Update (7/13/2023):
I purchased an alternative that seemed close in 'stature' to this mouse because I wanted Bluetooth connectivity, as mentioned earlier for my notebook(s) in case I travel. In general I wanted to just use one mouse. The idea is I use it on my PC (using usb dongle) and then BT elsewhere. Anyway, I got a Nulea, which is nice but it still doesn't hold a flame to this mouse. The back of the Nulea is almost slippery compared to the HUGE and is not as wide, thus, it just doesn't feel as comfortable. My hand sort of just wants to slide off the surface, which makes the material they popped on the HUGE pretty thoughtful.
Update (5/10/2023):
This has remained my absolute favorite mouse. Wear and tear is so very low even though I use it daily. All I can hope for now is that they make an almost identical updated version, but wireless AND Bluetooth and maybe even a plug-in for a wire so I can buy one to use with my notebook(s), basically a Deft Pro version of this mouse. Again, I personally love and highly recommend this device. This is THE PERFECT finger trackball mouse for bigger hands (and even perhaps, for any hands).
Initial Review:
I'm one of the unfortunate few index trackball addicts. I cannot use a regular mouse for very long and I certainly can't use a regular mouse for any sort of gaming. That being said, what started me on this terrible journey was a Logitech Marble Trackman - that trusty trackball that's still around. Shortly after succumbing to the trackball, I moved on from that to a Logitech Cordless Trackman Optical, this is where things went wrong. It was for me, the perfect device. A trackball mouse that just seemed to fit perfectly in my right hand. It had a few extra buttons that came in handy for games. My first lasted 2 years and the second lasted roughly the same except just before this one died Logitech decided to discontinue the product - oh, %^#t.
I went through phases of tech grief, which are sort of similar to regular grief. I denied that the product was discontinued and convinced myself that the product was cycling, which is when they sometimes discontinue the product and re-release it in a few months with different colors or a different name. This did not happen. I then became quite angry, which I know is quite silly but hey, it happened - because I felt betrayed by the company. How can you, as a company, release 1001 different models of the same mouse but just 1 very, very, very basic model to cater to index finger trackball users? I then entered the bargaining phase, which is where the tech part of this comes in. I took to their forum, Twitter, Facebook, anywhere I figured I could nudge the company into getting the idea that we (index finger mouse users) exist, enough so to at least bring another model to market. I came pretty close to publicly begging. After months and not a peep from the company, I became sad - depressed isn't the word I'd use, again, this is not real grief, just tech grief. I felt sad because I felt really uncomfortable and out of place using a regular mouse and nothing else was working for me. I tried several from various companies like Kensington and the thumb trackball from Logitech (which I cannot use, whatsoever). Finally came acceptance. A slap in the face recently is that the company introduced a new thumb trackball, as if their M570 weren't enough, they released the sleek MX Ergo Plus - Ouch. I bought a new Logitech Trackball, the basic one, you know and that was that for some time.
Enter Elecom, a foreign company that doesn't seem to be on the radar yet. One day I decided to do another search for trackball mice and I discovered the Deft or EX-G series, whatever they call it. I bought it and it turned out to be a great cordless Trackball, however, the ball never quite felt right and the shape was just off enough to make it, not quite a gamer mouse for me, though I could use it for everyday PCing, etc.
Finally, finally, I get what I want/need. They've released a larger version that is, perfect, for what it's worth. I can't really explain how great it feels so I'll say this. I wrote those previous anecdotes for a reason, so you could/can identify with me. If you've ever used that darn Logitech Cordless Optical Trackman OR the Microsoft Trackball Explorer, which is very similar in feel, then this is it, folks, this is the trackball for you.
At first, it feels a bit large, too big in fact - but give it a few, just like the Trackball addiction sneaking up on us, the device eventually becomes just right. I don't quite remember how my hand was when I used the previous devices but I think the most jarring difference is that you won't have to contort your ring finger to right-click, as the buttons lay right under your hand in a naturally open position. The top of the device is large and there's soft padding so you literally just lay your hand down on top of it, it's very comfortable. There are some extra buttons that I haven't figured out how to use since I haven't read the manual (3 function buttons) but you get the staple of an advanced Trackball otherwise, you get a clickable scroll wheel in addition to 2 clickable buttons (forward/backward for browsers) just above it. All of these tend to work universally and are easily bindable in games. The left button is under the scroll wheel in a really great position, IMHO, as my thumb sits right there. The 3rd function button lies beside the right clicker. There's a switch on the device that seems to increase trackball speed manually vs. through software.
So far, it's a fantastic device. I got the corded version and am seriously considering buying 2 or 3 more and just putting them away, just in case. I'm giving it some time to see what if anything happens to the device after months of use.
Thank you Elecom and Thank you seller and Amazon!
Just came back to say that after many months, the mouse still works perfectly. I own 2 now. 1 for my main system and another for my work system. I'm going to buy 2 more as I mentioned before to put away, just in case Elecom decides to call it quits on production. I also have my eye on the Bluetooth model that I will likely use with my mobile devices - I'll see. The HUGE is so great, I'm not sure I want to change the formula.
| Brand | ELECOM |
|---|---|
| Series | M-HT1URBK |
| Item model number | M-HT1URBK |
| Hardware Platform | PC; Mac |
| Operating System | Windows 8.1, Windows XP, Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar, Windows 7, Windows 10 |
| Item Weight | 9.4 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 7.16 x 4.52 x 2.25 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.16 x 4.52 x 2.25 inches |
| Color | Black & Red |
| Computer Memory Type | DRAM |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 1.5 Volts |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
| Manufacturer | ELECOM |
| ASIN | B07353DBP9 |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | July 16, 2017 |
