Read our reviews of the best trackball mice to have a top-quality wireless trackball mouse to reduce stress and fatigue.
The best trackball mouse is the one that most represents comfort and precision while you work, play, develop, or simply use a computer on a daily basis.
Some people choose the Trackball model over the classic standard mouse, either because of its more ergonomic design or because it is more comfortable as they do not have to move the piece across the surface when handling it.
On the other hand, there are also the so-called Trackball keyboards, which are a new piece that unites the two devices into one, or the innovative wireless vertical mouse, which is causing a sensation among users.
In this article, we will focus on the trackball mouse. This is one of the most-in-demand models due to its advantages. Luckily, today there are a variety of options available with functionality, accuracy, and original designs. So you can buy an indispensable device that best suits you at your desk.
What is a trackball mouse?
Trackball mice are, somewhat, like an inverted version of traditional mice. Instead of moving a ball across the desk, the ball is on top, and by moving it, we move the cursor. It takes some getting used to, but we avoid movements and save space.
What very few people know is that the trackball mouse was designed before the conventional mouse, long before Steve Jobs bought that patent. The first trackball mouse was created in 1946 as a radar interface by the United States Marines.
How does a trackball mouse work?
As we have already mentioned, a trackball is a fixed mouse with a ball at the top that moves the cursor of a computer, PC, Mac, smart TV, etc. through the screen. We simply have to move the ball with our finger or fingers, and the internal sensors of the mouse detect the direction in which we move the cursor. Using a trackball mouse is really simple, although it requires a short learning period.
However, as we have already said, unlike a normal mouse, the trackball does not move; it is fixed. We just have to rest our hand on it and use our thumbs or fingers to move the ball. And of course, it has buttons that allow us to click and other functions.
The 5 best wireless trackball mice for every budget
If your work is design in AutoCAD, technical design, engineering, etc. You will not regret trying the best wireless trackball mouse, since they offer us a unique feeling of control and precision. To obtain the best results, it is better to go for the best trackball mice, like the ones we will see below.
Logitech M570 Trackball Wireless Mouse
Logitech is a brand that is known around the world as a leader in the field of PC peripherals, with hundreds of models of keyboards, headphones, webcams, and, of course, mouse for AutoCAD, Sketchup and Solidworks.
However, the Logitech M570 is one of the least expensive wireless trackball mice available right now, entry-level trackball and wireless. This is the evolution of the trackball wheel, which takes up little space since you do not need to move your arm.
There are 5 buttons on this trackball, which can easily be customized as needed, which allows it to be used for just about everything you have to do on your computer without having to move.
Connectivity is good for the workers since the M570 runs on a USB wireless receiver that works up to 10 meters away, which allows you to connect not only this product but up to six other devices of the brand at the same time!
So you can use this trackball, a traditional mouse, and a keyboard without having to add another receiver to your computer and clutter the USB ports on your PC. In addition, the batteries provide nearly 18 months of autonomy.
Pros
- Incredible battery life
- Ergonomic design
- Low maintenance
- Wireless
Cons
- Quite large
- There is no onboard memory.
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Kensington Wireless Trackball
It is a trackball mouse with a traditional design and wireless technology for those who do not easily get used to flat designs or other formats. You may also be interested in our list of the best wireless mice for quality and price.
This wireless mouse has two configurable buttons, which are located on the sides, and the wheel is optical, which provides more precision when moving the cursor. In addition, it has an optical outer ring that allows quick movements.
It works with 2 AA batteries which are included in the package, and the best thing is that it has a switch to turn off the mouse, which prevents accidental discharge of the battery.
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- There is a scroll ring
- The ball is smooth and reactive
- Almost every aspect of the trackball can be adjusted
- It can connect wirelessly (Bluetooth and WiFi dongle)
Cons
- The buttons have a hollow feel
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Logitech MX-Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse
Logitech, it’s no surprise, also has a number of trackball models in the mid-range, which are certainly the best on the market today. The Logitech MX Ergo is a very space-saving wireless trackball, not to mention its maneuverability and transport capacity, which I particularly appreciate.
The arrangement of buttons is excellent since the design is that of a traditional mouse, with eight customizable buttons that are easy to access.
We appreciate the fair value. By the way, the wheel by default works exactly as a normal mouse, and that offers here, in addition, horizontal scrolling through a left-right tilt of it.
Also, note the possibility of a change between speed and accuracy (380 dpi by default) with a single button.
In terms of comfort, the trackball does not offer a wrist rest but is quite wide and well-designed in its shape to ensure optimal support of the hand and wrist. It also offers a pivot on its base up to 20 degrees to ensure even higher comfort.
Pros
- Relaxed, tiltable grip
- 10 buttons
- Good battery life
- Unifying receiver and Bluetooth support
Cons
- Sculpted for righties only
- Tilt options are limited
- Thin scroll wheel with so-so traction
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Logitech ERGO M575
This is one of the best wireless trackball mice with the best quality-price ratio. Additionally, it has easy-to-access forward and reverse buttons, a precision scroll wheel, a sculpted ergonomic shape, and a removable trackball.
This wireless mouse comes with a small 2.4 GHz Logitech Unifying receiver that not only connects the mouse but can also be used with other wireless Logitech devices. In addition, it works with an AA battery with an estimated life of 24 months.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Solid construction
- It supports both Bluetooth and Logitech’s USB Unifying receiver
Cons
- Thumb-ball design isn’t for everyone
- There is no support for wired connections
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Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse
It is indeed Kensington, already present in this selection, that holds our attention in this high-end, with an excellent practical and ergonomic trackball, for a price that goes hand in hand with the range. I present to you the Kensington Expert Wireless Mouse.
