KidTrac Switch Adapted

The KidTrac Switch Adapted trackball from Clearly Superior Technologies offers alternative clicking options available to users who may struggle with fine motor control. It features 3 jacks which permit the attachment of external control switches which can be placed where best suited to the needs of the individual user.

The bold bright colours—Yellow trackball with Red, Green and Blue buttons—is just a disguise for a highly functional trackball with capabilities suited to all ages. All of the basic features of the basic KidTrac—high density 2.5" diameter phenolic trackball for tactile feedback and smooth response, light touch buttons, safely secured trackball so missing trackballs or broken windows are not an issue, low profile housing, ambidextrous feature, 'Dynamic Acceleration', Drag Lock and Scroll Lock—are available on the Switch Adapted version.

The extra-large brightly coloured design serves to aid users with vision limitations in identifying button locations and functions. The low activation force and large dimensions of the buttons also mean that anyone with limited strength will be able to perform clicks as easily as any user.

Users who might prefer a more subtle appearance may wish to consider PC-Trac Switch Adapted or the high performance L-Trac Switch Adapted versions.

• Switch Adapted Model: The KidTrack Switch Adapted trackball is a three button device that includes three 3.5 mm external switch jacks. Users can plug in any standard assistive switch to generate the 3 different button actions corresponding to the regular buttons (left click, middle click, right click). Once an external switch is connected the onboard switch is disabled to reduce or eliminate accidental clicking while the trackball is being used. These specialized switches can then be positioned where best suited to the needs of the specific user. There are a variety of Switches which can be used with the SA models of the Kid-Trac, PC-Trac, or L-Trac trackballs.
• Middle Button Hardwired for Drag-lock: The middle button is a drag-lock - this means that there is no need to hold a button down to highlight, select or drag an item. This is a real plus for individuals with trigger finger, who constantly have to click, or for those with motor skill difficulties.
• Middle Button in Scroll-Lock Mode: The middle button can also act as a scroll-lock. To have the button perform a scroll-lock (instead of the default drag-lock), press and hold the button for 3 seconds and it goes into scroll-lock mode. To leave scroll-lock mode, press any button.
• Dynamic Acceleration: The Dynamic Acceleration feature incorporated into all KidTrac models is especially beneficial to users working with large high resolution screens or those who need to rapidly move the cursor across greater distances. This feature ties the distance travelled to the speed with which the ball is rotated. For example, a 1/4 rotation of the ball at a rapid rate will cause the cursor to cover a substantially greater distance than the same 1/4 rotation performed at a slow rate. A fixed acceleration trackball would require a greater degree or number of rotations in order to cover these larger movements, resulting in an increase in the amount of necessary finger movement.
• Universal Compatibility: The universal compatibility of this design means it works well in a multi-user environments with a range of individuals.
• Low Profile: The low profile case of the KidTrac trackball acts as a natural hand-rest, mirroring the natural contours of the hand.
• Robust Design: Employing strong ABS plastic construction, a virtually indestructible phenolic trackball and stainless steel rollers, Clearly Superior Trackballs are designed with durability a key consideration.
• Large Weighted Trackball: The large 57 mm ball provides increased accuracy and control. The weight also enables rapid movement across large distances as it can be spun.

• Width: 3.75" (9.5 cm)
• Depth (front to back): 6.75" (17.1 cm)
• Height: 1.75" (4.4 cm)
• Ball Diameter: 2.25" (5.7 cm)
• Ball Type: High density phenolic
• Bearings: Dupont Delrin with Teflon
• Ball Suspension: Nickel plated brass alloy
• Tracking: Mechanical Optical
• Resolution: 300 CPI (counts per inch)
• Case: High impact ABS
• Cable Length: 6' (1.8 m)
• Compatibility:
  PC: 98SE, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8 , 10
  Mac: Mac OS 9 (or later)
  Linux: most versions
  Other: any HID 1.0 compatible operating system (e.g. Sun Solaris)
• Interface: USB 1.1 (USB to PS/2 adapter included)
• Warranty: 1 year
• Package Contents: KidTrac Switch Adapted Trackball, USB to PS/2 Adapter, Quick Start Guide

• If the intent is to use this with adaptive switches be careful when making your selection. It is important that switches with appropriate activation force levels are chosen. As well, consider the overall footprint required for the external switches to ensure that they can be placed within suitable reach.
• 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. The KidTrac (non-PRO) trackballs encourage ambidextrous use with a special 'Ambidextrous Trackball' feature which allows fast switching from left to right-handed use by simultaneously pressing all 3 buttons, without the need to change system settings.
• 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.
• Employ the 'Dynamic Acceleration' feature to reduce unnecessary repetitive rotation movements when needing to move across large distances. Moving the ball quickly will cause it to cover a much greater distance than it will if rotated slowly for the same amount of rotation (i.e. a quarter of a rotation at a higher speed will cover a much greater distance than a quarter of a rotation at a slow speed).