I have a lot of interest in the EM06, but I need the ability to easily switch between two different computers. If the EM06 was wired, then I could use a USB switch box to do it. But if it's going to be Bluetooth, then I really need a switch somewhere within easy reach to allow me to switch between devices. The existing switch on the bottom of the EM03 is kind of a deal breaker for me.

In a perfect world, I'd love to see this do what the Kensington Slimblade Pro and Elecom Deft Pro do, which is have a switch to go between wired, 2.4 Ghz wireless dongle, and Bluetooth and have a USB port on the front to charge and use for wired connectivity.

One more idea for your upcoming EM06. There's common mod people often do with trackballs: set them at some angle, to reduce strain and improve the ergonomics. Mostly, it's done by 3D-printing, using door stoppers, etc.

What if you'll add two plastic flaps on the bottom (something like keyboard legs), for easy tilting the device right or left, if desired?

Currently Adesso uses similar system in their T50 model, but for raising front part. https://www.natix.com/cdn/shop/products/31704446.jpg?v=1628158536

Hey everyone, based on the previous feedback, we've noticed that bearings have been a major point of interest, with some differing opinions.So, we’ve decided to launch a poll to hear your thoughts on the matter. Here are the bearing options we're considering:

• Static bearings (quieter operation, but may experience some stiction)
• dynamic/ball bearing (less stiction, but may create more rolling noise)
• Making the bearing modules user-replaceable (allowing users to swap between ceramic and roller bearings)

Both ceramic and roller bearings have their pros and cons. We’d like to know which aspect matters more to you: a quieter operation or a smoother scrolling experience? We look forward to your feedback!

Hey! This is highly subjective but I think most things would make sense for anyone looking for a cutting-edge trackball. I'm not sure about the things I didn't mark with ✅, would love to see a comment with clarifications.

• ✅ Polling rate >= 500Hz
• ✅ Ball >=44 mm
• ✅ Buttons > 4
• ✅ Wireless, ideally BLE+2.4Ghz
• Battery + Type-C connectivity
• Dynamic bearings
• DPI >= 4000

Things that I would really love to see but it's not for everyone

• Having flexible scroll: ideally both physical wheel and ring (I work with CADs for example)
• Forward/backward buttons, maybe on the side or idk
• Linux support (at least basic)
• A little LED for battery status
• That LED (or another one) to show DPI preset with some color when switching
• At least 4 built-in DPI settings

IMO you guys have a perfect place for a physical scroll wheel right under the ball, idk if internals allows that but it would be just perfect to have both it and the ring

Many people say that wireless is a must require requirement, good battery life, indicator light for battery, etc.

Sure, I get that.

But let me just say that not everybody's in the wireless camp. If wireless were the only option, I would probably keep it plugged in all the time. Not only that, but I've had enough trouble with wireless interference that I tend to avoid it for all devices that do not intrinsically require it. In my case, the only device that I really need to be wireless is my headset, because I often walk around talking to my computer.

The battery indicator light LED would be wasted on me. But I sure would like to have some other indicator lights. Under software control, if the only software control that I can give it is caps/num/shift lock, although I would hope to do better. I have almost the same attitude towards DPI.

Just saying.

I would absolutely LOVE is we could have chording options on the button. That is to say that if we push two or more button at the same time it would have a different effect. This would unlock sooooooo many options for macros and hotkeys. Even if it's just the 4 keys at top of prototype design if you allowed for any combo of 1, 2, 3, or 4 keys pressed together that would gives the user 15 options there.

Hello u/ProtoArc_official, could you please share an "official" assessment regarding two brands' relation? Is one of them a parent / daughter company of another, the separate trademark used for specific market, the reseller, totally independent makers that share the same R&D bureau, or?

I've seen the statement that ProtoArc is multi-brand company, but Nulea wasn't listed among your trademarks, hence the question.

We’ve noticed some discussion around the current scrolling mechanism based on the feedback we’ve received so far. So why did we choose the “button + ball” method? It offers high flexibility and works well for both vertical and horizontal scrolling.

Which scrolling mechanism do you prefer?

1. Physical wheel
2. Physical ring
3. Button + ball
4. Others (please specify)

A combination of physical wheel and button + ball

If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share! Thank you!

We started with a 44mm ball for the EM06, thinking it would work well for a variety of hand sizes. But based on the feedback from our last post, it looks like the BIG BALL size is getting more love than we expected. So, we want to know: what do you think?

Which size do you prefer?

1. 44mm
2. 55mm
3. 57mm

If you’re up for it, feel free to share why you chose that size and the size of your palm. It’ll really help us understand your preferences.Thanks a ton for your feedback

Like many others on this board, I received this chair from Protoarc for an honest review and feedback. As a customer, I have purchased several of Protoarc's products, including a few of their desktop wireless keyboard and mouse sets and a couple of their recent portable wireless keyboards. I've been quite impressed with these products, and we actively use them in our home, offices, and as our travel keyboards with my spouse. My initial keyboards were from Jelly Comb, the company that Protoarc later acquired, and they have maintained the quality of those products.

I was initially expecting a gray chair, but the one I received was gradient green, which turned out to be perfect for the room, and my spouse loves the color. This is now my spouse's chair, and overall, she likes it a lot, but not in the original form it came out of the box. The main issue was with the lumbar support, which is not adjustable and is positioned too far forward. The back of the chair being too far back compared to the lumbar support made it uncomfortable. To fix this, we used an inflatable portable lumbar pillow we had in the house, which supports the person's upper back and establishes a more natural and ergonomic feeling. The chair's cushion is very comfortable and deserves good recognition, and the color and design are simply beautiful in our eyes. It would have been an excellent chair if the lumbar support allowed back-and-forth adjustment with a simple dial or lever.

