ELECOM announces “IST PLUS,” a thumb-operated trackball mouse with ball-roller support.

On May 26, 2026, ELECOM Co., Ltd. announced “IST PLUS” as a new model in its thumb-operated trackball mouse “IST” series.

It’s scheduled to go on sale in late June 2026.

The lineup includes two types: the ball-roller support model “M-IT10MRS” series and the bearing support model “M-IT11MRS” series.

Estimated in-store prices are ¥8,380 (tax incl.) for the ball-roller support model and ¥10,980 (tax incl.) for the bearing support model.

Each will be available in black and white.

Ahead of launch, ELECOM’s official direct shop will also run a limited-quantity early pre-order campaign.

The campaign runs from 12:00 on May 26, 2026 to 23:59 on June 14, and you can pre-order the ball-roller support model for ¥6,380 (tax incl.) and the bearing support model for ¥8,980 (tax incl.).

ELECOM Official Direct Shop ▷▷

IST PLUS is a new model positioned between IST and IST PRO

IST PLUS is a new model in the “IST” series introduced in 2023.

The IST series is a thumb-operated trackball mouse lineup featuring a large 36 mm ball, replaceable support units, and an ergonomic design that lets you rest your hand in a comfortable position.

The newly announced IST PLUS sits between the standard IST and the higher-end IST PRO.

While it’s not as multi-button or feature-packed as the IST PRO, it includes multi-pairing, onboard memory, silent switches, and a new support mechanism.

Building on the IST’s ease of use, it looks positioned as a “new standard model” with upgraded everyday features.

Newly developed “ball-roller support”

The biggest highlight of IST PLUS is the newly added “ball-roller support.”

With trackballs, how the ball is supported makes a big difference in how it feels to use.

Previous IST models offered artificial ruby support and bearing support, and IST PLUS adds a new ball-roller support model.

The ball-roller support unit is a new support method using a unique structure that rotates freely 360 degrees.

It’s designed so the support balls rotate while supporting each other, enabling smooth control in any direction.

According to ELECOM, the structure aims to combine the smoothness and quiet operation that bearings are known for, and a patent is pending.

With IST PLUS, users who prioritize a balance of smoothness and quietness can choose ball-roller support, while those who want a lighter feel can choose bearing support—giving you two options.

Since each unit will also be sold separately, being able to enjoy the differences on a single device is another big draw.

Ball-roller support unit also focuses on easy maintenance

The ball-roller support unit is designed with maintenance in mind as well as feel.

The ball-roller model uses a unique structure that makes it harder for debris to collect around the support area, and it’s said to be easier to keep using without frequent maintenance.

It also includes a dedicated hole to expel debris typical of trackballs, and it can apparently be washed with warm water.

A trackball is a device where ball glide and the condition of the support points directly affect comfort.

IST PLUS isn’t just adding a new support method—it’s a model designed with maintainability in mind for long-term comfort.

*A property referring to “smoothness” and “resistance to friction and wear” when two objects move while sliding against each other (sliding motion).

Supports up to 3 devices and ELECOM Bridge E

IST PLUS supports two connection methods: USB 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth.

You can register up to three devices in total and switch between a PC, tablet, smartphone, and more depending on your setup.

There’s a connection-switch button on the upper side of the main unit, and the connection channel can be identified by three LED colors.

By default, CH1 and CH2 are Bluetooth connections, and CH3 is a USB 2.4GHz connection.

IST PLUS also includes an “ELECOM Bridge E USB receiver.”

Bridge E is a USB receiver that can register up to seven compatible devices to a single receiver.

It lets you consolidate receivers into one, and it also helps if you lose one or want to add USB 2.4GHz wireless connectivity.

It delivers top-level (Lv4) security and stable communication using BLE-based technology, and also supports connections using a security code.

Models compatible with Bridge E are also planned to be added over time.

Onboard memory lets you save settings to the device

IST PLUS uses onboard memory, letting you save button assignments and pointer speed settings to the device itself.

That makes it easier to use the same settings across multiple devices.

You can configure each mouse button using “ELECOM Mouse Assistant.”

Even in environments where installing software is restricted (like a work PC), saving settings to the device in advance makes it practical to bring your usual feel with you.

All five buttons are silent

IST PLUS has five buttons, including convenient Forward and Back buttons for web browsing and folder navigation.

It uses silent switches not only for the left and right buttons, but also for the other buttons.

It’s easy to use in situations where you want to keep click noise down, like during meetings or early-morning/late-night work at home.

It doesn’t have the many-button layout of the IST PRO, but it still covers the functions you need for everyday PC use while improving quietness—an IST PLUS-style balance.

You could call it a solid upgrade from the IST.

Key specs of IST PLUS

Item	Details
Product Name	IST PLUS
Operation method	Thumb-operated type
Support method	Ball-roller support / Bearing support
access method	USB 2.4GHz wireless / Bluetooth
Number of connectable devices	Up to 3
receiver	ELECOM Bridge E USB receiver
Ball diameter	Approx. 36 mm diameter
Number of buttons	5 (including wheel button)
Number of wheels	1
Tracking method	IR LED
Sensor resolution	500 DPI (adjustable to 100–4,000 DPI with Mouse Assistant)
power (button on TV, etc.)	One AA alkaline battery, AA manganese battery, or AA Ni-MH rechargeable battery
Battery life	Up to approx. 2 years 1 month (estimate when using an alkaline battery)
Dimensions	Approx. 96 mm (W) × 126 mm (D) × 52 mm (H)
Weight	Approx. 120 g (excluding battery)
Color	Black / White
Warranty Period	Ball-roller model: 1 year; bearing model: 2 years

Lineup

model	model number	Color	Estimated in-store price
IST PLUS Ball-Roller Model	M-IT10MRSBK	black	¥8,380 (tax incl.)
IST PLUS Ball-Roller Model	M-IT10MRSWH	white	¥8,380 (tax incl.)
IST PLUS Bearing Model	M-IT11MRSBK	black	¥10,980 (tax incl.)
IST PLUS Bearing Model	M-IT11MRSWH	white	¥10,980 (tax incl.)

Keep an eye on IST PLUS’s smooth operation

That’s our coverage of ELECOM’s new trackball mouse, “IST PLUS.”

IST PLUS sits between the entry-level IST and the high-end IST PRO, and considering its specs and price, it looks like a very appealing option for anyone wanting to buy a “slightly nicer trackball mouse.”

It keeps the core thumb-operated trackball design while adding practical upgrades like ball-roller support, multi-device connectivity, Bridge E, onboard memory, and silent switches.

It looks like a product that significantly expands the options for thumb-operated trackballs.

ELECOM Official Direct Shop ▷▷

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