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There is one thing that can be counted on though and that is long sessions in front of computer either locked into an edit or general admin tasks. Editing is great, my favourite stage of production, but I have on occasion had to break away from my session to give my hand a rest from using my regular mouse.
Kristian Baycroft, Director of Wider Horizon
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This is a pain that I have not felt since using the RollerMouse.
Wider Horizon is a creative media company that produces a variety of videos for clients. Our working days are different day to day, one day we could be filming a wedding and the next we could be on a construction site filming a training video. There is one thing that can be counted on though and that is long sessions in front of computer either locked into an edit or general admin tasks. Editing is great, my favourite stage of production, but I have on occasion had to break away from my session to give my hand a rest from using my regular mouse. Not a pain I always experience, but not uncommon after a solid 6-8 hours editing. This is a pain that I have not felt since using the RollerMouse.
I could see the potential of the product.
I first heard of RollerMouse whilst at the Broadcast Video Exhibition in 2017, completely by chance, as I happened to be interested in something completely different by Contour. I would be lying if I said I really liked the RollerMouse when I first saw it at their stand. I originally thought it was strange and odd to use, it didn’t seem like something I could possibly use on a daily basis. I wasn’t won over by it, but kept an open mind as I could see the potential of the product. I was able to get my hands on one to use properly with my own computer and see how it would affect my workflow and productivity.
It was a simple learning curve.
Setting up the RollerMouse was very easy as all it took was plugging it in via USB. Initially I didn’t get along with the RollerMouse because it felt very different to a normal mouse. I kept reaching to the right of my keyboard to grab my traditional mouse. I had to relearn how to use a mouse when using the RollerMouse, but it was a simple learning curve. After a few days I was comfortable with the RollerMouse and able to use it just as fast as a regular mouse. I didn’t think I would get used to using the RollerMouse, but the novelty of using something so different made it almost fun to use and by the time the novelty wore off I was used to the RollerMouse. It is important to mention that I found it difficult to type at first when using the RollerMouse because I kept hitting the spacebar due to the positioning of my hands. This is now not the case.
These buttons are quicker to use than any of the shortcuts.
When I was using the RollerMouse alongside Premiere Pro, I found it very easy to use. I didn’t find that the change in mouse was a hindrance to my abilities. It was definitely different but I got used to it very quickly. After a while I found that I was actually editing faster for a number of reasons. The first reason is that it takes small movements on the RollerMouse to get the cursor across the screen. Only a small thing, but it makes all the difference in the long run. Secondly, the RollerMouse has copy and paste buttons which makes life easier if i need to duplicate anything. I know there are keyboard shortcuts but these buttons are quicker to use than any of the shortcuts. I do sometimes forget to use the buttons because I am not used to it, but when I do remember it saves time! The last reason why I am faster at editing with the RollerMouse is because the comfort the RollerMouse provides to my hands, means I can spend longer in the edit rather than having a break. Due to the ergonomic design of the RollerMouse you are forced to use it and your keyboard in a more healthy manner. I might not recognise the benefits now, but I am sure 60 year old me will thank me.
As for other software alongside the RollerMouse, it takes more practise and learning to get used to it. For example, tracing round something on Adibe Illustrator, or masking something on After Effects is slightly tricky at first. This did take a couple of attempts to get right but once you have got the hang of it you naturally speed up.
Finally
I would like to say that the RollerMouse is a good product and my mind was completely changed. At first I didn’t really like it, but after learning how to use it, and using it daily changed my opinion. It is comfortable to use and has currently replaced my regular mouse. I will keep my regular mouse close by just in case, but for the time being the RollerMouse is in use.
Facts Wider horizon
- London based Creative Media Production Company.
- Wider horizon offers a variety of different services; from promotional videos and wedding films, to documentaries and features.
- The foundations for the company were set in their aim to make video production accessible and affordable to all, whilst retaining high quality production values. They never settle for less.
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