicha_]

@@haifutter4166 wait that video actually exists? haha, i was just thinking off the top of my head "hmmm, what would a youtube clickbait title be for this one" i didnt know it was actually done

[@haifutter4166]

@@genmaicha_ "Cool and CRAZY mice you might have never heard of!" was the actual title, but for the review of the gameball it actually went like " I think it's trash for gaming, because i wasn't able to set the button layout to my preferences and didn't activate mouse acceleration, although it was literally invented for trackball mice, because I'm a noob and didn't bother to research " Besides this fail I like most of his videos.

[@nathanjohnson5304]

Appreciate the coverage on this stuff. Companies making accessible input devices should be better highlighted IMO.

[@kevcreations5861]

facts

[@jesh879]

Agree, but the issue is not many companies make the jump to gaming grade hardware. For trackballs, there are really 2 options, and this is one of them.

[@VimCommando]

As one of those trackball enthusiasts who has gamed on one for the last 20 years, I really appreciate your dedication to really learn how it works and not just give a 2-hour impression. Many people forget (or were too young to remember) just how bad they were when they first started gaming on mice 🤣

[@ZigUncut]

I've never got as good as with a mouse but I love TBs. I use the elecom huge TB for almost everything

[@ArathSin]

What about those of us old enough to remember gaming on mice before consoles were a thing? I've always gamed on Mice. I remember the first time someone had an XBox and I tried playing a FPS with a controller, what. the. heck. "Oh, controllers need aim assist? Yeah that makes sense."

[@ZigUncut]

@@ArathSin Gaming with a mouse is still a thing for PC players especially FPS. No better way.

[@razcarsey6635]

@@ZigUncut The Elecom huge is glorious. I game with that big boy all the time. :)

[@hook357]

Thanks! I'm missing my right hand and just have a stump. I currently use a trackball to aim, but I bet this one has higher sensitivity. Definitely will try it!

[@mistermood4164]

Do you use a prosthetic while you game?

[@hook357]

@@mistermood4164 nope. I use a huge Kensington trackball and roll it around with my stump. I use a razer tartarus speed pad with my left hand for all my keyboard functions.

[@dam_j4105]

I played so many years with an old Microsoft Trackball ! Its just so good. I will definitely give this thing a shot !! THANK YOU !

[@RobertOw83]

As a gamer with limited range of arm/hand movement/accessibility requirements - thank you for this.

[@TheZoenGaming]

I gamed for 3 years on a $35 Logitech wireless trackball. The longer you use a device the more you adapt to it. I'm actually interested in this product.

[@rawaccel2693]

Hey, thanks for the shoutout! You might have an even better experience if you try a steeper concave down / power shape. Trackball users especially swear by this configuration and it's also my personal favourite on mouse, where I effectively mimic the CSGO default accel through a power curve.

[@Healp145]

Optimum pls

[@WildThingss]

Really great advice here. Thank you!

[@Maverick0190]

I got an MX Ergo and try to setup your Software. Dont realy understand it yet. Can you elaborate?

[@jesh879]

Linear is best for building muscle memory, which is mandatory for high levels of play.

[@jesh879]

@@Healp145 raw accel users disagree with you and so do pros who use acceleration 🙃

[@ScorpionNCX]

I really appreciate that you’re covering this product and mention accessibility specifically (especially for people with arm/wrist/mobility issues in this case). Thanks for the quality review and keep up the good work.

[@RedHealerMatt]

Having used a trackball for years (both an mx ergo and an elecom huge) I can say that over time you get used to the inertia of the ball and get pretty adept at flicking it with the right amount of power to track effectively. You can give a quick flick and you'll get used to how fast the ball slows down. Heavier/bigger balls spin faster and longer. Lighter balls spin fast but slow fast. The other thing is for the index finger ones you can use more than one finger for ultra precision if needed or to stabilize the ball for tiny movements. I swap between my ergo and elecom depending on the game because the elecom has a hug ball which is great if I don't have to track too much. The ergo is small and light so tracking is easy.

