SlimBlade Trackball review

There's always been those who'll use a trackball in preference to a mouse or trackpad. Other than aesthetics there's very good reasons for this, not least that employing different controllers is an effective way to reduce risk of Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) when using your Mac.

Easy to use; extra features beyond other trackballs; nice looking; can help prevent RSI when used in conjunction with other controllers

Action is high for RSI sufferers; accuracy in use doesn't match that of graphics tablets

Kensington SlimBlade Trackball

The base of the SlimBlade Trackball is made of a granite-coloured plastic with four rubber feet on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around on your desktop. Unfortunately, the trackball draws its power and connectivity from USB 2.0.

Comfortable for those physically unable to use a standard mouse; Heads-up display conveniently shows the current mode

Toggling between three modes complicates work flow; Expensive; Lacks Bluetooth; Can't customise buttons or alter trackball sensitivity; Large footprint

Kensington SlimBlade Trackball

Kensington resurrects a dying breed with the SlimBlade Trackball, but the potential of its unique shortcut buttons devolves into a mess of clumsy extra functions and awkward movements that restrict productivity.

Comfortable for those physically unable to use a standard mouse; Heads-up display conveniently shows the current mode

Toggling between three modes complicates work flow; Expensive; Lacks Bluetooth; Can't customise buttons or alter trackball sensitivity; Large footprint