The ProLab Mouse isn’t the typical mouse you’ll think of when you see the term ‘mouse’ in the tech world. Instead, the ProLabs Mouse is shaped like a coin as is probably the tiniest mouse I’ve ever seen. But then again it is not really designed to be used solely as a mouse.
Unboxing
The package will consist of the following items:
- ProLab Mouse
- Finger grip
- USB-C cable
Build quality and design
ProLab calls their mouse a control hub, because you can use it with a wide variety of devices from laptops, tablets to smartphones. The ProLab Mouse is really small and compact, measuring a mere 8g in weight.
The buttons on the ProLab Mouse are clicky, and I noticed some buttons being clickier than other. The trackball rolls around rather smoothly. There is a small knob on the ‘up’ button so that it is easy to locate which button is ‘up’. ProLab includes a finger grip which you can stick on the back of the ProLab Mouse to make it easier to hold in your hand. The ProLab Mouse is charged via USB-C.
Tech specs
| Battery life | 15 hours |
| Bluetooth version | 4.2 |
| Sleep mode | Yes, activated after 5 min of inactivity |
| Weight | 8 grams |
| Dimensions | 2.9cm * 2.9cm * 1.4cm |
Features
The ProLab Mouse is a simple one-handed operation and it has three main features – (1) Mouse mode, (2) Media mode, and (3) Keyboard mode. Each mode has a dedicated light colour on the trackball to let you know. Switching between the different modes requires a simple tap on the side button on the ProLab Mouse.
Mouse mode
The Mouse mode is designed to be best used with computers. The trackball acts as the trackpad to move the cursor around the screen. The left and right buttons represent left and right clicks respectively, while the up and down button scrolls pages up and down.
While the trackball is smooth, the accuracy of getting the cursor where you want to isn’t straightforward. It sometimes takes me a few scrolls to get to where I want to place my cursor at. The buttons however, all work fine and pretty responsive. The ProLab Mouse would definitely not replace your mouse but it will likely come in handy when you are using it as a wireless presenter, and have a sudden need to use it as a mouse. It would be cool if future version include some sort of ‘Alt-Tab’ button. Check out the short video demo below:
Media mode
The Media mode is designed to be used more with your smartphones. The trackball commands the play/pause of your media, while the left and right buttons act as previous/next. The up and down buttons control the volume respectively.
The mode comes in handy to control your music with just the ProLab Mouse if you are not close to your phone. As volume controls are one of the commands, you can also use the ProLab Mouse as a remote to take photos on your smartphone. Check out the short video demo below:
Alternatively, you can also use the Media mode while connected to your computer and control media and volume.
Keyboard mode
The Keyboard mode is best used with your computers, especially when you need a wireless presenter. This is because the buttons on the ProLab Mouse on the Keyboard mode mimic the up/down/left/right keys found on a keyboard, which is perfect when giving presentations. The trackball still moves the cursor and clicking on it simulates hitting ‘Enter’ on the keyboard.
Check out the short video demo below:
Usability and application
Personally, I find the ProLab Mouse best used as a wireless presenter. First, the ProLab Mouse is really small and compact, so when you’re presenting, you can look it you’re not holding any presenter stick at all. Second, the different modes offered on the ProLab Mouse provide a versatile suite of features to handle many kinds of presentation. If you have a video link midway through and need to click on it, simply switch to Mouse mode to click. Volume of video too soft? Simply switch to the Media mode to increase volume.
There is not much latency between a command on the ProLab Mouse and the response on the device. The command takes place almost instantaneously. As the ProLab Mouse connects via Bluetooth 4.2, you also do not have to fiddle around with USB receivers. Media mode comes in really handy as a remote to take hands-free photos on your smartphone and I can see it this feature being widely used.
Where to buy
The ProLab Mouse is a Kickstarter project and you can ProLab Mouse at the Super Early Bird price of $33.