[@pj85438]

Thanks for using your platform visibility to bring awareness of a product like this! It takes work for people to see and think outside of their immediate lived experience so big kudos

[@gabegrinff]

I have one of these and it's incredible, I haven't missed a beat with FPS games and it's super helpful to have a pointing device that you don't need to fret about desk space for. The scrollpad is a godsend for work especially excel docs. I used to game with a steel series sensei, then moved on to a CST ltrac trackball and now this, and I'll never go back to traditional mice

[@gabegrinff]

@Francesco Rondina depends on the user afaik! In my case a finger ball (lol) is way more ergonomic and precise

[@iantellam9970]

@Francesco Rondina I'm also a thumb trackball fan. If they made a gaming thumb trackball, I'd be first in line.

[@vwvw]

the creator of the gameball has posted on the r/trackballs subreddit that a thumball is planned sometime in the far future. its not going to be out any time soon, but keep an eye out ; )

[@iantellam9970]

@@vwvw Ah cool. I check in there from time to time but hadn't seen that. Thanks for the heads-up.

[@marsovac]

I went from cheap mouse to trackball to a steel series mouse and will never go back :D I wanted the trackball to work well but in the end a good mouse beats it hands down.

[@Raire]

I'm glad you took the time to try out trackball gaming! While not for everyone, that was a good representation of the experience!

[@Pilotgeek]

Thanks for covering this! I used to exclusively use a Logitech Marble mouse, for both gaming and general computing, and this looks like a modernized version I'd be interested in. Never liked thumb trackballs, so this looks great for my purposes. Not sure if there's a "proper" way to use a trackball, but the reason I always preferred the finger ones is the ability to use multiple points of contact, which eventually feels natural and is WAY more precise than the single finger out in the air thing you're doing 😅.

[@lattyware]

Cool to see someone covering trackballs. I've been a trackball user for years as I use computers so much for work and fun just as a defensive health measure, seeing so many people with RSI, and grown to love using them. There are some great ones out there (I use the Elecom Huge personally) and after using it normally it feels totally natural to game with it. Personally I find it way easier to do tiny accurate movements and also giant movements without having to throw the mouse around like you would with a traditional mouse. I definitely do find new trackballs take a little bit of time to smooth out, the tend to be a bit sticky out of the box. I think thumb-trackballs are much easier to get used to for most people, so might be worth a look if you are unsure.

[@Squashed8Ball]

I played CS for years with a Logitech thumb ball. I had no problems being competitive with it.

[@diuran1919]

Elecom are super but not for games, there are not smooth to use them to play games.

[@haifutter4166]

@@diuran1919 Not true: Some KZbin channels show how to swap the uneven ruby bearings with standard ceramic. The stock ruby bearings are the problem.

[@haifutter4166]

@@Squashed8Ball All personal preference: I had to use a thumb trackball in the lab at some desks (with limited desk space) and I never got used to it. Too low dexterity with my thumb. This fingertip trackball on the other hand felt natural form the first minute I used it (although this is my first one).

[@robonator2945]

Wait, did you do a bearing replacement on your elecom? I know a lot of trackballers (yes, by my personal decree that is the official term) complain that the synthetic ruby bearings that come stock in elecom devices are garbo but I wonder if they are actually designed to be 'broken-in' or something.

[@BasicallyHomeless]

They should make one with a trackball the size of a basketball haha what a meme that would be

[@level8473]

stfu go back to making siege pls

[@BasicallyHomeless]

@@level8473 you are literally a number leave me alone

[@sexyyoda7567]

@@BasicallyHomeless so long, no upload . Why bruv?

[@BasicallyHomeless]

@@sexyyoda7567 had baby aha yo I like your name bro

[@Hybred]

They need to make a eye tracker mouse

[@willwunsche6940]

This is so cool. You can tell whoever made it actually really cared about making a good product. Obviously not the new competitive standard but when we all have carpal tunnel in 20 years from being gaming addicts 🤣 we'll have amazing products like this

[@astrixau8928]

Yeah I hurt my thumb a few years back from playing to much I used my thumb too much and got Quervain's tenosynovitis. I had a shot of cortisone steroids and it fixed it magically after a few days. I went months at work in pain before getting it checked out which was silly by me.