From my personal experience, I found the non-adjustable lumbar support to be the biggest issue with the chair, which otherwise would have been excellent. The lumbar support, as it is, might be great for certain people who don't have very straight backs or have thin/small builds. When I sit on it, I like it, but it forces me to scoot forward to get upper back support, which is my usual but incorrect posture. Another point is the lack of tilt adjustment. It only allows two positions, which wouldn't work well for those with back issues who purchase this chair for ergonomic support. If there were several different angles to lock, the tilt function would be more useful. While I brought this up, I don't care much about the tilt function at all. For me, it is important to have good back support and cushioning to help with ergonomic posture to provide good support on my lower back. This chair almost achieves that, but it would be perfect if the lumbar support were adjustable.

Hi everyone; I've recently purchased the XK01 TP, and I think the concept is great: quite compact, easy to carry, always have access to full sized keyboard and touchpad.

However, 2 things really stop me from enjoying this keyboard:

1. The scrolling direction. It's the opposite of what I usually use, and I cannot configure it.
2. Tap to click is always enabled. Most of the times when trying to use the hardware click, it registers as 2 individual clicks (one from tap, one from the actuation)/

I've briefly looked into windows/macOs options, but haven't found anything of use. It might be possible through third-party software (e.g. MOS on macOs), but it only solves the first issue, not the second.

Has anyone tried playing around with the firmware? Or any other option?

Hello,

Just purchased an EM03 been changing dpi thru.button combo but i'm not able to know or see how to know in which dpi rate is It. Any help??

The ProtoArc® XKM01 LX Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard Combo with Hub & Wall Charger is the ideal for traveling, live in a small apartment or like to condense your space.

I was really impressed with presentation of the product. It was nicely boxed with a quick start guide an envelope to welcome you and just a nicely package presentation. This would make a great gift set for anyone.

The set includes a compact 105 key full-size keyboard that features 12 shortcuts and a number pad for easier data entry. Of course it's rechargeable and you can easily switch between 3 different devices on both the keyboard and the included mouse.

The connection is easy and the Bluetooth latency is not lagging. You can also connect via dongle.

Both the keyboard and mouse connect easily and switching between multiple devices is a breeze.

The keyboard is a trifold design, slim and nicely compact. It is a plastic design and the folding mechanism seems to work out fine. If they made a lightweight Air Force aluminum type keyboard it would be even better and have a more premium feel.

Typing on a full size folding keyboard is nice and the added number pad is a bonus as well. The keys seem responsive and feel good to type on.

The mouse is low profile, responsive and easily to switch between devices as well. Both the keyboard and mouse work on iOS, Android, and Windows.

The package also comes with a 3-Port Foldable USB C wall charger, which is a compact design, foldable plug, and 100-240 volts. They also include USB cords in the package as well.

A plastic stand is included as well.

The final piece of the package is the Multi Port USB C Hub. This USB C splitter is made of Aluminum material, expands a single USB-C port to 6 ports (1* HDMI 4K@60Hz, 2* 5Gbps USB 3.1, 1* 60W Type-C PD charging, 1* MicroSD card slot, 1* SD card slot).

This allows you to connect multiple devices expanding your USB port capabilities for all of your USB needs.

This complete package comes in a case that has different compartments for all of the accessories, keyboard and mouse.

Over all this is a nice complete package for those who are looking for a tuck away or travel set for your computing needs.

This was my original post and I have to reiterate that ProtoArc never told me what to say, only to do a review. (It was originally to happen after the first month, but I had a few rough months).

I'll start with the TL;DR: It became my daily driver and an extra unit that I got from ProtoArc also became my father's daily driver and it's getting compliments left right and centre. I work with it for 8+ hours per day (I code) and it's been brilliant. It's not perfect, but it's REALLY good and it's definitely highly recommended for the reasons in the below review.

Let me start with the fact that ProtoArc has excellent communication and customer support. The first unit I was sent turned out to be defective, immediately replaced without a problem. One of the few companies that have responded (and may I say very politely) to all of my criticisms and feedback. And I'm quite specific and I know some of my opinions may be niche.

Anyway, I'm going to start with its problems. Actually, they're not that many , surprisingly. They're not even problems per se, they're just things that I'd like to see improved. That's...surprising if you ask me. In a nutshell, its biggest problems are the lack of tilting (it's flat), lack of backlighting (debatable) and the lack of locks when folding.

About tilting: Yeah, that's my biggest pet peeve with this keyboard. I can't tell you it would bother most people, I doubt it would in all honesty. But boy do I hate the lack of tilting. I tend to lean back while coding, I'm not always upright and I wanted that little bit of tilt so desperately. That being said, it really doesn't hinder my ability to type. The fact that it's flat and that I'm leaning back makes my wrists lay flat on the desk and the better angle makes it less tiring to code. I've also participated in a poll in this sub about what's the next feature that's wanted for the keyboard and which type of tilting, so I'm guessing they're already working on it.

Backlighting: Yeah, I miss it so much. When I code in the evening sometimes, the room is not fully lit so I miss it. Especially with some of the keys being painted blue (the F keys), it's hard to see if the room is not well lit.

Folding: I've mentioned that before I think. The lack of folding when you move the keyboard in your bag is a bit inconvenient. It's not that bad, I let it rest against my laptop and it doesn't unfold easily but if you move it roughly or you bump your hand while you move it (unfolded) the middle part bumps against the sides.

