Elecom Huge Linux Review and Configuration

Vash

Aug 20, 2022 • 3 min read

The Elecom Huge is a great trackball mouse. In this article I'm going to list some of the pros and cons as well as go through some configuration tricks you can use for the elecom huge or other mice/'trackballs.

Video version:

Pros

I really like the way it fits in my hand.
It is great for a smaller desk since you don't have to move it
Will give your wrist a break if you end up spending a lot of time at the computer.
Basic functionality is plug and play with Linux, though you may need to reboot.

Cons

By default, the function buttons do not have any functionality in Linux
There's no frictionless scroll wheel option.

We can do some configuration that will help with both of these cons.

Looking to purchase the Elecom Huge or Elecom Deft? Consider using my Amazon Affiliate Links:

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Configuration

I am configuring via libinput, if configuring via xinput or wayland you will need to figure out how these options translate.

For more information on libinput, click here.

To start, you'll need to figure out what the name of your device is. You can do this by using the command libinput list-devices

If you aren't using the Elecom Huge, note the name of the device you want to configure.

You'll want to install xev to check which button is assigned to which number.

In Fedora you'd want to run this:

sudo dnf install xev

For Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S xorg-xev

For Ubuntu:

sudo apt install x11-utils

After this run xev in the terminal. Click in the small window that comes up, have the terminal displaying in the background.

As you click each and release each button, you'll see information appear. Note the number of any buttons you want to change.

notice the button number, note the ones you want to change — notice the button number, note the button numbers for the ones you want

In my case, I'm going to update button 10 and button 12.

Navigate the xorg config folder:

cd /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d

ℹ️

Note: The X for X11 in this path was capitalized for me in Fedora and Manjaro.

If the file exists create a backup:

sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/40-libinput.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/40-libinput.bak

If not, you can simply run the following to create the file

Vim:

sudo vim 40-libinput.conf

Nano:

sudo nano 40-libinput.conf

Once there, paste the info below in your file. Make sure to update the identifyer and MatchProduct if you aren't using the Elecom Huge. If you don't want to use button 12 for scrolling mode, change as appropriate.

You can also remove the # to stop horizontal scrolling. Additionally, you can change or remove the draglockbuttons option:

Section "InputClass"
        Identifier "ELECOM TrackBall Mouse HUGE TrackBall"
        MatchProduct "ELECOM TrackBall Mouse HUGE TrackBall"
        Driver "libinput"
        Option "Scrollmethod" "button"
        Option "ScrollButton" "12"
        Option "DragLockButtons" "10 1"
        #Option "HorizontalScrolling" "False"
EndSection

Libinput config entry

You can find more possible options to use here.

After this reboot your machine via the gui or via reboot command.

After the reboot holding down the button listed for scrolling mode will allow you to scroll quickly using the trackball itself rather than only via the scroll wheel.