Trackball Bearing / Ball Transfer Unit (BTU) – LiveZone GlideCast RX1

The LiveZone GlideCast RX1 is an ultra-smooth, low-friction Ball Transfer Unit (BTU) engineered specifically for trackballs, precision input devices, and light-duty omnidirectional movement.

Unlike conventional ball transfer bearings originally designed for conveyors and industrial material handling, the RX1 was developed around something much more demanding: the extremely small, precise movements required by a high-performance trackball.

The result is an exceptionally responsive multi-directional bearing with very low friction, greatly reduced internal ball jamming, and smooth movement throughout its range of motion.

Engineered for Trackballs

Conventional ball transfer units can occasionally reach positions where the internal support balls crowd, bind, or lock together. In a trackball, even a small amount of binding can be felt as a catch or interruption in movement.

The internal geometry of the GlideCast RX1 was specifically developed to greatly reduce this behavior.

The result is:

• Extremely low rolling resistance

• Smooth omnidirectional movement

• Reduced internal ball binding and jamming

• Consistent feel during fine trackball movements

• Excellent performance even under increased downward pressure

Designed for High-Angle Mounting

The RX1 can operate smoothly at mounting angles of up to approximately 90°.

As with most ball-transfer systems, lower mounting angles provide the best overall performance. However, the RX1 was specifically designed to maintain smooth movement at steeper installation angles.

For a typical three-bearing trackball arrangement, approximately 45°–75° mounting angles are recommended depending on the geometry of the trackball.

Rexroth KU-B8-OFK Replacement

The GlideCast RX1 was designed as a swappable replacement for the Bosch Rexroth KU-B8-OFK / R053010810 Ball Transfer Unit, a bearing commonly used in custom trackball designs.

This makes the RX1 especially useful for existing DIY and custom trackball designs built around the KU-B8-OFK form factor.

Construction

The RX1 is built using materials selected specifically for smooth movement, durability, and precision:

• Stainless-steel main and internal bearing balls

• Corrosion-resistant internal components

• High-strength pressure-cast polyurethane housing

• Durable polymer construction designed for repeated use

• Precision internal geometry developed specifically for low-friction movement

The polyurethane housing provides a tough, rigid structure while allowing the internal geometry to be optimized specifically for the RX1.

Features

• Ultra-low-friction Ball Transfer Unit

• Designed specifically for trackball applications

• Smooth movement in any direction

• Major reduction in internal support-ball jamming

• Performs well under heavier trackball pressure

• Operates at mounting angles up to approximately 90°

• Stainless-steel bearing components

• Pressure-cast polyurethane housing

• Compact multi-axis bearing design

• Compatible with designs using the Rexroth KU-B8-OFK form factor

Ideal Applications

The GlideCast RX1 is ideal for:

• Custom trackball mice

• DIY trackball projects

• Ploopy and custom trackball modifications

• Mechanical input devices

• Omni-directional rolling mechanisms

• Precision multi-axis movement

• Low-friction prototypes

• Light-duty ball-transfer applications

Although originally developed specifically for trackballs, the RX1 can also be used anywhere a small, exceptionally smooth omnidirectional bearing is needed.

Arrays of GlideCast RX1 units can allow smooth, flat objects to move freely in multiple directions with a feel similar to an air-hockey table.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Over extended use, dust and oils can accumulate inside the bearing.

For occasional cleaning, 99% isopropyl alcohol is recommended.

Avoid acetone and other aggressive solvents, as they may damage the polyurethane housing.

For best performance, keep the main ball and internal bearing surfaces clean and free from oils, dust, and debris.

Developed by LiveZone

The GlideCast RX1 was developed specifically to solve the limitations I encountered when using conventional industrial Ball Transfer Units in high-performance trackball applications.

Rather than adapting a conveyor bearing to a trackball, the RX1 was designed around the requirements of the trackball from the beginning: low starting resistance, smooth directional changes, reduced internal binding, and consistent precision movement.