OptimaX Wireless Trackball

The OptimaX from Pretorian is the first wireless trackball designed specifically for users with motor skill difficulties.

Built on the established platform of its wired counterpart, the OptimaX employs an optical sensor which eliminates mechanical parts which can fail from wear while still offering precise tracking and cursor control. Trackball movement is silky smooth and the stable low profile footprint makes the OptimaX suitable for a wide spectrum of computer users. The extended operating range in excess of 10 metres makes it ideal for use in multi-user settings and classrooms as it can be employed as a desktop or handheld trackball.

Colour-coded and recessed control buttons for Left Click, Right Click, and Drag-Lock are positioned above the trackball. The recessed location assists users in guiding their fingers to the appropriate buttons as well as preventing accidental activation that could occur with flush or raised buttons. In addition, the OptimaX is also equipped with dual ports which accommodate the attachment of external switches for activation of the left and right click functions. These can be used to offer users with limited motor control alternative methods of clicking.

Robustly manufactured, the OptimaX is virtually maintenance free (with the exception of battery replacement) and will give years of untroubled service.

• Wireless Convenience: The Pretorian OptimaX Trackball employs a wireless (2.4 GHz) link with an interference-free operating range exceeding 10 metres.
• Replaceable Power Source: The OptimaX is powered by a single standard 9 Volt battery.
• Ergonomic Design: Pretorian products are designed with the user in mind, providing appropriate button positioning, ease of control and necessary hand support for all-round ergonomic benefit.
• Rugged Construction: Pretorian products are designed with the expectation that they may be subjected to less than ideal conditions. As a result their construction is intended to accept this type of usage without failure.
• High Visibility Controls: The OptimaX Trackball features brightly coloured high-contrast buttons and trackball which act as visual aids to assist users who have vision or comprehension difficulties.
• Large Footprint for Maximum Stability: All Pretorian products are designed to ensure stability. The large footprints ensure that the devices are not easily knocked off of the surface on which they are mounted.
• Symmetrical Ambidextrous Design: The housing of the OptimaX Trackball provides users with the freedom to easily switch between right or left-handed use. Users can use the OS Control Panel settings to switch the Left and Right Click functions.
• Integrated Wrist Support: The OptimaX Trackball offers a large surface on which to rest the heel of the hand. This means that the wrist can be maintained in a neutral position, reducing the risk of wrist extension and also permitting users to relax and allow the wrist to rest.
• Large Trackball: The large 51 mm, free-running ball ensures that cursor control requires nominal effort. Although the ball has significant mass it will still move with a minimal amount force. A speed control setting enables users to cycle through 4 levels of performance, choosing the one which best meets their needs at any time.
• Durable Optical Tracking: The OptimaX tracking system relies on optical technology, eliminating any mechanical wearing parts and ensuring precise and accurate cursor control
• Silky Smooth Trackball Movement: The OptimaX Trackball offers exceptionally smooth movement.
• Clearly Identifiable Controls: The large buttons on the OpitmaX Trackball are colour-coded using primary colours with white legends. This is intended to meet the needs of a wide range of users, including those who may have limited vision and may not be able to discern the legending.
• Assisted Access Buttons: All buttons are recessed into the housing to prevent accidental activation. This positioning also serves as an aid to guide fingers directly to the buttons. This feature, combined with the wide positioning between buttons, greatly reduces the potential for accidental activation.
• External Switch Support: Two 1/8" mini phono plug sockets provide for the attachment of external left and right click buttons for users who may have trouble targeting the inset buttons. Check out our selection of switches that can be used with the OptimaX Trackball.
• Latching Drag Lock: The Drag Lock latches on to a selection until the button is activated a second time to release the latch. This releases the user to focus on the necessary cursor movement, be it selecting text or simply moving something on the screen.
• PS/2 and USB 'Plug and Play' installation: Installation is a breeze. Simply connect the Wireless USB Receiver and the trackball will automatically install. If a PS/2 connection is required attach the adapter to the USB Receiver, plug the receiver into the PS/2 port and start/restart the computer.
• Low Maintenance: The OptimaX Wireless Trackball is virtually maintenance-free and should require a replacement battery only about twice a year based on average usage.

• OptimaX Trackball User Manual: PDF

• Width: 4" (10.2 cm)
• Depth (front to back): 7.1" (18.0 cm)
• Height (to top of trackball, highest point on mouse): 2.8" (7.0 cm)
• Height (front of casing): 1.0" (2.6 cm)
• Height (rear of casing): 2.4" (6.2 cm)
• Height (from casing to top of trackball): 0.71" (1.8 cm)
• Diameter of Trackball: 2.0" (5.1 cm)
• Diameter of Buttons: 0.7" (1.8 cm)
• Wireless Receiver Cord Length: 55" (1.4 m)
• Colours:
  Left Button: Red
  Middle Button: Blue
  Right Button: Yellow
  Trackball: Red
  Casing: Beige
• Interface:
  To CPU (for wireless transmitter): USB or PS/2 (USB to PS/2 adapter included)
  To Switches: 2 x Mini-phono Jacks (31/8" or 3.5 mm)
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, Chromebook
• Power Source: 9 Volt battery (not included)
• Warranty: 2 years
• Package Contents:
  To CPU: Corded Wireless Receiver - USB or PS/2 (USB to PS/2 adapter included)
  To Switches: 2 x Mini-phono Jacks (1/8")

• If you are new to a trackball expect that it will take a while to get accustomed to the different style of control. It is also a good idea to limit the amount of time you use it in the first while. Rather, build up to longer periods of usage by interchanging with a different mousing device or by Load Balancing (see next point).
• Load Balance Your Use: The freedom of an ambidextrous trackball lets you easily switch between left and right handed use. Make a point of using it with your non-dominant hand. Not only is this good for your dominant hand, which gets a break from working, it can slowly build dexterity and endurance which your non-dominant hand generally does not have. As a bonus, it is also a way of stimulating the other half of your brain, which is never a bad idea.
• Take Regular Breaks: If you find that you are experiencing discomfort in your fingers, especially in the learning stages - that is a good sign that you may want to take a break by switching to a different device or by swapping to the other hand. As with any device, make an effort to regularly change your usage, take breaks, and perform stretches. Some users find that the fingers can benefit from occasionally flexing them through a full range of movement, both extending and contracting them fully.
• Remember to employ the Drag-Lock feature when selecting or moving text or when performing drag-and-drop functions.