Nice to see that these trackballs are still being purchased after CST closed shop. I've been using my original CST LaserTrac daily since 2015 and still haven't had any issues 👍 Cool that PI Engineering is using the upgraded concave rollers that CST started releasing a while back.
very informative video, was thinking about purchasing one of these mice for a while, and this video convinced me. I have had it for a week so far, and it is exactly as you described. great mouse. thanks.
Glad to hear you like it! This is my go-to mouse for almost everything - built like a tank and only had to clean it once so far! Being able to customize the jacks in the front is definitely an added bonus if you like tinkering around. ;)
Hey when will you upload again? This is a very intriguing channel and im quite interested in track ball mice for my joint pain. Good content ^^ Course like everyone else curious about the ploopy.
Hey! Thanks for watching! It's definitely been a while since my last upload. It was never my intention to stop, but unfortunately work (and a crazy on-call schedule) has consumed the majority of my time over the last year or so. I do plan on revisiting the channel and potentially adding a spin-off podcast where I can talk about broader tech topics in a more free-form way, but I need to get a few things sorted prior to that. Probably not the answer you were hoping for, but I sincerely appreciate the question and viewership. 😁
@@techbytes4988 No worries, i get how that is, ive been swamped with my own responsibilites too. Its just nice to know you seem to being doing well :D And I will check it out if it gets released. ^^
I have the CST version but the internals are exactly the same. by biggest issue with them is if you own a cat, their fur will inevitably get inside and when it does it causes issues with the scroll wheel. specifically if you are scrolling and stop but the page will suddenly scroll a little backwards or forwards you have cat hair inside it. I find that every trackball I have ever owned (including this one) needs to be opened up and cleaned about once a year. especially to remove buildup from the bearings and rollers. also whatever you do don't drop them. both of mine have gotten knocked off my desk or lap and when they did the scroll wheel mounts broke. One was fixable. I have had mine (one since 2009) and one since 2016. the 2016 one started randomly pausing and disconnecting from the computer. I used parts from both to make one good one. I like the position of the scroll wheel and am disappointed that no one else makes a trackball with a scroll wheel in the same location. for some odd reason if the trackball gets dropped or just suddenly moved it causes the mouse pointer to either become REALLY slow or REALLY fast. which then resets the next time that happens or you reboot.
The overall physical design of this is almost identical to a large trackball mouse that existed in the late 80s-90s (they were serial interface if that's any indication) I used them a lot back in the day, amazing someone has basically modernized them.
I think I am going to get the L-trac but the one downside for me is the lack of extra buttons. Wouldn’t you think that after a company like bpi engineering took over the l-track the first thing they would have done is thrown on a lot of extra buttons?
Very interesting looking trackball, I like how it's a better core design compared to the competition with the roller bearings. This resembles Unicomp's buckling spring keyboards in a way, of which I have a New Model M ordered to replace the currently failing mechanical keyboard I'm typing this on. The L-Trac is on my list to consider as a similar future upgrade, though I'm quite certain I'd place it upside-down and 3D print a more comfortable wristrest for it, so I can easily reach that scrollwheel. Which leaves the option for adding extra buttons below, for which I could use the mainboard of my old MX Master 2S, as it's sensor recently died, everything else still working properly. Fun plans for the future, but for now I have an Elecom Huge on it's way, to upgrade my M570, which I recently got to give trackballs in general a spin. It's funny how both peripherals are failing on me right as I'm upgrading, luckily the trackball came just in time to permanently convert me to the input.
I was really interested in center trackball mice like these - especially considering the more niche high-quality stuff is in this category - but my hands are just way too small. Thumb trackballs mostly work for me and I've adapted to them, and, without a doubt prefer them to regular mice. Yet this is super cool, the 3.5mm jacks are nuts. I feel like these mice are for work - a superior mouse for editing, coding and development (my use) and are maybe oriented towards men in a majority market as such. Nonetheless, I'd love to see the industry (small business and large industry) expand. Track ball comeback!
The switches on the l-trac can be better. Mine has a failed switch on the left button. For the scroll bar, I'd prefer clicking scroll instead of smooth. Other than that, the stainless steel bearing is the best thing about the l-trac and it's the only trackball I like.
I would like to buy a trackball but just for my wrist pain so that’s why I think I will buy the Expert. I like the electronics on the L track. I wish more producer would design stuff for cheap modding and repair
If you wanna use this for gaming just switch keybinds. Easy enough to bind jump to Right Click and ADS to SpaceBar and this little device becomes a monster in the gaming field as well and if you still feel uncomfy about clicking the Left click with your thumb to fire, CTRL is an option for that as well or getting a left click attachment and mount it to the left side of the trackball.