Now the good parts:

Size: This thing is quite small when folded and quite thin. That's niice, it fits snug against my laptop vertically in the laptop pocket in my backpack when I go to the office and the mouse just relaxes next to it because it's also quite thin and flat.

Convenience in more than one ways: The size first of all. Then the mouse is a quiet mouse. I use it a LOT. The click click sound of my previous sound would eventually drive me crazy. this one is having me in bliss. Also, and I have to put this in its own line:

THE SCISSOR SWITCHES ARE SO SATISFYING. The sound, the feel of the switches, oh my god... They're also quite snappy, I haven't noticed any delays on anything I do. That being said, I'm not a competitive FPS player, but even when tried to game with it, it behaved pretty much like a gaming keyboard. I'm guessing that if you press 10 buttons at the same time in a game it may not behave well, but it's not a dedicated gaming keyboard. For coding, or for work in general, they're brilliant. They're not loud, which also helps immensely in meetings, as I tend to type in the background and sometimes I forget myself being unmuted. It's never picked up and I'm running a condenser mic, which picks up everything.

The size of the keys is something I should mention. It's very satisfying. I am 6'7 and I have big BIG fingers and I rarely mistype, if ever. The big plus here is the numpad, which I use all the time and the home, page down etc keys. I love that they're here and that they're all full size and not small, or half width. Very comfortable.

More great stuff. It's been 3 months and the keyboard has not been charged once. The mouse had been charged once, but that was just a few days ago, after almost 3 months in use. I have to note that I didn't fully charge it when I received it, so it may have been way more. I actually had forgotten I need to charge it until the mouse had to be charged a few days ago.

The connectivity is one of the good stuff. I plugged it once in the laptop 3 months ago, never thought about it ago. The single dongle taking only one USB port for both keyboard and mouse is the chef's kiss. I have never seen it disconnect or even a small blip. According to my experience with anything else wireless, where most things keep disconnecting every now and then (hi Amazon Alexa and gaming headphones), this is amazing. I have forgotten it's wireless.

Here's another thing I like. the amount of time it takes to connect to its dongle once you unfold it. It's not even seconds, I think it's ~1 second. Every other wireless keyboard I had took maybe 5 seconds (to 10 even, depending on the keyboard) in order to connect.

Lastly, I gave the same mouse/keyboard combo to my father and I also gave him a Dell XPS laptop. He called me a week later excited not for the 1500GBP laptop but for the keyboard.

I kept thinking about its price at around 50. Inititally when I first received it, it seemed too much, but honestly after using it for 3 months (and I'm going to keep on using it until it breaks, if it ever breaks, that is) it's well worth. I'm just going to buy a new one if this one ever stops working. All that being said, it's been 3 months and it looks like I just took it out of the package and the keys are not even oily, which most other keyboards around the same price range have as a flaw.

Well done, you have a new customer.

Please be advised I received this product for free to test and review, I do not know current asking price for this product.

ProtoArc XKM01 folding keyboard and mouse combo.

Use case scenario, grab and go gaming.

Foldable keyboard and mouse combination system, my general use case here was aimed at light gaming and simple office tasks while on the go, specifically using a Valve Steam Deck as my chosen portable pc/laptop.

Multiple methods to connect to devices is definitely a big plus here, dual Bluetooth/wireless connectivity means easy to connect, mouse also has an extra Bluetooth adaptor included inside for systems without prior built in connections, simple and stable enough for most use case scenarios, while also allowing multiple devices to be connected to the keyboard in succession while also reconnecting to prior devices quickly and easily without needing to manually reconnect.

Battery life are generally both acceptable for mouse and keyboard, charging relatively quickly and holding power for several days of light usage before requiring another charge, charge time is relatively quick also.

Keyboard folding creates a neat small package that could easily slip into a laptop bag if not kept in its included travel case, opening out to a full size keyboard on the go is a big bonus compared to the myriad mini keyboards usually found in this use case, for specifically gaming usage in my test case allowing access to numpad as well as usual generic fullsize keys allowing for easy usage of WASD and arrow keys alongside normal generic usage.

Power to keyboard shuts off when either side is folded over, I actually like this very much, the only issue here is I'd prefer the hinges to lock into place while closed to prevent accidental opening inside a larger bag than its carry case, but a minor issue to be fair, and also powered on light indicator is missing once powered up.

Charging also seems to require keyboard to be open to be able to easily detect when full, this could be rectified with a pass through light to the side of the keyboard shell to indicate charge level while allowing keyboard to remain closed.

Mouse itself is a no frills standard mouse with very slim design, click functions as well as expected, I have large hands so felt a bit small to me but was easy enough and stable to use in expected use case scenario, an acceptable lightweight portable mouse for most use cases.

Keys are complete and actually full size and feel light but solid and with an appreciable sense of key press when depressed and allowing a small amount of rollover when used at speed, didn't notice any double press signals or missing inputs during test usage.

Included kickstand suited for mobile or table type devices, not quite large enough to hold a steam deck in place, but this is not a usual day to day use case, except for me I guess.

All included inside a carrycase that seems well made and protective of its contents that is roughly the same size as the steam deck case only half the thickness, allowing for ease of grab and go usage.

Holds up well to light gaming demands and can be relied upon to be stable and usable for several hours at a time, able to play games reliably all day while moving from location to location, battery life exceeds my test deck battery.

All told I'm pleasantly impressed with results so far from a two month test period, no appreciable wear noticed currently, battery still holds charge well and instantly connects to assigned devices when opened or powered on, minor issues noticed during gaming mode being mouse resetting position on screen intermittently, on further investigation this is NOT related to the mouse and keyboard itself as same issue arises with other branded products, this issue isn't noticed during desktop mode, just an fyi, also i did not use this product on any other devices or systems as I purely wanted to test from a gamer on the go's perspective via my chosen test bed the Valve Steam Deck.

