Orbita Mouse Offers Unique Rotational Controls

The soon-to-be-released Orbita Mouse is designed to change the way pointing devices are used, while bringing ergonomic benefits.

The Orbita Mouse, designed by the somewhat ridiculously named Cyber E Sport company, is a new take on the mostly unchanging mouse that promises to lower hand-strain on the user and offer an easier and more intuitive way to scroll.

The circular mouse works at any angle and rotates freely. This rotation can act as both vertical and horizontal scrolling, making the Orbita function almost like a dial.

This unique approach to scrolling allows constant, smooth scrolling for the user, instead of the jerky, staggered sort of scrolling that results from using a scroll wheel. Further, users of 3D modeling programs and music-recording software will see unique benefits as well: the Optima’s rotation acts as a 3^rd axis, allowing more robust manipulation of 3D objects in rendering programs, and the circular scrolling motion provides more intuitive rotation of knobs and dials in recording software.

The Orbita also comes with the traditional left and right click buttons, albeit in a slightly un-traditional arrangement. The left click comes in the form of a normal push-button, but a right click is executed by squeezing the mouse at any point; the right click squeeze feature encompasses the entire radius of the mouse, meaning it doesn’t matter what angle you squeeze at.

I must admit, at first I was skeptical that the Orbita mouse was worth looking at, because to me it looked just like a gimmicky rehash of a normal mouse. But after seeing how the rotational scrolling works, I think I’m sold.

I find that one of the most annoying things about using most recording software is manipulating the digital dials and switches most of them have. The simple act of rotating a knob does not translate well into normal mouse gestures. But the Orbita looks like it allows for intuitive and satisfying rotation, making a lot of scrolling actions easier.

Plus the thing is downright cute looking.

The Orbita is scheduled to be released in January of 2009, comes with a wireless USB base that also charges, and will cost $98.50.

Check out the embedded video of it in action below, or check out Orbita’s website for some demonstrations.