Great review. Definitely considering this afterwards. Curious if you've used the Elecom HUGE. Used the KE for a couple years, but found the Elecom to be closer to the MS Intelimouse Explorer that I originally fell in love with. I'm actually quite satisfied with the Elecom, but always on the lookout for something better. Cheers! --Edit-- just looked at your list of videos and I see the Elecom review in there... off to watch it now! :)
If you're an MTE fan, there is also the Sanwa Gravi which uses the same design. I believe a few other manufacturers have also jumped in on the MTE design, but I can't recall which ones off the top of my head. The good new is, I think we will see more of those designs - rumor has it that the patent on the design finally lapsed, so more companies should be able to jump in. That's just reddit hearsay, but either way, I'll take it! Thanks for watching! :)
Hi, do you use this trackball, or whichever trackball you do use daily, for ergonomic reasons? I've been trying to move away from using the mouse because my wrist and forearms have been in a lot of pain lately from using a mouse
I would be very interested in a tutorial/breakdown of the custom switch you made! I'm looking to get an L-trac and would rather not buy an expensive switch if it's really that easy to make a custom one. Great vid btw super informative
Thanks for the feedback! I can definitely throw together a switch build video! I'm not entirely sure on the timeline, but hopefully within the next couple of weeks I should have something together. Thanks for watching!
@@techbytes4988 Absolute legend! I just ordered an L-trac from a surprisingly local store so I'm pretty damn hype right now! Excited to see what you cook up for the vid!
just ordered one of these (had to get the blue light one since the black one I couldn't find / buy anywhere) - where can you get replacement balls for this (upgraded balls?)
I'm not sure about stock replacement balls (possibly ebay or contacting P.I. Engineering directly), but I have seen where people manage to use a standard Aramith pool ball with their L-Trac without issues. I haven't actually done the pool ball swap myself, but there's a lot of success stories on reddit so it appears to work for most!
These things are very hard to get new here in the Netherlands without importing them. Thankfully a mid to late 2019 CST model suddenly popped up on a 2nd hand site here. Didn't think twice and bought it, and dang I'm so glad I did. Unfortunately it is the slightly more boring black ball version, but I'll take what I can get all things considered haha. It just feels leagues better than my Kensington Expert :)
Great question! Both the gameball and ploopy trackballs are on my "need to buy" list, so I can't comment on them directly...yet. That being said, the gameball ball sits on ceramic bearings, so I would expect it to feel like a Logitech Trackman Marble in terms of operation, whereas the L-Trac is going to require a little more force to get moving, but will glide without any "sticky" spots (as happens with ceramic bearings). I also imagine the gameball will have snappier clicks (the L-Trac is a bit mushy). To put it another way, it's kind of like the difference between running shoes and boots - the gameball will get you performance, but the L-Trac is going to be super durable and easier to repair in the long run. It ultimately just depends what type of use you're after. Hope that helps!
I heard that the ones made by X-keys are inferior in comparison to CST made ones in term of plastic and overall build-quality. what do you think about that??
I've also heard that on r/trackballs, but I find it hard to believe. I haven't used a previous CST trackball, but the quality of the X-Keys is pretty incredible for what it is. A lot of times when companies acquire a product line, they'll also get the tooling used in the manufacturing process - a good example of this is the Unicomp keyboard still producing keyboards with the same tooling from the original IBM Model M. I guess it's possible that there is a quality difference, but the X-Keys version won't leave you questioning its durability if that's your concern. 😀
I just got this trackball from Amazon today, and I am having issues with the scroll wheel. I need take my hand off the trackball and raise it up about 2 inches to reach the scroll wheeel. Very awkward.
Yep, unfortunately this trackball isn't for everyone. My hands are large enough that I didn't have an issue with the scroll wheel, but the missing mouse 4/5 were a problem until I made my own. The closest you could probably get to a similar mouse (ordering from Amazon) would probably be either the Kensington Expert or Kensington Slimblade. I've reviewed the Expert if you're curious! Finding the right trackball is a journey for sure. For many of us, we're still in search of the "perfect" fit. ;)
dude, the quality of this review is insane. i think i’m going to take the plunge after spending a month agonizing about which track ball. thank you 🙏
THANK YOU! You answered every question I had about this trackball mouse plus a opened my eyes to the modding potential. Excellent review!
Nice to see that these trackballs are still being purchased after CST closed shop. I've been using my original CST LaserTrac daily since 2015 and still haven't had any issues 👍 Cool that PI Engineering is using the upgraded concave rollers that CST started releasing a while back.
very informative video, was thinking about purchasing one of these mice for a while, and this video convinced me. I have had it for a week so far, and it is exactly as you described. great mouse.
thanks.