Grab and go gaming fulfilled.

Hi fellow Redditors,

First, I want to disclose that the product was received for free to review. I am not in any way associated with ProtoArc. I have previously reviewed their EM11 Vertical Mouse (link here), so check that out if you are curious about my take on their vertical mouse (TL;DR: I love it). In the coming days, I will also be posting a review of their EC100 Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair (link). Overall, I impressed with their customer service and response times. I also own their EK01 Plus Ergonomic Split Keyboard (purchased on my own volition). My first shipment had issues with the left ALT key sticking/making strange noise, and they replaced it very quickly after talking with their support. And, unlike Amazon, they didn't make me send the old one back, so it saved me a trip with having to do that. To me it shows they stand behind their products. Anyways, onto the review!

About me: I am a Senior Endpoint Engineer at a large, US based research university. I work in a hybrid environment, with about 75% of my time spent in the office and 25% WFH. I work primarily with Windows devices, but also do support some aspects of Mac/Apple including Jamf. I code in PowerShell, PHP, Python, JavaScript, and occasionally .NET. I also provide tier 3 support to users across campus, manage several Windows Servers, work with AWS, Intune, and other endpoint management products.

Review: HubMouse

Product Packaging: The HubMouse is shipped in a very small box with no extra frills or waste. This is the only ProtoArc product I have received that doesn't contain an envelope with information about the designer and a general thank you note. But, it seems obvious this was not included simply because the box is too small to add in all that additional flare. Plus, while it is a nice touch, it is absolutely not necessary to have that extra stuff - but attention to detail is never going to be a negative either. Included in the box is the mouse, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a product manual, a small brochure for other offerings, and a small bag with a rubber...something. I have to admit I have no idea what this component is for. It does seem to go over the USB-C side of the Hub, but I am unsure what purpose it serves. Perhaps certain devices need a spacer? I am totally uncertain regardless. I didn't reach out to support to find out more, given it doesn't seem important.

Physical Notes: The HubMouse takes a different approach to portable mice, at least in terms of the feature set. In terms of the actual mouse, it's a standard sized travel mouse with a few notable extra features. It of course features standard left and right click buttons, and a scroll wheel. It also has a DPI button to adjust mouse speed, and a button on the bottom to adjust the connection method, as well as an on/off switch. The charging port is in the front of the mouse, well hidden and can be easily used without interfering with the ability to use the mouse (hint hint Apple). There are no additional buttons for back/forward or anything else, which makes sense on a travel mouse with limited space. The mouse has a nice matte finish, with a silver bar separating the buttons and palm rest that features the ProtoArc name and logo. It's a nice touch without being too in your face.

Looking back at the bottom, I wanted to go over the connection switching button. Like other ProtoArc products, this mouse can connect to 3 unique devices with ease. Connections 2 and 3 are for Bluetooth connectivity, whereas connection 1 is for 2.4 Ghz connectivity. Now, it wasn't obvious to me at first - but, the Hub portion that plugs in via USB-C actually contains the 2.4 Ghz receiver. This is an interesting choice, as it clearly caters to modern systems only. If you have no USB-C and no Bluetooth, this mouse is a brick for you. That's because the mouse can only be used wirelessly. The USB port is for charging only, not device use. Given the overwhelming majority of new systems have USB-C or Bluetooth, it's not a huge concern. But certainly something I wanted to note as a potential limitation for certain use cases.

Using the HubMouse: The HubMouse is small compared to standard mice, and might be a bit difficult to use if you have larger hands. For me, my fingers extend beyond the click buttons when laid flat, so I have to arch them slightly to use the buttons properly. This isn't a negative, so much as me trying to give you an idea of the size. The palm rest has a ribbed texture, which I find helps keep the mouse in place instead of having it slide around too much. I've had smooth mice of this size present problems in that regard, as the small size and low weight make them a bit "slippery" in a way.

The buttons on the HubMouse are very quiet, but not as quiet as their EM11 Vertical Mouse. They are still quieter than my Logitech VM though. The scroll wheel is more firm than fluid, which works well to prevent over scrolling. But, if you prefer something quiet and quick, it will take adjusting. The DPI button is set far enough back to prevent accidental clicks, and requires a bit of pressure as well. DPI can be set to 1000, 1600, and 2400. Just as with the EM11, I find myself preferring the medium setting of 1600 for general use.

Now, the biggest feature of the HubMouse is the built-in hub. I actually opened the box confused at first, as I assumed the hub component was a fully separate piece. However, it is actually well-hidden under the palm rest. You simply pull it out and plug it in. The hub connects via USB-C and features an HDMI port, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port. It also acts as a 2.4 Ghz receiver if you do not have Bluetooth available on your system. The hub slides out with ease, but doesn't fall out if you hold the mouse vertically. I shook the mouse around and it stayed put unless I shook it with a decent amount of force. The hub can also be inserted back into the mouse in any orientation, which I appreciate.

The hub works very well, and allows for pass through charging via USB-C as well. I tested it with a laptop, desktop, and an iPad and had good experiences with each one (iPad was a newer USB-C one - lightning will not work with this hub). I didn't try it with macOS, only Windows 10/11 and the iPad. Windows had no issues recognizing the hub and allowing it to perform all of the advertised functions, nor did my iPad. This is mostly expected these days, given the wide array of devices we all have, so if this didn't work without issue it would've been a major negative.

