Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball

$39.99

The Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball features a compact design with a scroll ring for easy navigation. It connects via a USB nano receiver and is ideal for smaller workspaces.

Our take

Compact control for any workspace.

Alright, so let's talk about the Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball. First off, this thing's kind of a game-changer if you're tired of regular mice. The trackball design is pretty nifty because it means you don't need a lot of desk space. You just move the ball with your fingers, which feels oddly satisfying once you get the hang of it. If you're a fan of keeping your wrist still and avoiding carpal tunnel, this could be a big plus for you. But if you're someone who can't live without the traditional mouse feel, you might need some time to adjust.

Now, the wireless feature is a nice touch. It pairs up easily with your device, and I didn't notice any lag, which is essential for anyone who's got stuff to do. It's powered by two AA batteries, and they seem to last a good while. But, heads up: if you hate dealing with batteries, this might not be your jam. Rechargeable would’ve been awesome, but hey, you can't have it all. It’s got a decent range too, so if you like to work from across the room for some reason, it’s got you covered.

Comfort-wise, it's pretty solid. The design is ambidextrous, which means lefties aren't left out (no pun intended). Your fingers do most of the work here, and that's either going to be super comfortable or a little awkward, depending on what you're used to. I found the shape to be nice and ergonomic, but it’s not adjustable. If you’re picky about customizing the fit, you might find it a bit limiting. But for a lot of folks, it's just right straight out of the box.

On the performance side, it’s got some handy features. The scroll ring around the trackball is a neat addition, letting you scroll through pages without needing to touch a scroll bar. It's not as fluid as some of the really high-end trackballs out there, but it gets the job done. If you’re doing precision work, you might find it lacks a bit of finesse. But for general use, it’s pretty darn capable.

At the end of the day, the Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball is a solid choice if you’re ready to break away from the traditional mouse. It’s reliable, and comfortable once you get used to the different motion. If you’re looking for something that saves space and gives your wrist a break, it’s definitely worth a shot. Just keep in mind the tradeoffs with the non-rechargeable batteries and the learning curve with the trackball itself. But if those aren’t deal-breakers for you, it’s a pretty sweet gadget to have around.