[@torb-no]

The best Counter Strike player I ever met at a LAN party was using a Logitech Trackball mouse. He was extremely accurate yet also turned around 180 degrees extremely quickly, something I did by flicking the ban so it spun and stopping it right in it's tracks when I turned 180 and then took you down even though you came from behind. He was perfectly capable of using a regular mouse, he just preffered a trackball.

[@TiltschMaster]

Just wanted to say thank you for the RawAccel tip. I just bought the GameBall because I have severe wrist pain sometimes with my regular mouse, even switching to an ergonomic one didn't fix the problem. So, I decided fuck it and bought the GameBall, stumbled upon the project in the middle of 2020. Honestly, I'm too young to have ever used one of these before, I started out with a normal mouse when I first started using a PC (though it was a physical one with the ball inside at the time). It's a bit strange using this thing, but I think over time I'm going to get there, Raw Accel has definetly already helped. It's just wild to me that this thing even exists.

[@sushimshah2896]

Great to see you cover more niche and/or wacky topics/products!!

[@ichdiewurst6153]

Finally a content/video that exists only on this Channel. Props again mate Ali.

[@TypeVertigo]

Great video. The GameBall looks like a modernized version of the Logitech TrackMan Marble I had in 2011, which is similar in basic design but has just four buttons and no scroll control, and I did use it back in the day to play Mass Effect 1. Great work on finding the tools to get it to work for your play style, too. I've conceded to using a Logitech G304/G305 for gaming, but for productivity I use Logitech's MX570 and MX Ergo wireless thumb-driven trackballs, which are perfect for compact workspaces and using as a "remote control" for a computer.

[@niczay58]

that is actually so good for wrist injuries etc.

[@AmandaComeauCreates]

I work in a warehouse with significant lifting causing severe carpal tunnel and nerve damage in both arms. Being able to rest my mouse arm on a cushion and not having to move my arm to move the mouse cursor sounds really nice!

[@ScrappyCoco11111]

Dear Diary, today I watched a man play Apex on a trackball. He played much better than I do with a normal mouse.

[@-Cesh-]

Yeah looking at his Kovaak high scores was humbling. 😂

[@kevinmendoza3463]

I purchased the gameball as soon as it was available and I absolutely love it but I'm still way far off of what I can do with my regular mouse. Tip for those small movements for when you have to adjust for sliders or to highlight certain words, the "Middle mouse click" on the other side of the mouse is a dpi switch button that I click on regularly for those situations. Also, using both your index finger and middle finger to control the ball makes it much easier when aiming.

[@judasblewit]

I'm thinking about getting one pushing 40 my elbow is messed up and causing me issues with my mouse. But is it worth 150?

[@AdultshopitCoUk]

where do you buy one from carnt seem to find this

[@avarria5872]

I've been using trackballs for a few years now. I thought my gaming career was over when I devloped tendonitis in my wrists. It just would not get better. Every time I tried to game with a controller or traditional mouse, my whole arm would hurt. Now, I can play with minimal pain. I use an Elecom Deft Pro, but the Gameball looks like a really good product. Thank you for your review.

[@spitfire155k2]

When C.O.D. first came out as well as playing Tribes I used exclusively a trackball with great success. It's all about what you're used to.

[@Kushmaster-lx2xu]

i still game with a trackball from 2000 this is literally what i've been looking for every other trackballs shape isnt it this has the perfect shape

[@Ciz4Crummy]

Amazing video on something completely different than your normal videos!

[@RanenPo]

Not much of a gamer myself but I love how this video gave a concise overview of a niche product in a very informative manner. Great video!

[@dexheavy85]

Kerp (professional League of Legends) used a trackball mouse competitively. It is all about preference and practice, practice, practice,... You can get good with it. It is just hard to rewire your brain after years of using a mouse.

