Rotatrix Hybrid Kit

Solder-in microcontroller kit

The circuit board in the recent announcement is Rotatrix Wired, a different edition opening for pre-order later. Compare the two editions →

This is the self-install kit for Rotatrix Hybrid — a small add-on microcontroller you solder alongside the stock Kensington controller of a SlimBlade Pro or SlimBlade Pro EQ. It adds full 3D control in wired mode while keeping the trackball's wireless USB dongle and Bluetooth modes (as a plain mouse). Compare it with Rotatrix Wired on the editions page.

The base trackball is not included — you must supply the SlimBlade Pro or SlimBlade Pro EQ. Make sure it's one of the wireless "Pro" models; they come in black/red, black/gray, and white.

Early adopter price · US$129 · US$149

Ships free in US · International adds shipping, taxes, duties

Get the kit →

Includes

Add-on controller with firmware and software license pre-loaded. Includes a perpetual software license for the Rotatrix host software.
Hookup wire, a pre-crimped connector, foam spacer tape, and device labels.
A detailed install guide: a 6-page, full-color manual with 1:1 printouts, plus a supplemental install video and a testing guide.

Contents of the Rotatrix Hybrid kit — the add-on controller board, hookup wire, pre-crimped connector, foam tape, and labels — What's in the kit

A still from the Rotatrix Hybrid kit install video — From the install video

Requirements

Install takes about an hour: disassembling the SlimBlade Pro and soldering 30 AWG wire to circuit board pads and component legs. Achievable by a careful hobbyist.
You'll need: soldering iron with a fine tip, wire strippers, flush cutters, a small screwdriver, a plastic pry tool, and tape.

The detailed instructions have been tested by a beta cohort without issue, and support is available via email and Discord if anything comes up during assembly.

Software & OS

Works with

FusionBlender4.2+OnshapeFreeCAD1.0+

on Windows 10+, macOS 15+, and Linux.

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Compatibility note

So far I haven't encountered an incompatible SlimBlade Pro across the units shipped. If yours doesn't work out, the mod is largely reversible — only minor, inconsequential internal trimming is permanent — and I'll refund your order.

On roughly 1 in 20 units, the underlying Kensington controller doesn't always initialize cleanly when you initially plug in. The fix is quick: after plugging in the device, flip the power switch on, then back to the wired position.

Rotatrix Wired rules this out entirely — it replaces the controller outright, so there's no Kensington side at all. If you'd prefer that and don't need the wireless mouse modes, compare the editions.

Check your SlimBlade Pro first

Before you open the case, confirm your unit is healthy and free of factory defects. The mod relies on wired mode, so a unit that doesn't pass these checks won't be fixed by the kit.

Plug it in via USB-C and confirm wired mode works: cursor movement, twist-to-scroll, and all four buttons. Then press the DPI button on the right side — it should blink a blue light cycling through 1, 2, 3, and 4 blinks.

NOTICE: This modification involves disassembly, soldering, and internal hardware changes to your Kensington SlimBlade Pro trackball. The user should have appropriate experience with electronics work and use proper safety equipment.

Performing this modification will void Kensington's manufacturer warranty on the original device. By performing the modification described in this guide, you assume all risk. Icebound Flame LLC is not responsible for any damage to your device, components, connected equipment, or for any injury to persons resulting from the modification.

Questions

Email david@rotatrix.com.