One thing to note is that the mouse becomes VERY light with the hub removed. Some of you may not like a mouse that is so incredibly light, and I'll admit it at times felt like I was moving air. For travel purposes this is great, but I do think there could be benefit in them offering a dummy piece to take the spot of the hub when in use if you want extra weight. This is almost nitpicking, so I don't want to give this point too much attention.

In terms of battery, this mouse features the standby mode that other ProtoArc devices feature, so it seems to last forever. To describe what I mean - basically, if you don't use the mouse for a bit, it goes into a deep sleep. Simply moving it doesn't immediately wake it, so you need to move/click and it wakes up. This deeper sleep seems to really preserve battery life. Once you get used to waking something up from a deeper sleep it feels just as natural as anything else. There is a low battery/charging indicator in between the mouse buttons, though it is hard to see from certain angles.

In terms of signal and accuracy, I had zero issues.

Overall Impressions: This is a interesting concept for a travel mouse, though it is a bit pricier at $49.99 (at the time of this post, September 2024). The battery life is outstanding, the hub works very well with the added bonus of pass through charging, and the multiple connection methods make it even better suited as a travel mouse. The general feel is in line with the competition and the design prevents accidental clicking of the DPI button. Two areas of improvement I think that may be considered. First, the USB-C charging port should also be able to be used as a plug for the device if wireless capabilities aren't available. I would normally say this isn't something that is needed, but at the price I think it is reasonable to expect in a travel mouse. Second, the battery is not changeable. As with the EM11 Vertical Mouse, it is built-in and not serviceable. From an environmental impact viewpoint, this is not ideal. Overall, I would recommend this if you need a highly functional travel mouse/hub combo.

Photos:

HubMouse

Hey All,

I plugged my k301 in to charge yesterday and my Alt and Windows keys have swapped on their own. None of the solutions (like pressing alt + a bunch of different keys) I've found online have been working. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Hi fellow Redditors,

First, I want to preface this by saying - yes, this is a newer account. My original account has no recovery email and I can't recall the login, and I haven't been using the platform much since the API changes made RIF stop working. That account was 13 years old, and certainly would have been preferred for my reviews if only to add a bit more trust. Having said that, I want to disclose that the product was received for free to review. I am not in any way associated with ProtoArc. I actually reached out to them specifically requesting items to review, as I had recently purchased the EK 01 Plus ergonomic keyboard (link) and was blown away. I also purchased their T1 mouse (link) to give my wrist additional positioning to prevent fatigue.

About me: I am a Senior Endpoint Engineer at a large, US based research university. I work in a hybrid environment, with about 75% of my time spent in the office and 25% WFH. I work primarily with Windows devices, but also do support some aspects of Mac/Apple including Jamf. I code in PowerShell, PHP, Python, JavaScript, and occasionally .NET. I also provide tier 3 support to users across campus, manage several Windows Servers, work with AWS, Intune, and other endpoint management products.

Review: EM11 Vertical Mouse

Product Packaging: The EM11 is shipped in a nice little box with clear attention to detail (see pictures below). Aside from the HubMouse, every ProtoArc product I have received contained an envelope with setup information, a quick start guide that also has warranty information on the back, a thank you from the designer, and a sticker with support information that you can affix to the product. Also included is a very nice rubber coated USB-C to USB-A cable for charging the device. The packaging and detail remind me very much of Apple's method of packaging - except they use an all black theme instead of an all white theme. Regardless, the unboxing experience is pleasant and noteworthy.

Physical Notes: The EM11 Vertical Mouse is very different from any other vertical mouse I have ever used, and I have used quite a few wired and wireless variants over the years - from Anker to Logitech. The most striking difference is the gap between the thumb area and the palm rest. Removing this chunk appears to serve a few purposes, if I were to guess. First, it reduces the footprint of the device that touches your mousepad - less friction means a smoother experience. Second, it reduces the weight. The charging port is also almost hidden in the front section of the thumb area, visible only when looking from the front. While aesthetics are less important to me than function, I did appreciate these smaller details. The mouse has 3 additional buttons, along with the standard right/left click and scroll wheel. These include two thumb buttons that by default map to forward and back in browsers, and a DPI button to adjust that setting. I like that these additional buttons have an orange hue - it makes them stand out against the black mouse and easy to find. Just above the DPI button is a small LED that indicates if the battery is low, charging, or fully charged.

On the bottom of the mouse you will find another button. This button cycles the mouse between connection methods - another feature that is included with may ProtoArc products. For the EM11, you can connect it to two unique Bluetooth devices and one additional device via the included USB adapter. If you have a number of devices you connect to, this makes cycling between them a breeze. For example, when I work from home, I bring my EM11 with me from the office. I simply click the button over to Bluetooth 2 and it immediately connects to my desktop at home. When traveling with a laptop, I just connect the USB adapter instead of ruining my existing Bluetooth settings. Easy and convenient. There is also a physical on/off switch, but I haven't really needed to use it - the battery life in standby is incredibly good, so I just leave it powered on 24/7.

Using the EM11: If you haven't used a vertical mouse before, it does take getting used to. This is something you'll deal with no matter what vendor you choose. But once you get used to it, it makes a world of difference on hand and tendon fatigue. The EM11 is no different than the other brands I have used in terms of fatigue relief. I do like the rubberized feel to the outside compared to my Logitech though, and the buttons are MUCH quieter than other comparable mice. The shape is also very comfortable, with a natural curve that hugs my palm/hand/fingers perfectly. The scroll wheel is very smooth, and also on the quiet side. In terms of DPI, the highest setting is very fast (2400). I find for everyday use I prefer the medium setting of 1600.