It is certainly a device a little more bulky and heavy than some others present in the selection, but it has a major advantage: a flexible and detachable wrist rest.
This is the case with several models of this brand, and it is a good thing, since people who choose the trackball as an alternative to the mouse often do so because of pain or problems caused by the use of a traditional mouse.
Add to that the fact that the design of the Kensington Expert Mouse is designed for ambidextrous use and is, therefore, suitable for everyone without exception.
If the Expert Mouse is comfortable and designed for everyone, it also has 4 buttons very well arranged around the red ball, which are fully programmable and customizable to your needs.
It also displays a directional dial around the same ball, which can scroll vertically (but not horizontally except by pressing the keyboard shift at the same time; it’s a shame) with simplicity, although personally, I prefer a dial comparable to traditional mice. However, it is less transportable than other models.
Pros
- Strong wireless connections
- Comfortable wrist rest
- Ambidextrous design
- Great for big hands
Cons
- Trackball is not secure
- May place added strain on the wrist
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How do you choose your trackball?
A traditional mouse is usually dispensed with for several reasons, including the fact that these may cause muscle pain or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Another reason, in addition to the ergonomics, may also be the lack of space for the movement of the arm, which is necessary for the use of a mouse.
If you have already made this choice, whatever your reason, we must still weigh the balance of the different criteria for selecting a trackball over another.
In this buying guide, we will try to present the essential criteria to take into account during your acquisition to find the trackball that suits you perfectly.
Comfort
The first criterion to take into account is that this kind of device requires little movement of the hand and none of the arm.
So you can expect a trackball to have a certain comfort of use.
There are many choices at this level, but you generally have a choice between models that offer a wrist rest or a sufficiently large and well-designed surface to fit the entire hand (especially at Logitech).
Personally, I only use a wrist rest for my keyboard, but I must admit that since I acquired it, I can spend much more time on my computer without experiencing any discomfort.
It’s simple. I’m unable to do without it now that I own it!
Therefore, Kensington is certainly a wise choice, because most of their models, whether in the entry or in the high-end, offer wrist rests that are very comfortable but more detachable if you do not. do not have any use.
If you do not want this option, for example, Logitech offers Trackball systems wide enough to rest the entire hand on your device, as is the case with the M570.
This is usually enough to prevent muscle pain for a long period of time.
Another alternative, still by Logitech, including its MX Ergo, is the ability to rotate the device on its base, up to 20 degrees in this case.
It’s perfect to put your hand in a comfortable position, whatever the situation.
There are many good-quality options available on the market. We do not recommend one in particular, although we must admit that the wrist rest is rather tempting and that we prefer the ergonomics of a Logitech.
The position of the ball
This is a very direct criterion that is to be compared with the previous one, which is comfort and even ergonomics.
Some trackball systems have the ball positioned directly in the middle of the buttons.
It is functional, of course, but it can in some cases limit the easy access to the buttons around the ball and prevent the use of a scroll wheel, much more convenient than a dial positioned on the periphery of the ball.
At Logitech, the ball is usually positioned where the thumb of the user is. For me, it’s much more practical.
We can easily imagine that it may take some time to adapt to those who are used to the “classic” models, who may prefer to stay on a ball placed in the center of the buttons, but for regulars of traditional mice, this takes just a few hours, and the change of scenery is only partial.
In short, although I tend to recommend positioning on the go, the other possibility can be just as good, according to the desires.
Buttons
Nothing’s easier. The more there is, the better.
From 4 to 8 buttons, it is ideal since these are generally adjustable thanks to external software that is more or less easily usable.
In any case, we do not go too far by stating that we must acquire a model that contains at least the same number of buttons as a traditional mouse and that has at least two more to go forward or back in its navigation (change pages, for example).
And if you have decided to buy a trackball with a wheel, a click on it is simply a bonus.
Connectivity
The possibilities are too numerous.
The wired model
The first choice is a classic wired model, usually found on entry-level models.
If so, do not expect easy transportation, or, of course, in most cases, the advantage of using your trackball from your couch or any place away from your desk.
The wireless model
The second choice is wireless, which generally runs on a 2.4 GHz frequency—all that is standard today.
There are generally ten meters of operability and little or no interference with other devices.
The Unifying Model (Logitech)
In the case of Logitech, one can even count on the “Unifying” system, which allows the same USB receiver to operate up to six wireless devices of the brand. It is convenient if you have a wireless keyboard or headphones since you do not need other USB ports for all these devices.
Bluetooth
The last possibility is, of course, Bluetooth, which is one of the most common methods currently since it is very simple to operate.
But at the moment, a number of models even offer traditional wireless and Bluetooth for increased compatibility, which is very significant.
In any case, it must be ensured that the battery used suits you, be it rechargeable batteries or a micro-USB cable (and therefore long battery life), which generally offers a better battery life.
Logitech has the best potential on this point, in my opinion.
Warranty
Europe is still a good thing since it forces all its manufacturers to offer a default warranty of 2 years.
This is important, as the problems encountered by these products are often at the level of the follow-up of reading and the click buttons, which tend to appear in the first year of the product, if not sometimes in the first months.
We have seen in this selection that some manufacturers present 3 years and even 5 years on some of their models.
Nevertheless, we know when we buy the product, especially when, of course, a mid-range model costs as little as $20 or $30.
It is, in any case, a criterion to watch closely to avoid bad surprises in the event of problems encountered in the first two years of use.
Buy mouse trackball
What you are looking for when buying a trackball mouse is comfort, since they are precisely designed to move the wrist as little as possible, thus avoiding injuries that can happen with common mice.
To choose one is more a matter of taste, although it is true that flat models are usually more