While most PC users are probably aware of the existence of trackball mice, most tend to stick with the standard mice available on the market. However, the trackball mouse offers a superior experience in many ways and is a unique part of the PC accessory spectrum. The Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse is the epitome of this product line, with several key features that make it a device that could sway users who feel they can’t go the trackball route.
From a design point of view, the Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse is sleek and handsome, with a grey-on-red colour scheme that will remind those familiar with the PC world or Arthur C. Clarke’s Space Odyssey series of many a HAL-9000 fever dream. At first glance, the size may seem a little daunting, but when you consider that you don’t need nearly as much space to operate it as you would with a traditional mouse, it’s a space-saving device that’s easy to get to grips with.
Add to that the fact that the Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse can be used wirelessly or wired, and you’ve got a few options depending on your preferred setup. The 2.4GHz wireless option uses Bluetooth to connect to a dongle that you can plug into your PC. Otherwise, you plug in the charging cable like a standard wired mouse, and you’re ready to go—for maximum flexibility.
“From a design point of view, the Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse is sleek and handsome…”
Speaking of flexibility, the Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse is designed to be ambidextrous, so it can be used by both left- and right-handed users. The low-profile shape allows for all-day comfort, while the wrist is not overly affected by the left and right swings of a standard mouse – as long as you can train your fingers for a more labour-intensive experience.
For those worried about battery life, the Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse won’t disappoint, as I didn’t need to recharge it once while using it at home on my desk. Kensington themselves say that the mouse’s battery can last up to four months on a single charge, making it a great choice for those who want to go wireless for the majority of their use.
The large, 55mm trackball is designed for ease of use, highlighted by the ability to scroll with a simple twist rather than a traditional wheel. Dual sensors track the ball accurately, giving you better control whether you’re playing games or simply scrolling through the web. While the trackball itself can be a little fragile (mine came with a small scratch, and quickly got a new one after dropping it on my desk), the rest of the design seems durable from top to bottom.
Of course, getting started with a new device can sometimes be hampered by downloading various drivers or programs, especially with those old-fashioned CDs that people born in the 1900s keep talking about, but the Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse automatically installs itself on your computer as soon as you plug it in, so you can start using it straight away.
Free downloadable software allows for a more personalized experience, with the KensingtonWorks program offering a wide range of programmable functions, with four button combinations and four additional multi-button presses that the user can fully customize.
With the ability to use the Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse on PC or Mac, this trackball mouse continues to show that its flexibility is its best feature while being packaged at a price that isn’t too much to handle. At $119.99, the Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse costs about the same as a higher-end gaming mouse with multi-functionality, which the trackball also packs in its own box. Just a preference for the trackball over the standard design here!
The Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Mouse is a great mouse for those who like to use a trackball. While the price may be a little steep for first-time users, and the trackball itself is a little fragile, the design and functionality of the mouse offers flexibility in your setup from start to finish. For those who have already made the leap to trackballs, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better mouse on the market.
