[photos] ErgoDox with NPKC rainbow caps, and a trackball
![[photos] ErgoDox with NPKC rainbow caps, and a trackball](https://i.redd.it/i4a50enrixex.jpg)
Posted Aug 12, 2016, 10:34 AM UTC
2215
I have the same devices in front of me at work.
I set the Ergodox up to tent as high up as it can (highest point thumb clusters) and slightly leaning backwards. I then found the wrist rests weren't used because of this height and I put them underneath the inside feet to raise it even more and I enjoy it that way while sitting and standing.
As for the Trackball. I switch between that and the M570 to avoid stressing either part of my hand too much. I wish I could get one with a larger ball but anything larger comes with a crappier scrolling mechanic.
2
I was experimenting with tenting higher, and backwards, but found that uncomfortable while standing. It was OK when sitting, but when standing, such a setup would require adjusting the height of my desk, which I can't do at the moment. Will experiment with different tenting at work, when I switch to a standing desk there.
Thanks for the idea about using the wrist rests for further tenting, I haven't thought of that! :)
2
The tenting kit is luckily simple enough that I tend to adjust the tenting a lot depending how I am sitting or standing luckily also my desk is adjustable so the right height is always achievable.
I wish I could use the wrist rests more but once you tent so high, they become useless so you might as well tent higher using them. For standing, I heavily recommend having the boards flat though. Since (some people) shuffle a lot, having a neutral flat surface rather than one tilting forward or backward could be desirable. Still. Working to find a way to get the boards at a 45 degree angle. One day.
2
This is my setup at home: an ErgoDox EZ with Gateron Browns, and NPKC rainbow keycaps on most of the keys. It is tented a bit - I'm still experimenting with the degree, and the wrist rests support my hand while I'm standing at the desk.
The trackball is a Kensington Orbit with scroll ring. I will have to find something else to put under it, it's too low, and the box isn't hard enough.
Apologies for the potato quality, I did not have time to take a proper glamour shot yet.
1
Is that not uncomfortable to have the trackball in the middle? You use it with either hand, so you would have to put that hand in an awkward position, no?
How are you liking the trackball otherwise? I am possibly in the market for one.
1
It's not perfect, but I think that raising the trackball a bit will make it feel much better. When using it, I use it with my right hand only, and stand a little to the left then, so my hand won't be in such an awkward position. If I wouldn't be using a standing desk, I wouldn't be able to do this, and would likely not even experiment with putting the trackball in the middle.
Apart from trying to figure out where to put the Orbit, I love it. I had one at work before, and fell in love with it there, before ordering one for home. The scroll ring is incredible, so much more comfortable and precise than a scroll wheel! The lack of a third button is a bit of an issue, but it wasn't hard to tell my OS to emulate a third when I press both buttons simultaneously. The ball has a nice size, and is easy to control. It does not roll much after you give it a spin, which some may find bad - I like that behaviour, it gives me more control. I wouldn't mind a slightly lager ball, but this one is okay, too. In short, it is a very nice trackball for its price, and while not perfect, the scroll ring is quite unique, and is one of the best features of the device.
1
When looking for a trackball to buy, I was leaning toward the Logitech M570 at first. Mostly because of how popular it seems. But I may be better off with a finger operated trackball than a thumb operated one. And you raise an interesting point about the scroll ring as opposed to a scroll wheel, the added precision.
One thing that has me worried a little is that I have become so accustomed to all the extra features that my MX Master offers. I'm afraid I can't adjust to a trackball with only three buttons and a scroll wheel.
Oh, one more thing. How portable is that trackball? I want to be able to take mine to work as well as use it at home.
In any case, and back on topic, that is a nice looking keyboard. Certainly unusual with the black caps outlining the rainbow caps.
1
The Slimblade (or the new wireless Expert Mouse they released) are awesome. 4 buttons! On the Slimblade, you twist the ball itself to use the "scroll ring". The Expert Mouse has an actual hardware scroll-ring. I use the Slimblade at home and love it.
Finger trackball >>>>>> thumb trackball any day.
3
Thanks for the suggestion of the Slimblade. Is that one programmable at all? From the videos it seems that one button activates media mode and the other some sort of view mode. Can that be changed at all?
And I guess I won't be able to take that trackball to work and back every day either.
1
I was considering the M570 too, but I wanted to have the option to put it in the middle. Can't do that with a thumb operated trackball.
Before switching, I only used four buttons, the fourth only while gaming. I still use a traditional mouse for that. For work, for me, the Orbit has enough buttons.
The trackball is small, easy to put back into its box. It is also cheap, so you can buy two: one for work, one for home. I did that, except my employer bought the one I use at work. But if you want to carry it, it is portable enough, I think.
1
The rainbow works really well on the black, this is tempting me to get some rainbow keys...
Initially I was afraid that the mix of pastel rainbow and the stock blacks won't blend well, but it came out pretty nice indeed.
The mix of DCS on the sides, OEM in the middle works out well, too!