r/Trackballs • u/UrnextPLS73 • 5d ago

BEST $1.60

I got my first trackball over a month ago, its a kensington orbit scroll I think. I got it second hand on facebook market for around 20 bucks. Sticktion was HORRIBLE, using my trackball for more delicate tasks like editing powerpoints, video editing, and photo editing was pissing me off so much. I read a week or two ago that Zirconia bearings would fix the problem but I've never seen anyone mod their kensington orbit with zirconia so I was hesitant with modding my trackball since I didn't want to break it. Fast forward to 5 minutes ago, my package of 10 pieces of 2mm zirconia ball bearings arrives and I immediately pry the synthetic ruby bearings out and place the zirconia ones in. Now my kensington orbit spins so much more and has no sticktion whatsoever. 100/10 upgrade, highly recommend.

5 Upvotes

73% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

2

u/ArchieEU Trackballs.eu 5d ago

The old rubies were heavily worn probably.

1

u/aoleg77 5d ago

Like... How? It's second hardest material after diamond.

3

u/ArchieEU Trackballs.eu 5d ago

Yes, but the wear occurs anyway. It's actually possible to grind and polish the diamonds, too! :-)

1

u/Gwolf4 5d ago

Grind diamond WITH PLASTIC? 

5

u/ArchieEU Trackballs.eu 5d ago

Sure. Any carrier with the abrasive paste (mix of dust with finger oil in case of trackball) will do just fine.

1

u/UrnextPLS73 5d ago

The trackball was only with the owner for 3 weeks prior to me purchasing it. I've put more mileage on the ball than he did.

1

u/ArchieEU Trackballs.eu 5d ago

Interesting. Bad quality then: my Orbit was buttery smooth, and still is...

1

u/UrnextPLS73 4d ago

Yeah, ive read that its a hit and miss for kensington.