I have been using this mouse for over 2 months now. I have had to charge it just one time in that period. One interesting aspect of the standby state is that it needs to be "woken up" so to speak. This holds true with their keyboards as well. Basically once it goes into standby, it actually won't immediately respond. After you move/click it, it wakes up and is ready to go. With the mouse it is less noticeable, but with the keyboard you might try to immediately type your login password, only to notice it isn't typing at first. It is another thing that takes getting used to, but the benefit of this super low power state is that charging becomes very infrequent - and you really never have to turn it off.

I find that I have no problems with accidental clicks from the primary buttons or the additional thumb buttons/DPI button. The DPI button sits lower than the scroll wheel, and with my middle finger on it the lower part of my middle finger hovers enough over it that it will not click. The thumb buttons are slightly higher than where I sit my thumb for regular use, so I need to intentionally raise my thumb in order to use them. While the primary buttons are very soft and quiet, they still require moderate pressure to engage, which also prevents accidental left/right clicks.

In terms of signal and accuracy, the mouse doesn't miss a beat as it travels around my mouse pad. I only tested this on darker mouse pads, however, so I cannot speak to how well the laser works on other surfaces (such as more reflective surfaces that typically cause issues).

Overall Impressions: This is a solid vertical mouse, especially given the price of just $26.99 (at the time of this post, September 2024). The battery life is outstanding, the curvature and overall feel are just plain great, and the buttons are thoughtfully designed to prevent accidental clicks. Two areas I think that may be worth addressing, one from an environmental impact view and the other from a usability perspective. First, the built-in lithium ion battery is non changeable. While it can be expected to last many years, it would be nice to have it serviceable so that an otherwise functioning mouse can be given new life if the battery life degrades. Second, the battery lift indicator is placed in a bad spot. You can't see it unless you pick up and turn the top of the mouse towards you. I think it would be better to place a small LED inside of one of the thumb buttons that serves this purpose instead, as the left side is visible at all times during regular use. Other than that, I have zero complaints about this mouse. It balances aesthetics and function very well, at a price that is very competitive.

Photos:

EM11 Vertical Mouse

I recently had the opportunity to test the ProtoArc EC100 ergonomic chair, replacing my old executive-style leather chair that often left me with a sore back. The EC100 promised a more comfortable and ergonomic experience, and after two weeks of use, it has exceeded my expectations.

Unboxing and Assembly The chair arrived quickly, well-packaged, and in perfect condition. The components were neatly protected, and assembly was straightforward with clear instructions. The inclusion of premium materials and company information added a nice touch to the unboxing experience.

Comfort and Ergonomics The standout feature of the EC100 is its adaptive lumbar support, which balances firmness and flexibility, encouraging a healthy sitting posture. The S-shaped design of the chair back may take some getting used to, but it quickly becomes apparent that it significantly improves comfort compared to standard office chairs.

The seat cushion is another highlight. It’s plush yet supportive, maintaining its shape even after hours of use. The breathable materials prevent heat buildup, and the waterfall edge design reduces pressure on the thighs, promoting better circulation and reducing fatigue.

Adjustability The EC100 excels in adjustability, with easy modifications available for the chair’s height, armrests, and headrest. The headrest can be fine-tuned for height and angle, providing proper neck and head support. The wide shoulder area also allows for ample support and freedom of movement, accommodating various body types comfortably.

Durability and Design After two weeks, the chair shows no signs of wear, with sturdy stitching and durable materials throughout. The mesh back is particularly impressive - it's strong and breathable, providing excellent support without feeling flimsy. The chair's dimensions strike a good balance  - spacious enough to be comfortable yet not bulky, fitting well in a standard workspace.

Performance and Value As someone who works from home from 7 AM to 4 PM, the EC100 has been a reliable companion. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the need to fidget or readjust my position, which has positively impacted my focus and productivity. The chair's ergonomic design allows me to maintain good posture effortlessly, reducing physical fatigue.

Considering its price point and the included 2-year warranty, the ProtoArc EC100 offers excellent value. It’s a top choice for anyone seeking an ergonomic office chair that enhances comfort and productivity without breaking the bank.

Conclusion Overall, I’m thrilled with the ProtoArc EC100. It has significantly improved my daily work experience, offering a comfortable, adjustable, and durable seating solution. I highly recommend it to anyone in the market for an ergonomic office chair.

ProtoArc #ProtoArcOfficeChair #EC100 #ProtoArcEC100 #EC100Chair #EC100OfficeChair #Ergonomic

I've been using the ErgoChair 100 at the office full-time for about 1 month now. Full disclosure, chair was received as a test unit from ProtoArc for evaluation and review.

I work in the office for 8+ hours each day, then a bit from my home office. A bit of a hybrid approach that allows me to compare setups or components from each of my work setups easily, including this chair. I prefer to stand or use a backless stool as much as possible, so it never made sense for me to invest in a Herman Miller or anything overtly expensive. I have used excellent, mid priced chairs, and do know the difference as ergonomics is paramount to me.

While I am sometimes so busy and comfortable that I stand all day, I do realize that may not be the wisest choice long term. When this chair became an option, the pronounced lumbar support was the attractive feature for me. I don't experience particular discomfort or fatigue in any specific part of my body, but I have appreciated the lumbar support as I grow older.

The overall weight of the chair surprised me, as it is a lot lighter than other full-size office chairs I've used. I know that is a negligible attribute of wheeled office chairs, but since I switch between standing, using a stool, and sitting in this chair, the lightness of the chair actually makes a substantial impact on the ease of switching.