Glad to hear you like it! This is my go-to mouse for almost everything - built like a tank and only had to clean it once so far! Being able to customize the jacks in the front is definitely an added bonus if you like tinkering around. ;)
Best review about this. Thanks for sharing.
Hey when will you upload again? This is a very intriguing channel and im quite interested in track ball mice for my joint pain. Good content ^^
Course like everyone else curious about the ploopy.
Hey! Thanks for watching! It's definitely been a while since my last upload. It was never my intention to stop, but unfortunately work (and a crazy on-call schedule) has consumed the majority of my time over the last year or so.
I do plan on revisiting the channel and potentially adding a spin-off podcast where I can talk about broader tech topics in a more free-form way, but I need to get a few things sorted prior to that.
Probably not the answer you were hoping for, but I sincerely appreciate the question and viewership. 😁
@@techbytes4988 No worries, i get how that is, ive been swamped with my own responsibilites too.
Its just nice to know you seem to being doing well :D
And I will check it out if it gets released. ^^
I have the CST version but the internals are exactly the same. by biggest issue with them is if you own a cat, their fur will inevitably get inside and when it does it causes issues with the scroll wheel. specifically if you are scrolling and stop but the page will suddenly scroll a little backwards or forwards you have cat hair inside it. I find that every trackball I have ever owned (including this one) needs to be opened up and cleaned about once a year. especially to remove buildup from the bearings and rollers.
also whatever you do don't drop them. both of mine have gotten knocked off my desk or lap and when they did the scroll wheel mounts broke. One was fixable. I have had mine (one since 2009) and one since 2016. the 2016 one started randomly pausing and disconnecting from the computer. I used parts from both to make one good one.
I like the position of the scroll wheel and am disappointed that no one else makes a trackball with a scroll wheel in the same location.
for some odd reason if the trackball gets dropped or just suddenly moved it causes the mouse pointer to either become REALLY slow or REALLY fast. which then resets the next time that happens or you reboot.
The overall physical design of this is almost identical to a large trackball mouse that existed in the late 80s-90s (they were serial interface if that's any indication) I used them a lot back in the day, amazing someone has basically modernized them.
I think I am going to get the L-trac but the one downside for me is the lack of extra buttons. Wouldn’t you think that after a company like bpi engineering took over the l-track the first thing they would have done is thrown on a lot of extra buttons?
Very interesting looking trackball, I like how it's a better core design compared to the competition with the roller bearings.
This resembles Unicomp's buckling spring keyboards in a way, of which I have a New Model M ordered to replace the currently failing mechanical keyboard I'm typing this on.
The L-Trac is on my list to consider as a similar future upgrade, though I'm quite certain I'd place it upside-down and 3D print a more comfortable wristrest for it, so I can easily reach that scrollwheel.
Which leaves the option for adding extra buttons below, for which I could use the mainboard of my old MX Master 2S, as it's sensor recently died, everything else still working properly.
Fun plans for the future, but for now I have an Elecom Huge on it's way, to upgrade my M570, which I recently got to give trackballs in general a spin.
It's funny how both peripherals are failing on me right as I'm upgrading, luckily the trackball came just in time to permanently convert me to the input.
I was really interested in center trackball mice like these - especially considering the more niche high-quality stuff is in this category - but my hands are just way too small. Thumb trackballs mostly work for me and I've adapted to them, and, without a doubt prefer them to regular mice. Yet this is super cool, the 3.5mm jacks are nuts. I feel like these mice are for work - a superior mouse for editing, coding and development (my use) and are maybe oriented towards men in a majority market as such. Nonetheless, I'd love to see the industry (small business and large industry) expand. Track ball comeback!
The switches on the l-trac can be better. Mine has a failed switch on the left button. For the scroll bar, I'd prefer clicking scroll instead of smooth. Other than that, the stainless steel bearing is the best thing about the l-trac and it's the only trackball I like.
I would like to buy a trackball but just for my wrist pain so that’s why I think I will buy the Expert. I like the electronics on the L track. I wish more producer would design stuff for cheap modding and repair
If you wanna use this for gaming just switch keybinds. Easy enough to bind jump to Right Click and ADS to SpaceBar and this little device becomes a monster in the gaming field as well and if you still feel uncomfy about clicking the Left click with your thumb to fire, CTRL is an option for that as well or getting a left click attachment and mount it to the left side of the trackball.