[@kenneth6102]

I remember using a Logitech trackball when I was in college until my friends took the ball out to mess around and lost it. It was good for work, especially when wireless mouse wasn't a thing. The amount of real estate you claim back on your desk for food and drinks is phenomenal.

[@girdsy9971]

this channel continues to impress me

[@SullySadface]

Hmm. This could help out with my wrist lock issue. Probably less work than getting my Dualsense to play nice with PC gamin.

[@iantellam9970]

I've been playing with a thumb trackball for a few years due to RSI issues (which have now disappeared). I'm not a big FPS player anyway so I can't tell you it's 100% as good as a mouse, but even then it's obvious that a trackball is miles better than a controller. At this point I'm better with a trackball than either tbh. It did take a couple of months to completely adjust though, but then my trackball is nowhere near as premium as this one. Most aren't designed for gaming.

[@SullySadface]

@@iantellam9970 /laughs in steam controller

[@iantellam9970]

@@SullySadface Always wanted to try that. Shame they don’t make them any more. Still think a physical trackball would be better.

[@jed1nat]

@@SullySadface Steam controller literally uses trackball emulation, so...

[@Titor1021]

Brings back old memories of the 2000's. Small desk and playing starcraft and battle realms

[@HollowRick]

This ^

[@Dualllight]

Trackballs are great! I use an mx ergo myself and have no problem with any game, and I play a lot of fps's. Sometimes I even play well.

[@patklze]

I like it alot but the 150hz polling is major drawback for gaming

[@wiegraf9009]

About five years ago I switched from an optical mouse to trackball and started using the Colemak keyboard layout for typing. The combination of the two completely got rid of the terrible RSI I had been experiencing and I don't expect I'll ever go back. I'm interested in getting better at Apex Legends so I'll try using some of the methods you tried out here!

[@modernmuscle9119]

I would say there are those of us that use this kind of mouse that have no injury. It just works better for us that don't like dragging a mouse around constantly. The extra benefits are the ergonomics are just better almost completely removes carpal tunnel issues. I've been playing MMo's and Competitive Fps's for 20+ years and have always been highly competitive during that time.

[@fluffypinkpandas]

I feel like a flight stick with a trackball on its top would be ideal. Even if it means that in an FPS, both control aim. You could use the analog for broad sweeping turns thst need to be made at a high speed And the trackball on top to counter adjust and make more precise inputs when an enemy is near your crosshair

[@Steve-rm5bi]

As a gamer - I use a trackball for non-fps games (path of exile, and other click centered games) I also use this for daily use. And many trackballs have reprogramable buttons, with phenomenal tactility. (Omeron in particular), and also adjustable dpi. As a Biomechanist - I recommend for gaming, getting a thumb oriented trackball. It is much more natural for your thumb to make those movements and allows the wrist to stay in a neutral position. Forefinger trackballs are great for finer less erratic movements, as you can see he is still putting stress on his wrist when making flicks. Despite this, thumb oriented track balls clearly are not ambidextrous, and may be less useful for those with physical barriers. Try both, and see which you like more. I'm a huge fan of trackballs and love to see they are getting some fun attention!!

[@stark3266]

If the ball is lost can we adjust with lemon.

[@ulysseslee9541]

The big advantage of using track ball: your hand is so comfortable due to no big motion of your hand for big motion on screen,, the ball do all this job for you.

[@yensteel]

Slight flick: 180 degree turn XD

[@DuBstep115]

gaming mouse is probably least ergonomic mouse option there is market today, at work we have vertical mouse and it's far more better for your wrist

[@robertkarp2070]

Trackballs are nice because you're not restricted to needing a desktop to use, you can have it at your side on the couch if you want. I've been using trackball for years and never looked back.