The arm rests are adjustable vertically and horizontally, and the chair has the usual custom positioning for the back and headrest. All things considered, I think this is an excellent chair at its price point. Our office is not looking for anything fancy, just solid and reliable, so we're considering purchasing a batch of these for general usage throughout the office as it's been a wonderful everyday chair for me.

My only point of criticism is of the short length of the hydraulic cylinder post - it's just too short for even the average height person, and a taller individual will definitely need to upgrade to a 6"+ replacement. Not a dealbreaker since they're universal and affordable, but still mentionable.

Like all ProtoArc products, it boils down to value. There will always be superior options at higher prices, but this chair and the rest of the product line is about practicality and I think you'd be hard pressed to find comparable performance at lower prices.

Hello everyone!

We're excited to hear your thoughts on how we can improve our foldable keyboard. Your feedback is invaluable to us as we strive to create the best product possible.

Which upgrades would you like to see in a foldable keyboard? (Please choose up to three)

1. Backlit Foldable Keyboard
2. Foldable Keyboard with Tilt Angles
3. Foldable Keyboard with Touchpad
4. More Function Keys
5. Improved Typing Response
6. Quiet, Low-Profile Keys
7. Enhanced Portability with a Protective Case
8. Customizable Key Mapping
9. Extended Battery Life
10. Laptop Stand + Foldable Keyboard for Mobile Workstation
11. ...

Feel free to share any other ideas or specific needs you have. Your input will help us design a better product for everyone!

Thank you for your feedback!

Disclosure

I want to begin this review by disclosing that I received the ProtoArc EM04 free of charge for the purpose of providing a comparison review. I am not affiliated with ProtoArc and have not received any monetary compensation for this review. ProtoArc has not provided any talking points or requested that I submit the content for their review prior to publishing. This shows that they are proud of the product they are selling.

A few months ago, I purchased the ProtoArc EM01 as a replacement for my ageing Logitech M570 and Logitech M575, so I already have experience with their products.

My Use Case

I work primarily in an IT role, with a dual 24” monitor setup in the office and a single 34” ultrawide monitor at home. About six years ago, I began using ergonomic mice to alleviate wrist strain from prolonged computer use. For gaming however, I prefer to use a standard mouse or controller.

Packaging

Both the EM01 and EM04 come well-packaged in an attractive black textured box with raised lettering. Inside, you’ll find a quick start guide that clearly illustrates how to power on the mouse, switch channels, and pair it. The guide also mentions the 2-year warranty and provides the customer support email.

Additionally, there's a small black envelope containing a sticker with contact information, a letter from the designer, and social media handles. A small booklet is also included, showcasing some of their other products.

Another smaller box contains the USB charger (A-C) and the full instruction manual.

One point to note is that neither mouse comes with a case for protection during travel, nor is there an option to purchase one as an accessory from ProtoArc. Black hard shell case with orange zipper please ProtoArc!

Design and Use

Both mice are very similar in design, with only subtle design differences between them. Both appear to use the same high-quality plastic for the shell, which doesn’t show fingerprints or look overly flashy for use in a professional environment. Both are very comfortable to use for an 8 hour work day and then a few hours in the evening. The EM04 features a bright orange, knurled scroll wheel that provides excellent feedback and grip, superior to the Logitech M570 and M575. The EM01, in contrast, has a black knurled scroll wheel with silver edging, which is also a pleasure to use.

Both of my mice have black/grey trackballs, which look fantastic and have a slight metallic fleck that shines under the light. The available trackball colours for the EM01 include grey, blue, purple, and gold, while the EM04 offers grey, blue, red, and silver. Both are a pleasure to use, and since the trackball is the main thing you are interacting with, the smooth scrolling is particularly noticeable.

One minor request, please offer the option to purchase replacement trackballs on your website. While it’s unlikely I’ll need one anytime soon, it would be nice to have the option to buy a different colour in the future or to replace a lost trackball.

Both mice have the ability to pair with three devices simultaneously, with easy switching between one 2.4 GHz connection via a dongle and two Bluetooth devices. On the EM04, you have to flip the mouse upside down and press the mode switch button, whereas the EM01 has a dedicated button below the scroll wheel for changing devices on the fly. This makes the EM01 a better choice for people who frequently switch between devices, such as someone using a laptop and tablet or two computers side by side.

The mouse buttons on both models are silent, which is great for use in an office where you are in close proximity to others. The EM01’s standout feature is its 20-degree tilt, which is easy to use and works similarly to the MX Ergo. When using the EM01 I almost always have the mouse tilted.

I have two points to note regarding the EM01. Firstly, there is no place to store the USB dongle within the mouse, unlike the EM04, which has a small compartment underneath. This could make the dongle easy to lose if you travel frequently with the mouse. I understand that this might be a restriction due to the tilt design.

Secondly, the rubber grip on the bottom of the mouse could be improved. The EM04 has four rubber pads on the bottom, which effectively hold it in place and prevent it from sliding around the desk. By contrast, the EM01 has a large rubber pad covering the entire base, but this somehow allows the mouse to slide during use. I remedied this by applying some mouse grip tape to the bottom, which resolved the issue. However, reviewing the material used for the rubber pad would ensure it performs at its best.

Serviceability 

Both mice have built-in rechargeable batteries that hold their charge well. I haven’t had to recharge the EM04 since unboxing it over a month ago. From a teardown video on YouTube, I can see that the batteries are connected with a removable connector. As mentioned earlier regarding the trackballs, it would be nice if ProtoArc offered replacement batteries and mouse feet as spare parts.

