Recommendations for mouse-replacement in-between the two halves?

Configuration question
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Currently I’m using an Apple magic-trackpad in between the two halves as a mouse substitute. This gives me a close approximation to how the trackpad is when directly using a macbook (or similar). However I don’t think this is very ergonomic. So I’m looking for recommendations for other non-mouse devices like trackballs etc that I might place in-between. I’ve seen some setups use a Ploopy Adept trackball, e…g in this blog post: Evolving my ergonomic setup (or, my laptop with extra steps) | nicole@web

The actual Ploopy Adept trackball is here: Adept Trackball (Fully Assembled) – Ploopy

Or are there other recommendations beyond this?

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My recommendations (best first):

  • ploopy nano (see my config at Usecase: Thumb Trackball ; I can supply relevant ploopy source code)
  • uhk trackball module
  • a graphic tablet (I love the feeling, although for mousing it is not extra ergonomic…)

Edit: when writing that thread, I used to have it on the right side, but it works just as good when the ploopy is placed in place of uhk right module. It is about the right height when uhk is supported by the default feet.

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I was using an ELECOM HUGE for a while, but after I started using the Riser60/80, it’s been pretty difficult to use anything in between the two halves due to the elevation. I did see something interesting posted on the UHK’s FB page the other day. I might try something similar - Floating Trackpad

I’ve been using the UHK Touchpad module for a while now. It’s ok, but it’s really just too small to be comfortable during prolonged use.

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I’ve been using the UHK trackball and UHK key cluster module for the past year or so. And I don’t use my Logitech MX3 mouse or Apple trackpad anymore (which I have in the past).

  • I use the key cluster (on the left) for scrolling up and down (it has a scroll ball).
  • I use the trackball (on the right) for mouse movement.

My use cases are primarily coding in VScode & RustRover, using the terminal, and using Chrome and Firefox for github, docsrs, crates.io, and GSuite. I don’t really do heavy mouse work (with occasional use of Figma and OBS Studio) so this setup works great for my needs. I try to use keyboard shortcuts wherever possible, instead of mouse use, but sometimes mouse use is unavoidable; however I am surprised at how many web apps are getting more keyboard shortcuts, like Alt+/ in Google web apps, and Ctrl+K on github, and lots of other good ones on Figma.

Best wishes on your search for most ergonomic setup for you.

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