[@Anita95_original]

I started with computers with punch cards... During the 1980s I programmed a lot, about 1995 my right hand started hurting whenever holding the mouse. I found a Logitech Marble Trackball and it took some time to getting used to, but it worked. It took at least one year to heal my hand/wrist! I still cannot use a "normal" mouse, I have found one gaming mouse that is tolerable (G502), but the Trackball is still the most relaxable device. However, a trackball is very good for windows work, documents, excel etc. It is cumbersome to draw with, I have done lots of Photoshopping with trackballs, but a PEN is completely in another league! So, do NOT use ONLY a Trackball or ONLY a mouse, use BOTH. I keep a trackball AND a mouse connected at all times, this works since the trackball is in itself stable and will not confuse you or your computer while using the mouse. Switch to the best device for each task! For photoshopping, illustration and similar, use an iPad Pro 13" with an Apple PEN and you will never go back to a mouse... So, use a Trackball & Mouse & Pen !!!

[@flocondavoine6475]

I am flabergasted as it is the very first time I find a video talking about using a trackball to play games! I have been using trackballs to play all my games, from shooting to puzzle games and to do anything on computers since the trackballs exist! To me, it is the best device to use for any application!!!

[@CodiMorphett]

I'd love to see a video like this for the Logitech MX Ergo, I've been using one for two years and have become decently proficient using it in games

[@yokayoksven]

I'm glad you've actually took time to adjust to it, because in most videos about people trying trackballs for gaming they just try it once, bounce off of it, because they aren't used to it and that's it.

[@JML1987]

Most of us probably think it's ridiculous to switch to this and it probably is, but this opens so many doors for those with limited mobility. Especially just enjoying non-competitive games.

[@Rustyybucket]

damn, you aim better with track ball than most people (myself included) with a mouse.

[@thotdestoryer4203]

same bruh

[@jelbrader1]

the rawaccel is genius, i love using trackball mice, but never thought about this. thank you!

[@Unborn8436]

I feel old because i loved these back in the early 2000's lol. The only annoying part is it gets dirty quick

[@zednik8956]

whats worth mentioning is that people usually have what 10+ years of experience with a regular mouse and these trackballs are super unique and not many people will ever even see one in the wild let alone use one. I use a elecom huge and i play Valorant quite easily with mine as i have been using a trackball all my life and im around diamond rank. There was even a pro league player who used a trackball

[@not2envy]

Nice I use the same Mouse but for Coding never tried gaming with it.

[@johnb7690]

I started using a trackball due to repetitive strain on my shoulder and elbow caused by using a normal mouse. Good ergonomics go a long way to prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

[@krnt13]

I used trackballs for 15+ years, since the Logitech TrackMan Vista to the M570, however I became dissapointed that the trackballs have not improved much and their main issue was high sensitivity accuracy, the size of the ball and the maximum dpi was not enough for tracking accurate tracking, but I still love them, my favorites are thumb ball placement, I may give them a try in the future again.

[@originalrr3800]

I used to use one of these in Call of duty 2 back in the day I was a beast with it ! Try using your 2 middle fingers on the ball and your thumb and your 4th finger for the mouse clicks so much more controll over the ball

[@WizardClipAudio]

I’ve been using trackballs since the 80’s and 90’s. It’s the superior cursor device.

[@oscara.2636]

Again, mentioned this on the last video: Grade absolutely on point. Glad to see you're past 500K subs now, well deserved for the effort you make on these vids. You ever want to switch career, consider becoming a colorist!

[@nayanpitlam5621]

great to see more and more diverse content poppin up

[@obscillesk]

Used one for years, my mom was a mechanical drafter and used them at work, brought one home after getting a new one and i picked it up out of curiosity. I started to love it cause it made tracking much easier for me, but it also made it so I could set up pretty much anywhere i had available monitor space at a LAN party. Definitely glad to see this exist

[@Justfalor]

Can confirm, the trackman marble made me a better gamer in cod mw3 back in the days.

[@gamemasterkj]

Awesome I'm looking forward to this! I learned to use the computer and play games with a trackball as a kid and it just comes way more natural to me than a normal mouse. Been wanting a proper gaming one for years and years!

