Trackball android compatability

Setnakht · December 6, 2017

I realise the vast majority of trackballs, perhaps all of them even, won't be android compatible. Nonetheless, I'm hoping there's at least one basic model out there that I might be able to use in conjunction specifically with a recently acquired Samsung Dex.

I've looked into it, asked around elsewhere a bit, but without making any real progress. As the Dex is intended to be used with a mouse I see no reason theoretically that a trackball should not also work - provided of course it's a relatively simple device without added functionality requiring system drivers. I recall one mentioned support for Linux also, which makes me wonder whether there mightn't be some means of extending that to android... if support for the former doesn't in itself mean support for android.

Anyway, the reason I want a trackball is two-fold; primarily to save space and be able to set everything up in as compact an area as possible. I also want one for the trackball itself; ought to be handy for the design work I do on my Note 8. That's sure to raise an eyebrow or two, but trust me when I say that its capabilities in this area are grossly, albeit understandably, underestimated. It does utilise wacom technologically, after all, and in terms of performance falls not far behind the entry level Mobile Studio Pro.

So far, I've seen the Logitech marble mouse (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-910-000808-USB-Marble-Mouse/dp/B001DQY9AW) which I can't quite determine the applicability of, and this intriguing little device: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J9OPW60/

I have noticed similar and near-identical models being sold by other companies, which makes me suspect they're rebranded imports, but I can't say this particularly bothers me for the price and how well suited to my needs it would be.

Very grateful for advice any of you may have to offer. Cheers for getting this far.

December 6, 2017

If you use OTG anything is android combactible(as long as your device supports it) . I have used my desktop mouse and keyboard on my z3+ and s6, by using a usb-a to micro-b adaptor. And as i understand, trackball is just a mouse, so it should work fine. All my usb devices offically dont mention android anywhere, but even a old usb keyboard( made before android) works.

Setnakht · December 7, 2017

Fairly certain this isn't the case with most trackballs. Mice and keyboards being as ubiquitous as you'd expect of two of the three most essential PC peripherals are virtually all plug-n-play. While you're right that trackballs are essentially just mice, most have added functions (otherwise how many people would really opt for one over a mouse?) that might appeal, for example, to designers, and tend to require drivers/configuration. Maybe they'd be recognised as some kind of input device on android but not fully supported and only semi-functional?

If I'm unable to find a trackball I'm considering this as an alternative: https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/wireless-touch-keyboard-k400-plus?crid=27

Compare that page to what I believe is their most popular trackball: https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/wireless-trackball-m570

The former explicitly states that android is supported, the latter on the other hand lists system requirements without any mention of android support.

I've actually contacted Logitech now to ask if any of their trackballs are compatible, seems there are very few people able to give a definitive answer on this!

Cheers for the response nonetheless mate, appreciate it.

Oh and actually, speaking of OTG and compatibility, I've seen videos showing people getting DVD drives working with their smartphones. When I tried the same it was without success, I even bought a second drive to try and a hub to supply power. Sometimes compatibility can rely on how a manufacturer chooses to configure a device, unfortunately.