About this item:
4.5 out of 5
90.00% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars Great vertical track ball mouse
Very easy on hand, trackball moves precisely.
4.0 out of 5 stars A good trackball alternative that, nevertheless, may not be as ergonomic as other versions.
The makers of this particular trackball, ProtoArc, previously came out with a model that I’ve found to be a truly awesome replacement for the more traditional computer mouse that a user has to move around. So when I saw this model, I decided I had to get it and try it out with my work computer.ProtoArc’s previous trackball model places the trackball under the thumb, with the trackball’s body and buttons in the same general configuration that a traditional computer mouse uses. This newer model also places the trackball under the thumb…however, the trackball’s body is higher to allow for its buttons to be oriented *vertically* and to the right of the trackball. The end result is that the user’s hand is oriented “sideways” or vertically when using it…instead of pressing the buttons down, you are, in essence, pressing them left.This model easily equals its predecessor in terms of quality and functionality: the body feels sturdy and well-made, including the buttons, which have a good feel when you click them (i.e., they don’t feel like cheap plastic, as some other similar devices do). The buttons themselves are responsive, and the computers I tried this device on readily recognized it and set it up for use.Any downfall with this particular trackball model lies in its design. Because the previous version is configured very much like a traditional mouse, it is easier to switch to and use. This one took just a bit of getting used to, although I was actually able to adapt even faster than I thought I would. Still, I found myself pressing the wrong mouse button on occasion when shifting my hand or making adjustments to how this trackball was resting on my desk. (Out of curiosity, I let my wife try it, just to see what someone else would think, and she found that she didn’t like it at all.)Again, this trackball has a higher height than most other models because it essentially shifts the mouse-button portion over onto its right side…because of this, I found that I couldn’t use it on my desk with the sliding keyboard tray, as this trackball’s height prevented the tray from closing (as one would do when the computer/keyboard is not in use).Finally, another thing I liked about ProtoArc’s other model is that there is a dedicated compartment underneath for the trackball’s accompanying USB receiver, with little cover/door to help retain it. This model instead has a dedicated open *slot* underneath it for the USB receiver…but instead of a cover/door, the slot relies on a magnet somewhere inside it to keep the stored USB receiver in place. Now, it looks like it’s unlikely that the receiver can be jarred loose…but still, it IS a possibility with this model.All of this caused me to deduct one star. However—even though it’s difficult to imagine—it’s entirely possible that for someone else, these ergonomic characteristics are something they have been urgently searching for. There’s certainly nothing wrong with the *performance* of this trackball…and if you think its design is the answer to what you need, I would still recommend it.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great pointing solution for small or no desktop space
I've been using ProtoArc's original trackball mouse, the EM01, from when it first came out over two years ago. Since running my SOHO workstation from an easy chair in the living room for over 20 years, I was desperate for a pointing device that required less desktop space than a typical mouse. Ideally I needed a pointing device that could be used on a tiny 12" round armchair tray, or directly from my thigh. The EM01 was the perfect solution, despite a few minor drawbacks that have been resolved with the new model EM05NL ("NL" maybe means "No Lights").The best points of the EM01 have been carried over intact to the EM05NL: two Bluetooth and one 2.4 GHz dongle interface, browse forward/back buttons, and five-level resolution selection button. Features dropped from the EM01 are the varying color LEDs behind the ball, and the tilt selection platform on the bottom. As I had no use for the LEDs and knew they would drain the battery, I have always kept them disabled, and the tilting function needed only be set once. So not having to deal with these in the new EM04NL is a plus.The two Bluetooth and single USB dongle interfaces have proven surprisingly helpful when switching between two Windows PCs, a Chromebook, and iPad and an Android phone. Switching is quick and so far flawless, every time.Because the full range of motion of the thumb trackball is much less than that of a standard mouse, I have learned that the resolution selection button is practically essential on the both vertical trackball mouses, and in both models, it is conveniently located just below the wheel. Use it to switch between coarse-resolution screen navigation and fine-resolution pointer movement.In full-time daily use, the 900 mAh battery in the EM01 lasts a ridiculously long six months with the LEDs disabled, so I'll be happy if the 500 mAh battery in the EM05NL lasts even half that time. "Low-battery" indication on the EM05NL is provided by flashing the charging (under the wheel) and channel LEDs (on the bottom), or just refer to the Bluetooth device charge indicator in Windows. The EM05NL manual specifies 3.5 mA working current for Bluetooth, and 2.5 mA for the 2.5 GHz dongle, theoretically giving 28% longer charge life. I prefer to use Bluetooth for the added battery monitoring function in Windows, although it turns out that the dongle works where Bluetooth does not when booting into the BIOS (MSI B560 motherboard).While charging, the EM05NL continues to work normally.My only grudge with EM05NL is that its gently curved ergonomic shape makes it awkward to pick up with one hand, as I need to do when moving between the side tray and my thigh. Otherwise, I find the ProtoArc EM05NL comfortable to use, and expect it to last many years like my other ProtoArc products.