[@AbyssalLeporidae]

@OptimumTech :: I really appreciate your breakdown of how you fine-tuned your adjustments, and the software used, over simply tweaking with dpi and sensitivity settings in-game. I immediately went out and nabbed rawaccel. Mine will arrive soon and I'm excited to play around with it while gaming and getting back into learning CAD software. Thanks for your informative video!

[@suchti9049]

Great for people with injuries / low desk space

[@pix2276]

Excellent video! Thank you for going over everything with the Gameball and you even included the RawAccel. Amazing video! I have one and it's amazing

[@okaymarcel9273]

I'm actually seriously grinding the GameBall in Valorant. Gonna keep grinding to see how high I can get. Up to 300 hours so far on this mouse. Peaked S3 so far. Got some cool clutches with hand cams out too.

[@okaymarcel9273]

As an update, I've been able to grind my aim up to about an average of 52,000 in gridshot.

[@Oniphire]

I have chronic wrist pain in both wrists so I've been gaming with a trackball for years. They're the only way I can realistically play anymore so I'm always glad to see trackballs getting coverage

[@raggedvagabond7537]

Look, I grew up playing Unreal Tournament [UT99-2004] with a large index finger controlled tracball, very similar to this design, and I was always at the top of the board. Only reason I've used a tradtional mouse for gaming since then is that similar styled tracballs were either paperweights or entirely non-existent. Never had any wrist problems, still don't 22 years later, but I wouldn't be picking a tracball for comfort as much as simply feeling at home again. A lot of people speak on the precision and accuracy of the tracball, and honestly it comes down to familiarity and quality of manufacture. I'm ready to see this gaming with a tracball as a meme get wrecked, I don't think it's inferior to the traditonal mouse, just different. One huhe advantage it has though, click a mouse, that's energy into the mouse, and movement of the mouse. You don't notice it because you're used to it by now. Tracball, you point, and that ball doesn't move just because you click.

[@GuilleGuillaume]

There is a popular Battlefield player who plays with a trackball, the ones moved with your thumb Logitech M570 and now the MX Ergo and he owns most of the playerbase. I use one for non FPS games and for regular PC use, even Assasin's Creed back when it was released instead of a controller. Playing games like RPG, ARPG or single players is a blessing with a trackball.

[@allenemersonn1227]

After over 15 years of using one trackball or another, left handed, I managed to grab one of these and I'm thrilled with it. The many buttons and excellent ergonomics have made it far better than every other mouse I have used...especially the regular run of the mill mice... how do you all use those antiquated devices? They feel like working in molasses to me compared to using this trackball. I game with it but also use it for every other thing I do including graphic design, software programming, and spreadsheets. When I startedusing a trackball so long ago, it was to release my right hand from some of its many jobs and turn that over to my mostly idle left hand. You haven't experienced productivity until you are using a lightning fast multi programmable button trackball in one hand and a graphics tablet stylus in the other simultaneously. I'm recommending you use a two fingered rolling ball approach to a track ball mouse for greater stability, strength and stamina and you must realize it will take your left hand about 30 days of practice before this new, more efficient way of working, begins to feel, um, second hand.

[@daemonbyte]

I gamed with a trackball all my life. I love it

[@kevinm8715]

FWIW, I played games with a trackball for the better part of 30 years and never had issues with the hardware. It started with a Logitech Trackman Marble (I think that's what it was called) and moved on through the successor devices, the M570, even the Logitech MX Ergo. I never played competitive shooters but played plenty of shooters over the years and loved it. Eventually though, I had to ditch the trackball for a mouse due to arthritis in my hands (not caused by the trackball, caused by being an old fart). It's perfectly viable.

[@onbii2347]

You did a great job reviewing the GameBall. Glad to see you didn't just try it for 2 minutes and instantly dismiss it as other youtube channels have in the past with other trackballs. Glad that you covered Raw Accel too, as I find that it is super necessary for trackballs. But as far as something like the ball having perception issues, a lot of trackballs do have about a month break-in period, and oil from your forehead or hands, in general, can help with smoothness! But in the case of the Gameball, there is a toggleable sniper button that reduces your DPI by a good amount to make menu things like that and general desktop use much easier! Overall a fantastic review & one that paints the image properly.

