ProtoArc Vertical Wireless Trackball Mouse, EM05 NL Bluetooth Ergonomic Rollerball Mouse Rechargeable Computer Laptop Thumb Mice, 3 Device Connection, Compatible with iPad, Mac, Windows, PC-Purple

This is the greatest trackball mouse I have used so far. I have been using track balls my entire life and this is the final form I have been looking for. I have large hands and it's perfect but I would say if you have extra large hands this mouse might not work. I retired my Logitech MX ergo yesterday ($90) mouse. After using the protoarch for 5 minutes the MX ergo feels wrong.

I just received this alternative to a Std Mouse, (to a Std Trackball Mouse, and to a Std Vertical Mouse), and I must say it is all it claims to be in terms of use and functionality. The buttons work very well in their designed locations and the trackball ensures I minimize my hand/arm movements. I am enjoying the user experience. I had long ago moved from using a Std Mouse to using the Trackball alternatives, (of which I highly recommend the Kensington, Nulea, & Logi-tech options if someone is not ready to move to a Vertical Mouse). So while my current favorite option for a Std Mouse is the Logitech Ergo Trackball Mouse, when it was recently liberated (ie lifted/stolen) from my temporary workstation location, I decided it was high time to try the Vertical options available. I looked and tried several Vertical Mouse options, and although fairly comfortable with a few, I missed the use and functionality of having a Trackball Mouse. So when I discovered that Kensington & Logi-tech and a few other brands had some Trackball Vertical Mouse options I was thrilled. After reviewing the, (limited), options available I ended up selecting the ProtoArc Vertical Wireless Trackball Mouse, EM05 NL Bluetooth Ergonomic Rollerball Mouse for the following reasons: 1> A "true" vertical mouse setup with a 62' Tilt 2> A rechargeable mouse. Charging via a Type C USB cable option, with an included charging cable. 3> A 2.4 Hz Dongle along with Blue-tooth wireless connectivity options 4> Compatible with both Apple / Mac, Windows, PC Android, (this means in a pinch my significant other can use it as well for her Mac). As noted above I just received this mouse and have been putting it through its paces and so far, I think it's excellent. However, I am giving it 4 of 5 Stars, (as the system is not allowing me to give a 4.5 out of 5), for the following reasons: A> The trackball could be a little bigger even though it is thumb-specific, I have found the tracking of the larger trackballs for finger control tends to be a little easier to use, and therefore I would like the thumb trackball to be a little larger for that control. B> The Dongle could be set up for easier visibility. I find that keeping the Top and connecting edge Black requires a bright lighted area to ensure it is connected correctly and smoothly. So a brightly colored top and a white, (or other bright color connecting edge to the USB portion), would allow for faster and easier connection setup. C> Non-Programmability of Buttons prevents customization D> Lack of covering for the charging port and Dongle insert areas would be a plus from my perspective With that said, besides what I noted above, I also have the following recommendation: E> The creation of a Travel Size version of this or other Vertical Mouse. (As noted above I was using the Logitech Ergo Trackball Mouse and although it's big, I had a case for it so it allowed me to take it for some limited travel, so having the option to purchase a case would be a very good option. However, when doing serious traveling I defaulted to using a "miniature version" of the Std Mouse as space becomes a major restriction. So even with the feedback given above, I do want to stress that overall I am very happy with this ProtoArc Vertical Wireless Trackball Mouse, EM05 NL Bluetooth Ergonomic Rollerball Mouse, and I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially to those interested in transitioning to a vertical mouse and to anyone who would also appreciate having access to trackball functionality as well.

**UPDATE** It's been just over 6 months since I bought this, and for the last week the scroll wheel has been "squeaking." It's not constant, at least not yet, but it happens "frequently." When you use the scroll wheel (not the ball), it frequently makes a light squeaking noise. The only other mice that I've ever had do this were cheap HP mice that are included with enterprise hardware. As of now, it's not overly bothersome and performance has not been impacted, but I'm removing a star because of it, as this should not be a problem on a $50+ mouse. We'll see if it gets worse. Overall, I really enjoy using this mouse. The design took a full day or two of work to get use to, but it is so much more comfortable than a traditional design. It keeps my wrist at a much more natural angle, which has eliminated the end-of-the-day fatigue and soreness that I had started to experience. I have used trackballs before, but they were always the more traditional index finger design...I really like using the trackball with my thumb. DPI is adjustable on the fly, which is nice because I can raise it to move between multiple screens or windows quickly and slow it down when precision is needed. It has been reliable, durable, and consistent. I've been using it 40+ hours a week for about a month, and aside from the initial charge I did before even using it, I haven't needed to charge it. You can use it either Bluetooth or with a 2.4GHz dongle (included), and you can have it paired to 2 devices. The wireless dongle stores in the bottom of the mouse when not needed, so if you're primarily a Bluetooth user or just want to keep your dongle safe when in transport, it's a very convenient way to keep track of it. I do have three minor complaints, or things I'd change: 1) The trackball could be smoother. It's not bad; far from gritty, but it's definitely not the smoothest trackball I've used. This doesn't cause any issues under normal use, but when I really need to make precise micro-movements in CAD, I find myself relying on my traditional laser mouse. Fortunately, that's only a few times a month, so it's not unbearably inconvenient. 2) There is no software or driver available for this mouse, so you cannot customize the buttons. Being this is not a gaming mouse, and the default functions are suitable for what it's designed for, I don't find this problematic, but if you like to change default functions, be aware. 3) There is only one DPI switch, so if you want to drop down one level in DPI, you have to hit the button several times. There also is no LED indicator for the DPI setting, nor any sort of driver or software that creates an on-screen indicator, so you have to go off of memory. This is the worst part of this mouse in my opinion and leads to having to "search" for the correct setting depending on the task you're performing. I understand that the thought process is "once you find your preferred setting, you won't need to change it," but in a modern office setting where we have multiple screens and work within many different applications performing many tasks, I think it's a relevant problem. A simple LED "ladder" indicating which of the 5 settings you're on along the top of the mouse where the "Protoarc" logo is would be perfect.

It's an excellent vertical trackball! Relives carpal tunnel pain I was feeling with a flat trackball. My only complaint centers around the scroll wheel. It's a knurled metal wheel, and there are two issues with that. 1) I've gotten zapped more than once as static discharges through the wheel. 2) After a day of working I find my fingertip gets numb from the knurling. So if they make a version of this with a non-metal wheel that would get 5 stars.

I only have one other vertical mouse as a reference for feel and function. This one has a wider base and top. I prefer the trackball on this one, but i wish it was a little less slippery at the base, to support proper positioning of my hand. Took a minute to learn how to properly position my hand.