Conclusion

Both are excellent and I would recommend you to consider them if looking to purchase a new ergonomic mouse. At the time of writing on Amazon the EM04 is £24.98 with an additional £5 voucher which makes it a steal at £19.98. The build quality is excellent and easily matches the functionality of the more expensive Logitech M575 (£44.90 at time of writing). Which only has two device connectivity and requires the use of Logitech's software suite to change DPI which can be a problem on work machines where installing software is locked down. 

The EM01 is priced at £44.99 with an £8 voucher at time of writing which brings it to £37.99. This is slightly cheaper than the Logitech M575 (£44.90 at time of writing). However the EM01 has additional features such as the tilt function which is only found on the more expensive MX Ergo with the addition of the 3 way device connectivity and DPI settings on the mouse.

You can’t go wrong with either mouse. The EM04 is a great all rounder for people who use the mouse when in the office and then switch to a home computer in the evenings. The EM01 is a more premium mouse for people who switch between devices frequently and want the flexibility to be able to tilt the mouse without paying the premium for the MX Ergo.

Thanks for providing the review sample ProtoArc.

I would like to prefix this that I received this product for free, but I'm not affiliated with ProtoArc. I just received the product after another reddit thread, I was being chosen randomly and shipped a product.

I was not told what to say, just to be clear. I am saying whatever's on my noggin'. On to the impressions.

First off, beautiful packaging. It comes with manuals, a posted note from the product designer, its own hard case that has fittings for both the mouse and keyboard side to side, a handle and it's leathery looking. I doubt real leather, but it's quality and I'm not an experienced leatherworker to understand the difference. Charging cable inside and it's overall well packaged when you receive it.

Before I started to even using it I Googled. Being a dev myself, and familiar with AliExpress, I wanted to see if these guys were real. So I googled the model. Oh there it was in AliExpress, too, but sold by ProtoArc again. Okay, maybe Amazon. No, also sold by ProtoArc. Then I looked at visibly similar keyboards. All of them similar, but it's true. This is actually a uniquely made product. In this day and age, that everything comes as a knockoff, I was impressed.

So, I opened it and immediately I noticed it's not metal. Initially, didn't quite sit right with me, but then I realised it's actually an excellent choice. Metal would make it heavier and it's travel oriented. However, I hated the fact that it's not tiltable even a little bit. The fact that it's completely flat, even after two full 16 hours of coding keeps bothering me.

The only thing I keep thinking about are the hinges. They're also plastic, with small metal bits, and without any sign yet, I feel this is going to be the first part that'll fail at some point. The hinges also don't lock the keyboard open or closed, so if you dangle it up and down, not even violently, the foldable sides hit the main / core part in the middle. Defnitely space for improvement here. Because of the hinges not locking, you cannot use it anywhere that's not flat. Forget using it on your lap, it folds. When it folds, even if you fold one of the three parts, the keyboard stops working. Great feature, in case you have it stored somewhere and it has opened randomly. You won't get random keystrokes.

A nice little feat is that the same usb dongle connects the mouse AND the keyboard at the same time. Connected it, done. This is actually well thought out as usually laptops don't come with more than one or two usb slots. My Dell has one.

So, i started typing. The scissor switches are SO SO satisfying. Maybe a small thing for most, but it's SO satisfying I can't tell you how much. Big surface area on the keys, so I don't randomly mistype. There is a problem, which seems to be the most prevalent of all here. The spacebar doesn't always register. I've sent support an email to understand if it's broken or how it works, but I don't tend to slam my thumb on the spacebar, especially during coding. If I concentrate just a bit and I hit the spacebar right in the middle, it's fine. But if I type fast (and boy do I type fast) and lightly hit the space bar on the side, even when the key 'succumbs' to the pressure, it still doesn't register. it seems to me that's the only part that leaves a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth. I've tested it, on the very right side of the spacebar, it doesn't always register, but in the middle, no problem.

Something that is also impressive is the folding itself. While the hinges don't lock when folded (I'd want to se them locked, so I can place it in my bag with my laptop, but without its bag and not worry about it), when it actually folds, it's very small. I love that part. I have a very specific place for things on my desk so that suits me way WAY better than anything else so far. It fits right under my screen and on my work laptop, so ending the day means fold, set aside, move on. Most other keyboards take the whole space on the laptop, or most of it, and I have pushed by mistake a few. This is great and here's proof:

There's a few things that need to be done, in my opinion, for this keyboard / mouse combo to fully justify the 50 GBP price. It needs to be backlit and turn off as long as tilt. Any other features, would be a nice to have, but these three feel like instantly missing. It makes up for it in other areas, but yeah. Right now, when you don't type for a while (was in a meeting for an hour and a half) it all stays alive. I don't have to click the mouse or type a key on the keyboard to get it to 'wake up'. That being said, it's only one day, so it may be a case of 'who cares? The battery lasts for months anyway'. We'll see in a month.

What I'd like to do with this keyboard is being able to take it with me at work WITHOUT the bag it comes in. Don't get me wrong, the bag is great and it very well fits in my backpack, it's quite small, but I just want to put it in there as is. It fits in my laptop slot right on my laptop. The rubber feet keep it safe enough and the bag does the rest.

One last thing. The mouse, I love it. I have big hands and the size is perfect length wise. I didn't expect a travel mouse to be ergonomic and something I can rest my palm on it. It's a sacrifice so to speak in order for it to fit in my bag and not take a bunch of space, which I like.

All in all, the combo for now is great. I'm going to keep using it at work for 8 hours a day for sure.

Edit: The small stand that comes with the set and is so you can rest your phone on it? Good idea, but I at first thought it's a stand to tilt the keyboard, and there's no mention of it anywhere in the user manual, so I was confused for a bit.

Edit 2: The manual, it needs proofreading. There's blatant mistakes.