Rockstar of a Mouse
This could quite possible be the best mouse I have ever owned. COnnect wirelessly through dongle or bluetooth, which is cool. The packaging was amazing, personal note from the designer. My favourite part is the the look and feel are amazing. The buttons are solid and feels well put together, not just a piece of plastic doing its job. Highly recommend this to whomever.
Convenient Trackball Mouse!
After dealing with wrist strain from regular mice, I decided to switch to a vertical mouse and found this ProtoArc vertical trackball mouse. I work long hours on my computer, so an ergonomic option seemed like the right move.Right out of the box, the vertical design felt almost natural in my hand. The trackball was smooth with easy navigation as I didn't need to move my arm much. I was also impressed with the ability to connect it to three different devices by changing the channel which you can do by pressing a button on the bottom of the mouse. I didn't need to however, as I just used the dongle in my KVM switch to use the mouse across 2 devices without switching channels. I also really like the fact that it doesn't need batteries and it can be recharged through a regular USB-C cable which came included, and I can tell you, the cable appears to be of very high quality. One recommendation, if you feel that the mouse moves too fast, you can just go to mouse settings on Windows and adjust the mouse pointer speed, I found a speed of 2 or 3 produces better navigation.On the downside, I found the thumb placement for the trackball a bit awkward at first (it's quite large compared to a regular mouse), and it took me some time to get used to it. It’s not a dealbreaker, but there’s definitely a learning curve. I just wish it was slightly towards the left so that my arm doesn't need to be completely vertical, but I'm not a guru in ergonomics, so I'm not sure if this would impact the benefits of a vertical mouse.Overall, the ProtoArc mouse could potentially be more comfortable, but I still need to use it for a few more days to get used to it and adjust to the trackball position.
Lightweight, comfortable angle
To preface, this is not my first Protoarc product. I've also used their EM03 trackball, but that one is a finger ball (the trackball is located up front instead of on the side) and not angled, which doesn't help with my wrist pronation and carpal tunnel issues. Enter the EM05.Very solidly built mouse but doesn't have a lot of weight to it, so some people might not like that it doesn't have that "grounded" sort of feeling. Otherwise it punches above its weight I find - easy to connect to any device via usb-c, 2.4ghz usb dongle or bluetooth wirelessly. The trackball rolls smoothly and is very easy to pop out and clean, but the ball won't just drop out of its slot. The metal scroll wheel feels okay but still lacking compared to the industry standard in the Logitech infinite scroll wheel in terms of smoothness and tactility. I also like that it has this sort of extended "lip" at the bottom to cradle the edge of your hand as you cradle it around the mouse.The angle on the EM05 is very comfortable compared to other vertical trackballs I've tried prior like the MX Ergo. I personally prefer the steeper angle so I can get my wrist as vertical as possible to avoid the overpronation but obviously not everyone will like this.For any left-handers wondering, this mouse is unfortunately not going to be for you with the buttons all located specifically for right-handers. Hopefully Protoarc produces a left-handed version of this in the future for the lefties out there.
Easy to start with dongle and bluetooth, takes time to learn movement
Been having some wrist pain lately and I'm guessing it's because of too much time on the computer. I decided to try these trackball having little experience with it. The ProtoArc was definitely simple to get started with its bluetooth and dongle option. Just plug and play. It can support up to 3 stations. Battery was full when I received it and I haven't had a need to charge it yet after a week.It sits stable on the table with a nice grip as I try to move it from time to time from muscle memory. The ergonomic design is definitely noticeable since my hand sits sideways which feels more natural. Plenty of buttons to choose from but I'm comfortable with just the basics. Mouse is good design but I do wish the ball was more chrome than "stone" looking. Or they could of just painted it. It just looks out of place.For anyone who hasn't used a trackball before, it is definitely a steep learning curve. I have 2 mouses connected at the moment until I'm comfortable enough to switch over to the trackball. I find that I'm way too slow with it and even with the unlimited movement since it's a ball, I still find it difficult to pinpoint it to where I want it. For any tasks that requires speed, I use my current mouse. But I "rest" my hand with the trackball.
comfortable angle but I wish it were heavier
The ProtoArc EM05 NL Vertical has a comfortable angle. My hand and write are at a more natural angle than compared to the Logitech Ergo MX. I wish that the EM05 could have more weight to it. it is easily nudge out of position as compared to the Ergo MX. I've only used it for a couple hours, so I'll have to see how things go in the next few days.
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BHD38074
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Product origin: United States
Electrical items shipped from the US are by default considered to be 120v, unless stated otherwise in the product description. Contact Bolo support for voltage information of specific products. A step-up transformer is required to convert from 120v to 240v. All heating electrical items of 120v will be automatically cancelled.
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