[@robbiemer8178]

I don't play FPS games but for the games I do enjoy, my trackball has been fine. I've long used one and started because I had a lap top as my only pc for 15 years or so(lots of travel for work) and having to find a spot where I could move a mouse around was not always possible. Using a trackball meant I needed much less space. This particular trackball seems like it will be really good for left handers and certainly will help folks with mobility issues. I think the learning curve for me would be a bit steep since I have so many years of using my thumb to move the ball with. Good review of this, thanks!

[@dogboy0912]

Trackballs are really useful for sim cockpit setups. You can just have a fixed peripheral to replace the mouse, navigate menus without needing any space or taking off VR headsets.

[@Itsa.Calamity]

I have the elecom huge ball and LOVE IT - super sensitive with extra buttons and thumb scroll wheel as well. Over the last 3 years I’ve struggled with severe carpal tunnel and wrist arthritis, so I’ve had to try a LOT of options, but this one is the only mouse that I can use all day every day for >12 hrs without being in pain.

[@jonnytenebrous1113]

Like a lot of long-term gamers, I've developed RSI. So, it's trackball or gamepad for me these past few years - normal mice are out. Honestly, you can become pretty competent with a trackball! Thanks for the tip about Raw Accel!

[@jeagerblackpaw2922]

played on trackballs... past 25 years. Actually have the opposite issues when moving to a mouse. FPS games once you master flicking and letting the ball spin with your fingers off it before stopping it suddenly can flip 180 accurately in an instant. Picked this one up on release to replace the logitech marble mouse I had been using.... great upgrade.

[@jacobjohnson6858]

Thank you for discussing accessibility. Very cool.

[@TH-lo8mq]

Finally someone made a modern trackball. I used to use the microsoft one in fps, and it was awesome. Once you get used to it, it is better imo The main downside was frequently cleaning the dust off the stabilizers that touch the ball. Maybe the design is different in this one such that it won't be as much of an issue.

[@monawoka97]

From Gaming Mouse and Headset to Trackball and IEM's. The madlad is evolving.

[@BvousBrainSystems]

I really really want a trackball (not just Gameball but also a Kensington Expert or Slimblade), and i've watched a lot of videos about them. Many, many videos give trackballs an unfair image because they were made too quickly. This video, you actually spent time with it and your opinion seems well informed. This is great!

[@ArtemisKitty]

I had almost identical results when I first started trying to learn how to game on the Steam controller. Now? It's my absolute favorite, as those twin sensor pads are so, SO much more precise. It just took, as you said, a BIG learning curve. Worse than any peripheral I've ever used, but oh man, it was so, so worth sticking with it, because now? Instead of missing twin-stick control and having to constantly stop myself from using the analog stick, I dislike Playstation style twin-analog controls due simply to how much more relaxed my hands now still feel after gaming, even if it's for extended play sessions. My left thumb doesn't ever get tired now like it used to. The thumbpads on that controller were very well designed to emulate trackballs, so I can absolutely see why/how this could end up being far superior in the end for precising gaming. I've even taken to using my old trackman marble (yeah, ancient hardware, lol) for some games now, as it's more... normal feeling since I've adapted to the trackpads. I've also gotten to where I've stepped the sensitivity up and down so many times that I've finally gotten it to a nice smooth motion that I'm comfortable with, so that's very familiar. You'll likely increase it a bit over time as you get more precise. I can absolutely see myself getting used to/loving this GameBall controller (but not it's name, oof) as my primary FPS controller, for sure. Thanks for sharing this video/experience with us, as I had really been curious but very skeptical about it, so seeing a non-professional/technical review that for all I know could be scripted by the manufacturer, you gave me a good first-hand experience type of view, so thank you for that. :-)

[@kingtutlearning]

This kind of mouse is useful for places where you don't have enough space to move your regular mouse.

