Introduction to my Nape Pro settings

I didn't see many people sharing their settings when I searched Twitter, so I decided to write an article about it myself.

My background

I had never used a trackball before, but I bought the Nape Pro because I wanted to give it a try. I also like PC gadgets. However, I wasn't into building custom keyboards.

Usage environment

・Home | HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S
・Work | Laptop
I use the Nape Pro in a horizontal (90-degree) orientation in both places. When the orientation changes
On my laptop, it sits on top of the touchpad, which is quite obstructive. I'm not sure what to do about that.

Layer 0 (Standard state)

Left click was the first position I decided on. Basically, I click 02 with my left index finger and operate the ball with my right index finger.
I think most people use their thumb to operate the ball on a trackball mouse, but that's difficult with the Nape in a horizontal orientation. So, I end up using my index finger, which means I can't use my index finger for clicking like I would on a normal mouse. I thought it might be better to have everything done with just the right hand, but I compromised on that.
You can still click with your right hand if you take your finger off the ball.

Next, where to assign ball scrolling. I could have used the wheel for scrolling, but it wasn't as smooth as I expected, and since I can't do horizontal scrolling, I decided it was better to be able to scroll with the ball.
I assigned it to a long press of 03, allowing me to scroll while holding it down with my right middle or ring finger.
By the way, I assigned Ctrl and plus/minus to the wheel to zoom in and out on screens like in browsers. It's convenient since most software supports it.

Due to the software I use for work, I often need to hold down Shift, Ctrl, or Alt with my left hand while left or right clicking to drag (for example, moving the viewpoint in 3D software), so it was a prerequisite that I be able to do that (which is why I assigned Shift and Ctrl to long presses of M2 and 01. I gave up on Alt due to a lack of keys. Since the Alt key on the main keyboard is right nearby, I can reach it while holding it down with my left hand).
Come to think of it, since you don't press modifier keys for a short time, I recommend assigning them only to long presses.
Left and right clicks need to be assigned independently, and since you can't assign different functions to long presses, I decided to dedicate 02 and 04 exclusively to clicking.

Special operations in Layer 0

Layer switching
Long press M1 for Layer 2 (browser-related)
Simultaneous long press of M1 and M2 for Layer 3 (others)
I don't use Layer 1, but there's no particular reason for that.

Short simultaneous press
Looking at the four keys in a square pattern, I set short simultaneous presses of the two keys in those directions to window operations.

By the way, the annoying thing about the Nape is that keys assigned to simultaneous presses have a slightly worse response for a split second. I didn't want to assign simultaneous press functions to the left-click key, where response is critical, so I chose this layout. It's also mentioned by the official team, but it's unclear if it can be improved with future software updates.

Layer 2 (Browser shortcuts)

This layer is active while M1 is held down.
I've also assigned middle click here (since I often use it to open links in new tabs in browsers).
Besides leaving M2 unused, I haven't set any long-press keys either. I wonder if there are any good shortcuts.

By the way, since M1 is being held down to access this layer, I assumed it couldn't be used, but it's strange that you can assign it. For now, I've left it as an empty assignment.

Layer 3 (Others)

I have assigned keys that are not used very frequently here.
It is recommended because it makes changing YouTube playback speed easy.

Other impressions

You can assign different functions to a single key for short and long presses, but the time it takes to transition to a long press is a bit longer than I expected. It seems many people on Twitter share this opinion, so I look forward to future updates.

This is my first trackball, and it naturally takes time to get used to. I have been using it for about a week, but I am still not quite accustomed to it.
Also, drag operations are difficult. With a mouse, it was a matter of clicking with a finger and moving the mouse with your arm, but since you have to do both with your fingers, it is physically taxing on them.

Regarding the software usability, once you assign a function to a key, it is difficult to see what is currently set to that key. This might be standard for custom keyboards, but while you can assign functions from the settings screen below to the keys as shown in the image below, the shortcuts or other settings already assigned to keys are not reflected in the screen below. Therefore, you have to redo complex settings from scratch every time.

Overall evaluation

Although there are some drawbacks, as an overall evaluation, it is a very interesting device, so I plan to seal away my mouse and use this for a while.
(Though I don't think this can be used for FPS games.)