Kensington’s New Trackball Boasts Dual Scroll Wheels
▼ Summary
– Kensington has launched the new Expert Mouse TB800 EQ wireless trackball with a slimmer design and built-in wrist rest, resembling the 2022 SlimBlade Pro.
– The device features three scroll wheels and maintains the original scroll ring, offering enhanced scrolling options compared to the cheaper SlimBlade Pro.
– Its scroll ring and side wheels support vertical, horizontal, and zoom functions, with individual disable switches on the underside for customization.
– It includes four additional programmable buttons for media control and volume, supplementing the original four buttons around the trackball.
– Powered by a rechargeable battery lasting up to four months, it connects via Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz USB dongle, or a wired USB-C cable.
For professionals and power users seeking enhanced control over their digital workspace, Kensington’s newly announced Expert Mouse TB800 EQ wireless trackball introduces a significant redesign packed with innovative features. This latest model moves beyond its predecessor with a slimmer overall profile and an integrated wrist rest, giving it a more modern appearance similar to the brand’s SlimBlade Pro. Despite its more svelte look, the device does not sacrifice functionality, instead adding more buttons and an impressive total of three scroll wheels. The price is set at $149.99 upon its release later this year, marking an increase from the previous model’s $109.99.
A key feature carried over is the signature scroll ring encircling the trackball’s base, which allows for fluid navigation. The major upgrade comes in the form of two additional vertically positioned scroll wheels located on either side of the device. This setup offers a different approach to scrolling compared to the SlimBlade Pro, which relies on twisting the trackball itself.
The integrated wrist rest has been enlarged for improved ergonomic support during long work sessions. The central scroll ring provides users with a choice between smooth, continuous scrolling or a precise line-by-line stepping motion, ideal for reading documents or web pages. Meanwhile, the two side wheels are dedicated to horizontal scrolling and zoom functions, a boon for anyone working extensively with timeline-based applications like video or audio editing software. Should you find you don’t need all the scrolling options, three individual switches on the mouse’s underside allow you to disable the ring and the side wheels independently.
Beyond the scrolling enhancements, the button layout has been expanded. The classic configuration of four large, programmable buttons positioned around the trackball remains. The TB800 EQ builds on this by adding four more buttons along its top edge. These are pre-configured for media playback and volume control straight out of the box, but their functions can be fully customized using Kensington’s proprietary desktop software to suit any workflow.
Powering the new Expert Mouse is a built-in rechargeable battery, a departure from the AA batteries required by older models. Kensington states a single charge can deliver up to four months of use. Connectivity is versatile, supporting both Bluetooth and an included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle for a reliable wireless connection. For those who prefer a wired setup or want to eliminate battery anxiety, the included USB-C cable can be used for both charging and establishing a direct, wired connection to a computer.
(Source: The Verge)
