Hi, I am close to hit the order key for a UHK80 but am really undecided as to what I should do regarding the mouse module.
My laptop (Dell Precision 7510 running Linux) has got a track point and a touchpad, but I never use the track point because the touchpapd is large and conveniently placed.
But, even with the UHK80 I will likely have to move between docked (=no UHK) and docked (=UHK) fairly often so I think I’d like the two environments to match to the extend possible.
Now, the UHK touchpad module looks quite small to me, so I wonder if I will be disappointed by finding out that I actually can’t use it like I am used to (one finger=mouse move, two finger=scroll, tab=select), in which case the trackpoint would probably more efficient?
Anyone running the touchpad here who can compare it’s usability to a proper notebook touchpad?
I use the Touchpad on the UHK. It took me a little time getting used to as I operate it with my thumb. But after a few days to weeks it now feels natural, and I use it quite frequently.
I wish the touchpad was twice the size, but it’s definitley usable once you dial it in. All the basic functions work fine. Two finger scroll & pinch to zoom are a little cramped for big hands, but it works.
By default, the touchpad module enters “hold” mode (drag and drop or whatever you want to call it) either by a prolonged single finger touch or by doubletap and move. If you configure hold continuation timeout, you can lift the finger for a quick repositioning while dragging.
But sure you can map tab to left mouse button and do it that way.
My personal pick is trackball. Either the uhk trackball module, or the ploopy nano.
The uhk trackball needs a few days of training, since it is very sensitive. But then it provides a surprisingly good experience.
Ploopy nano is a bit complicated to configure when you want it to interact with UHK, but features a big ball placed on linear bearings, and a high quality sensor.
I am ride or die trackpoint for life. Imo the trackpoint is BETTER on the UHK than lenovo trackpoint i’ve used. It’s stiffer but more responsive, and there are extra things you can use it for, outside of conventional scrolling. On the uhk you can bind a modifier on something like the fn layer so you can use it to rapidly move your cursor around in code.
I still think the better location is the ibm one, but that wouldn’t allow it to be a module on the uhk, and i’ve completely adjusted to mostly using my thumb for the trackpoint or shifting my hand to use my pointer finger for more accuracy. One thing ill add is if you go trackpoint and use thumb, you’ll also want to have the thumb cluster module for the extra mouse click buttons on the left side. You might be able to get away using the left case key for left click if you must though.
Totally agree here. Even though I have the touchpad, I find myself gravitating to the mouse layer instead. Pretty sure that with a larger touchpad (i.e. a larger target with a reduced need for precision), I’d much more naturally and happily use the touchpad.
If someone else were to make a third-party touchpad module (or publish plans for a DIY one), I’d be extremely interested.
When I ordered my first two UHK60s (got two as thought I would be back in an office and set one up silent for the office and one for home) I got all three modules for each as I didn’t know what I would like.
I got a UHK80 recently and I only got the trackball. And I only use the trackball really.
The trackpoint is fine and works grand but I am not a trackpoint person, if you are it is going to be good for you.
The trackpad was my least favourite. I find I was hitting it with the edge of my thumb nail and I just didn’t get on with it.
Trackball all the way for me. (or the mouse keys, I love them)
Second these opinions, besides the TP location - I feel like it’s actually better on UHK. Took only a few days to get used to it, but TP under a thumb feels better, plus I don’t have to move the non-thumb digits off the homerow.
At this point yeah I think it’s more comfy for me actually, i still feel it’s easier for me to be precise when using my pointer finger, but what i find myself doing a lot is using thumb for larger motions, and jumping into mouse mode for more precise movements, at least when I need more than my thumb.
Been pondering getting a trackball module myself. Never had any experience with those, but appear to be the most popular pointer device in custom keyboard communities.
Not a module recommendation, but something that will potentially make any of the mouse modules even more convenient to use, especially on large screens.
Here is a script that toggles between fast and slow for the trackpoint, but it can be updated to work for any module. I figure the availability of such a script might influence the appeal of some modules.
macro: $onInit
(special macro that runs on keyboard power on)
// whatever else you have in here, plus this line
setVar trackpointSpeedBoosted 0
macro: toggle trackpoint speed
setVar trackpointBoostMultiplier 2
if ($trackpointSpeedBoosted) { // init in onInit, reset in onKeymapChange
setVar trackpointSpeedBoosted 0
set module.trackpoint.speed ($module.trackpoint.speed / $trackpointBoostMultiplier)
setLedTxt 2000 "sp-"
}
else {
setVar trackpointSpeedBoosted 1
set module.trackpoint.speed ($module.trackpoint.speed * $trackpointBoostMultiplier)
setLedTxt 2000 "sp+"
}
It can be set to use hard-coded values for the speed, too, but I like to use a modifier so I can use different base speeds for different key maps (mac vs win).
You can adjust different aspects of the speed using macros, like acceleration, too. Reference
I bound the toggle trackpoint speed macro to the top key cluster key and that works great for me.
I almost forgot to mention that the UHK 80 has a different display than the UHK 60 (which I use the script on) so I don’t know how setLedTxt will behave on the 80.
The scripts should generally work the same on both models.