[@brilla4rilla942]

It’s far faster to react with just your thumb or finger, the movement of one digit takes far less energy than your whole arm, so you might not be able to surpass a regular mouse aim wise you definitely are able to surpass it in reaction time which makes it a superior choice in my opinion if you’re willing to learn how to use it

[@l3lackoutsMedia]

Then use the slower more accurate arm for fine adjustments additionally. I can imagine this to be really good in fps games.

[@anubisDS]

I have been using a trackball to game for years, the latest one I am using is the MX Ergo Plus. I don't have a lot of desk space and it is very comfortable for me.

[@zergslayer69]

I have a mx ergo also, curious how an index finger driven trackball will be for comfort instead. I even have the ergo tilted as far up as possible including the extra base if you buy from Best Buy.

[@FBCxUNKNOWN]

I get tumors along my nerves and switch to one of these a few years back when I lost a few of my fingers to it. I was so depressed I thought I was never going to get to game again. But these completely change that

[@KindOldRaven]

+ Raw Accel is something worth trying out even if you're using a normal mouse. No it won't mess with your muscle memory (overrated term, really) and this one's actually not bannable as it doesn't use the (easily exploited-) interception driver. The reason people hate acceleration (blindly so) is due to Windows Enhanced Pointer Precision, MacOS native acceleration and some in-game implementations of it. Not due to customizable and predictable accel like Raw Accel.

[@leonardsmith82]

I feel like this is a gaming product for individuals that may have a condition with hand movements. Definitely a great idea!!

[@CDKing_]

I've been using a thumb operated trackball for gaming for years. Don't play anything hyper competitive myself, but I love not having to move my arm/wrist around.

[@Oniphire]

Which one do you use? I've been using an M570 for years but I'd be happy to check out another trackball?

[@GMRod]

One good use for a trackball is, when you’re an audio person with a mobile rig on wheels and you’re using it standing up with VERY limited space. The fact you don’t need any surface area at all to move the cursor on, can be a godsend!

[@DJ_AllDay]

I've been dealing with a wrist injury for a while now, can't really play fps games competitively without having my wrist hurt after a while(and the next few days). I might have to pick up one of these and see if I can get good with it

[@mateiberatco500]

If you want fast trackball learning, use a THUMB trackball, like the older Logitech M570 and newer MX Ergo (right-hand only, both). PS: watching the video while typing. They replace just the wrist movement with thumb movement. The rest is just like a normal mouse. And great for RSI, as you can rest your palm on it, without affecting your aim. Also, your mouse click will never affect your motion. I started using Logitech M570 back in ....200?. And used it in single-player FPS withing 1 week. But when I tried CoD online, around 2015, I quickly realized flicks are limited. Could not do 90 degree turns easily. But for non-FPS (work, laptop), I sill use both models (bought 3x M570 after about 1 year of the 1st; because of HTPC+laptop+simrig, not damage). PS2: it's so funny when people want to show me something on screen, put their hand on it, and try to move it like a mouse.

[@XeroShifter]

I switched from a normal mouse to a track ball about three years ago. I use the Elecom Deft Pro, which is also a finger ball like this one, but it trades ambidexterity for comfort. I originally switched to track ball just to try it out. I like to try things for myself so that I can be sure I'm using what is right for me. I do not have wrist injuries, or any physical inabilities that this mouse style might help with. I ultimately stuck with it because I found that rapid 180 spins were much easier, it requires less desk space to operate, and there was no significant down side. The sticking issue with those precise movements that opt was struggling with the slider bar for are a result of the bearings in the mouse not being smooth or clean. This gets better with use (breaking it in) and also can be solved by just taking the ball out and briefly wiping out the ball and socket. Once a mouse is broken in you need to do this significantly less often, but you'll need to do it once a day or so for the first few months of use. It takes like 8 seconds so don't feel discouraged. Overall I highly recommend a ball mouse for just about anyone. Modern sensors make them on par with proper gaming mice of today.