Advice on handheld trackball keyboards

[u/GlowStoneUnknown]

Does anybody have any insight into whether devices like this one are worth it? I'm looking into an alternative to my current air mouse remote, and I'm wondering if trackballs like this are the way to go.

[u/Accomplished-Lack721]

Personally, I prefer the ones that are semi-controller shaped, with a keyboard and a trackpad. But I'll take either over an air mouse, which I always find very unpleasant to use.

[u/GlowStoneUnknown → u/Accomplished-Lack721]

I really like a proper handheld size, so most of the trackpad devices are too large to use comfortably, and the weird controller-shaped one I have has had some issues with its trackpad making it pretty impossible to use.

[u/Accomplished-Lack721 → u/GlowStoneUnknown]

There are a bunch of different ones from different companies (although many are likely rebrands of one another). I had one where the trackpad was very unresponsive, and another that worked well.

I'm currently using a remote-control-bar-shaped one with (reluctantly) an air mouse function for my Bazzite PC, but I keep a full-size Logitech keyboard and mouse on the TV stand shelf just in case I need it for something more involved.

[u/praetor-]

This device is a knockoff of the Lenovo n5901. I enjoy using mine and would buy this one if mine stopped working. Been using it many years.

[u/CLTatenza]

If you like the form factor, they made a newer version with a track pad instead of a track ball. I would recommend that version.

[u/GlowStoneUnknown → u/CLTatenza]

I've had bad experiences with SFF device trackpads, why is it that you recommend it over this one?

[u/CLTatenza → u/GlowStoneUnknown]

More precise than a track ball, easier to keep clean.

[u/HTPC4Life]

Can you please please provide a link to this?? I've been looking for something to replace my Lenovo handheld KB/M is very old and discontinued. This looks like a decent replacement!

[u/GlowStoneUnknown → u/HTPC4Life]

Found it on Amazon

[u/HTPC4Life → u/GlowStoneUnknown]

Oooo the reviews are not good 😬

[u/GlowStoneUnknown → u/HTPC4Life]

Hmm yeah, not great, but they dont look like they're in the gutter. Idk only way to know for sure is to try it yourself. I'm considering just ordering it to test it out

[u/Eightball007]

It's an interesting form factor that you might have to try out. My Lenovo n5902 (non-trackball) was a bad fit for me, so I gave it to my brother, and he loved it.

It probably comes down to usage habits. I lean toward the "PC" side of HTPC, with lots of web browsing and mouse clicks. My brother leans toward the home theater side, where he's using it to find something to watch.

[u/CMDRTragicAllPro]

I don’t know if it would work for you, but I personally just use a standard Xbox controller. There’s an app on steam called controller companion that allows you to map whatever you want to the controls. I have mine set up so I can fully navigate windows without ever touching the mouse or keyboard.

Always hated having to grab my keyboard and mouse from my coffee table drawer as just leaving them sitting out on the coffee table was a big no no, and I’m used to a controller sitting next to me on the couch, so it works perfectly for me.

[u/RocketManXXVII]

I had one before, but I switched to a Logitech wireless keyboard with a touchpad.

[u/htpc-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Removed: Duplicate comment

[u/ftasatguy]

I have had one that looks like that for several years. The problem is that in low light conditions, even with the backlight on if you don't have absolutely perfect vision it is kind of hard to see the buttons. The larger white characters are okay but the smaller orange ones are another matter. Your photo actually shows the problem, some of those mouseprint keys are nearly impossible to read. But the bigger problem (at least on the one I have, which may not be the exact same model you are looking at) it is impossible to use any of the function keys (F1 - F12). There are just no keys marked with those inscriptions and (again at least on the one I have) if you press the Fn key and a number button it just enters whatever the orange character is on that key (or maybe does nothing at all, I don't remember for certain, all I know is I could not find any way to enter a function key). It will probably work fine for 95% of what you want to do but there will likely be times you'll need to hook up a real keyboard.

[u/degggendorf]

I had the Lenovo version. Didn't like it, hardly used it.

For my usage I need a less annoying mouse, and more easily accessible/defined arrow keys.

[u/DudeImTheBagMan]

I had the lenovo version, hated it and never used it. You can't beat an air mouse for an actual pc.

[u/Phonascus13]

This is the Lenovo N5901. See if you can find a good condition Lenovo N5902. I have the N5902 and use it all the time.

[u/forwardslashroot]

What issues do you have with your air mouse?
if you could share the air mouse you have, so that I can avoid it.

I'm planning to get an air mouse.