Great review. Definitely considering this afterwards. Curious if you've used the Elecom HUGE. Used the KE for a couple years, but found the Elecom to be closer to the MS Intelimouse Explorer that I originally fell in love with. I'm actually quite satisfied with the Elecom, but always on the lookout for something better. Cheers! --Edit-- just looked at your list of videos and I see the Elecom review in there... off to watch it now! :)
If you're an MTE fan, there is also the Sanwa Gravi which uses the same design. I believe a few other manufacturers have also jumped in on the MTE design, but I can't recall which ones off the top of my head. The good new is, I think we will see more of those designs - rumor has it that the patent on the design finally lapsed, so more companies should be able to jump in. That's just reddit hearsay, but either way, I'll take it! Thanks for watching! :)
if the kensington is more comfortable thats the ticket for me to avoid carpel tunneling.
Hi, do you use this trackball, or whichever trackball you do use daily, for ergonomic reasons? I've been trying to move away from using the mouse because my wrist and forearms have been in a lot of pain lately from using a mouse
how do i remap keys on the L-Trac?
I would be very interested in a tutorial/breakdown of the custom switch you made! I'm looking to get an L-trac and would rather not buy an expensive switch if it's really that easy to make a custom one. Great vid btw super informative
Thanks for the feedback! I can definitely throw together a switch build video! I'm not entirely sure on the timeline, but hopefully within the next couple of weeks I should have something together.
Thanks for watching!
@@techbytes4988 Absolute legend! I just ordered an L-trac from a surprisingly local store so I'm pretty damn hype right now! Excited to see what you cook up for the vid!
just ordered one of these (had to get the blue light one since the black one I couldn't find / buy anywhere) - where can you get replacement balls for this (upgraded balls?)
I'm not sure about stock replacement balls (possibly ebay or contacting P.I. Engineering directly), but I have seen where people manage to use a standard Aramith pool ball with their L-Trac without issues. I haven't actually done the pool ball swap myself, but there's a lot of success stories on reddit so it appears to work for most!
These things are very hard to get new here in the Netherlands without importing them. Thankfully a mid to late 2019 CST model suddenly popped up on a 2nd hand site here. Didn't think twice and bought it, and dang I'm so glad I did. Unfortunately it is the slightly more boring black ball version, but I'll take what I can get all things considered haha. It just feels leagues better than my Kensington Expert :)
can you prevent the ball from glowing or is it due to the laser colour itself?
@Michael Morgan yeah you can turn it off with some software
How do you feel about this versus the gameball?
Great question! Both the gameball and ploopy trackballs are on my "need to buy" list, so I can't comment on them directly...yet. That being said, the gameball ball sits on ceramic bearings, so I would expect it to feel like a Logitech Trackman Marble in terms of operation, whereas the L-Trac is going to require a little more force to get moving, but will glide without any "sticky" spots (as happens with ceramic bearings). I also imagine the gameball will have snappier clicks (the L-Trac is a bit mushy).
To put it another way, it's kind of like the difference between running shoes and boots - the gameball will get you performance, but the L-Trac is going to be super durable and easier to repair in the long run. It ultimately just depends what type of use you're after. Hope that helps!
@@techbytes4988 Appreciate the feedback.I’ve gone ahead and purchased the l-trac. Super excited!
My Logitech is slowly dying and id like an illuminated trackball. Thanks for the review!
I heard that the ones made by X-keys are inferior in comparison to CST made ones in term of plastic and overall build-quality.
what do you think about that??
I've also heard that on r/trackballs, but I find it hard to believe. I haven't used a previous CST trackball, but the quality of the X-Keys is pretty incredible for what it is. A lot of times when companies acquire a product line, they'll also get the tooling used in the manufacturing process - a good example of this is the Unicomp keyboard still producing keyboards with the same tooling from the original IBM Model M.
I guess it's possible that there is a quality difference, but the X-Keys version won't leave you questioning its durability if that's your concern. 😀
I just got this trackball from Amazon today, and I am having issues with the scroll wheel. I need take my hand off the trackball and raise it up about 2 inches to reach the scroll wheeel. Very awkward.
Yep, unfortunately this trackball isn't for everyone. My hands are large enough that I didn't have an issue with the scroll wheel, but the missing mouse 4/5 were a problem until I made my own.
The closest you could probably get to a similar mouse (ordering from Amazon) would probably be either the Kensington Expert or Kensington Slimblade. I've reviewed the Expert if you're curious!
Finding the right trackball is a journey for sure. For many of us, we're still in search of the "perfect" fit. ;)
This is my concern as well, as I have a small hands
@@FreddiMuliantono you can set it up so you hold mouse 2 and it changes the ball into scrolling mode so you can use the ball to scroll up and down
@@HollowRick How do you do that?
The scroll wheel is too far.