Mouse/Trackball preference

crashtestdummy · Sep 2, 2010

I'm spending more time lately being a mouse driver and my right arm and shoulder now have almost constant pain. I'm using a Microsoft wireless mouse model 6000. I know mouse use is a large part of my pain issue. I've been trying an old Kensington Orbit trackball, and while being less painful, it's very primitive compared to the Microsoft mouse with 5+ buttons.

I also need a device that is easy to clean, as my desk sits in the shop. Plus I'm always doing quick CAD checks with not so clean hands.

The questions are what mouse device are people happy with, and how easy are they to keep clean?

I also realize this topic has been discussed in the past, but I was hopeful that there was some new technology out there.

John Welden · Sep 2, 2010

You'd be better off figuring out how to make your arm feel better than screwing around with diffrent pointing devices. Physical therapy, message, exercises, surgery or combo. It's hard but it will pay off.

machinistrrt · Sep 2, 2010

Trackball, without doubt. After a short period to get used to it, I'd never voluntarily go back to a mouse. The trackball doesn't run all over the desktop, mine (Logitech Trackman) is quite ergonomic, and all three buttons work (linux and freebsd, not windows). I've tried and rejected other trackballs, mostly on ergonomic grounds. It's easy to clean, and once the retaining ring is adjusted right, is done without tools, and takes a couple minutes, or less.
WRT excessive buttons or wheels, I haven't seen a need for more than three, as the three and combinations of two buttons do all I need. As far as CAD goes, hard to beat a Wacom tablet.

I doubt new tech will effect a change, anatomy hasn't varied much in recent years.
You'll most likely be happier with a trackball, even if you had no pain issues as the hand is much more adapted to the fine control needed to manipulate the device.

Good luck

ashort · Sep 2, 2010

This is one I wouldn't mind having. You can also find this one and the previous model on amazon for a little bit cheaper price.

3Dconnexion : SpacePilot PRO

crashtestdummy · Sep 2, 2010

John Welden said:
You'd be better off figuring out how to make your arm feel better than screwing around with diffrent pointing devices. Physical therapy, message, exercises, surgery or combo. It's hard but it will pay off.

I am aware of this. However I can get a new pointing device much quicker than I can get an appointment to have someone look at my shoulder.

Racer Al · Sep 2, 2010

None of the above. IMHO, mice are a basically evil design that causes painful RSI for me in my elbow and wrist. I'm a graphic designer & illustrator, and have never been able to use a track ball to draw, but for other uses, it might be fine.

I use a pen tablet from Wacom. They have a range of models (and prices) from basic to mind-blowing. The one I use (the Intuos) has nice features such as a scrub wheel, and the ability to assign macro functions and program keystrokes to 'hot buttons' on the tablet.

http://www.wacom.com

There are also a variety of inexpensive knock-offs, Adesso being one:

Graphics Tablet - Adesso Inc ::: Your Input Device Specialist ::: Keyboards | Mice | Touchpads | Tablets | Barcode Scanners | Mac Solutions | I/O Accessories

Also, one of the ergonomic keyboards that keep the wrist straighter is a benefit. My wrists start to hurt after only a short time on my laptop.

chiphead42 · Sep 2, 2010

I have the same problem, switched mouse to left hand.Takes little while to get used to it.
Also found it helps to have something on my lap to run mouse on. chiphead42

Tim The Grim · Sep 2, 2010

I'll second a recommendation on the Logitech Trackman Marble.

I did Cad/Cam with a mouse doing 10 hour days for months. The tendonitis in my forearm and elbow was excruciating until I got the Logitech trackball. It was gone in a matter of days and I have used a trackball ever since. I keep a spare in a cabinet just in case. They used to be $100+ but now they can be had for less than $40. They are a snap to clean.

The kensington is OK but kind of clunky and nowhere near as ergonomic as the Logitech.

A tablet/pen device as suggested can work well too.

As well as spending 30+ years in metalworking shops I'm also a Certified Massage Therapist and have dealt with other folks who have your same problem. Lots of attention was paid to keyboard design relating to Carpal Tunnel problems but mice have gone under the radar.

John Welden · Sep 2, 2010

Forgot to mention something that may help. I've got my mouse speed turned up to about Mach 3 so all I have to do is twitch and the pointer moves across the screen. It takes a while to get used to, but it saves a lot of mouse travel. If you slowly turn up the speed you will get used to it and not be out of control.

My whole fore arm and wrist rest against the desk. I'm basically only moving the mouse in about a 1 square inch box with only my fingers.

firebrand · Sep 2, 2010

My vote is for trackball all the way! I have been using a Kensington trackball for the past 15 years and love it! I have the "Expert Mouse PRO" which is harnessed to my Macintosh CPU tower. Has six (6) user assignable buttons plus a scroll wheel, and has four click buttons around the ball. Rigged up a comfy wrist rest and have no problems hand, arm or shoulder.

crashtestdummy · Sep 2, 2010

After the recommendations for the Logitech Trackman Marble I ordered one from Amazon, about $26. I can afford to experiment at that price. I looked at the Spacepilot Pro, but $400 is a little too much for me to buy without trying it for a while first.

I've tried speeding up the tracking, but that is actually more painful for me. It seems that last little fine tuning move makes my muscles spasm or something like that.

Robert Campbell Jr. · Sep 2, 2010

Logitech Trackman a great choice.

I bought my first Mac in '85, had a mouse and a trackball attached to the demo model. First time I'd touched either, trackball won hands down on every application.

My index and middle fingers do a tiny coordinated dual dance on the trackball that can't be duplicated by mouse, a single mode input device, requiring much more exaggerated moves.

Hand and arm still good at 71.

Bob

5 axis Fidia guy · Sep 2, 2010

I use a logitech laser mouse, MX 1000 on my right hand and a 3d connexion Space Explore spaceball on my left hand. I have all my "hot keys" programmed with single buttons on them both.. I find them very comfortable. I tried a trackball in the past and just could not feel comfortable with it, I was very eratic and all over the place trying to work in my cam system.. On the other hand I have seen guys grab my spaceball and try to twittle a 3d model around and I got motion sick just sitting there for a minute. I think proper posture and perhaps one of those jell elbow pads would be a big help for guys spending alot of time there.

Gordon Long · Sep 2, 2010

I was having a lot of forearm pain in my mouse using arm. My supervisor got me a Logitech Trackman. I got the wireless version and I really like it. I do a fair amount of CAD work with it and it has worked very well. The only time I feel the pain in my forearm is if I use a standard mouse.

KMoffett · Sep 2, 2010

I too had the problem with a mouse and arm/shoulder pain. I found that if I supported my fore arm at the level of the desk top I no longer had the problem. Adjusted the chair height for a comfortable position. They make commercial versions. I installed one for one of our Prof's.

Ken

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