The best trackball mouse is one that’s bound to offer you more flexibility and control than what you’d get from a typical trackpad. While they aren’t as popular as traditional mice, trackballs have been around since the beginning of computers. When you use a normal mouse, you may have to extend your arm before being able to make small changes on your computer. A trackball mouse, however, allows you to make this same changes just by flicking your finger.
In this review, we’ll be taking a look at ten of the best trackball mice on the market. We’ve also added a detailed guide to help you choose nothing but the best products on the market. Without further ado, let’s get right to it.
- The 10 Best Trackball Mice
- Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse
- 3Dconnexion 3DX-700040 SpaceMouse Pro 3D Mouse
- Perixx Perimice-517 Trackball USB Mouse
- Kensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring
- Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse
- Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse
- ELECOM M-XPT1MRXBK Trackball Mouse
- Logitech Trackman Marble Trackball Mouse
- Microsoft Trackball Explorer
- YUMQUA Y-10W 2.4 GHz Trackball Mouse
- Trackball Mouse Buyer’s Guide
- What Is A Trackball Mouse?
- Thumb-Operated Trackball
- Finger-Operated Trackball
- Are Trackball Mice Good for Gaming?
- Is a Trackball Better Than A Mouse?
- Factors To Consider When Choosing A Trackball Mouse
The 10 Best Trackball Mice
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Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse
There’s no doubt that Logitech is a well-known brand in the computing industry. So, it’s no surprise that the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless is one of the best trackball mice on the market. Endowed with an ergonomic sculpted design, this mouse comes with an adjustable hinge that allows you to get the best and most natural comfort position. This simply means that you won’t experience the muscle strain that’s common with traditional mice.
Another reason why the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless is considered to be one of the best is because of the double wireless option it offers. Its dual connectivity allows you to use it with both Windows and macOS. It features a unifying receiver, otherwise known as a USB dongle, as well as Bluetooth technology. Thirdly, this device is endowed with precision scrolling, which allows you to make small, guided movements in a concise and precise way.
The scroll wheel glides really well and feels comfortable to the touch. However, it’s important to note that this computer peripheral doesn’t feature an ambidextrous design, which means that left-handed people may not find it comfortable.
| Connectivity | Wireless (USB and Bluetooth) |
| Battery | Rechargeable |
| Customizable Buttons | 8 |
| Sensor Technology | Advanced optical |
Pros
- Cross computer control
- Comfortable, ergonomic design
- Get up to 70 days of use from a single charge
- Dual connectivity allows it to work with all computers
Cons
3Dconnexion 3DX-700040 SpaceMouse Pro 3D Mouse
If you’re an engineer, a graphic artist, or a pro gamer, you’re surely going to love working with this mouse. It’s a peripheral that’s built to work in both 2D and 3D environments. The 3DConnexion SpaceMouse Pro is a tool that allows you to move around freely in the 3D world. Whether you want to switch positions or rotate your environment, this mouse is capable of doing both easily. It’s not only for engineers though. Everyday users can utilize this mouse too. You can use it to scroll, zoom, select, and do all the basic things a traditional mouse does.
The build quality here is top-notch. It’s built to provide users with the best experience. Unlike the Logitech mouse above that comes with 8 customizable buttons, the 3Dconnexion features 15 different buttons that you can customize. The major highlight of the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro is its 6DoF (6-degrees-of-freedom) sensor.
This feature allows you to pull, push, tilt and twist the controller in order to manipulate geometry as well as zoom, orbit, and pan your point of view. It also comes with 3 years of warranty. Keep it in mind though that this mouse is meant to be used in conjunction with an optical/traditional mouse.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Battery | None |
| Customizable Buttons | 15 |
| Sensor Technology | 6DoF |
Pros
- High-quality design
- Smooth and easy to use
- Soft-coated hand rest for enhanced comfort
- 15 programmable buttons, including 4 intelligent function buttons
Cons
Perixx Perimice-517 Trackball USB Mouse
The Perixx Perimice-517 is a trackball mouse with an ergonomic and unique design. Sitting in the $20 price range, this computer peripheral is cheap and functional. Although it is like the Logitech Ergo above, it sure offers a reliable wired connection. This makes it one of the best ball tracker mice for gamers. It is designed in a way that makes it easy to use and hold.
This is a mouse designed for right-handed people. It is comfortable, easy to use, and ensures that you don’t strain your hand. The ball embedded in the Perixx Perimice is big and efficient. This device comes with six buttons (left/ right/ backward/ forward/DPI switches), and one scroll-wheel. It is also easy to clean, compatible with Windows 7 and up, and doesn’t require any kind driver to run.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Battery | None |
| Customizable Buttons | None |
| Sensor Technology | Laser |
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Stationary cursor movement
- DPI buttons allow you to easily adjust the sensitivity
- Works with Windows 7 and up
Cons
Kensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring
If you’ve never used a trackball mouse before, the Kensington Orbit is a good place to start. Priced at a little lower than $30, this inexpensive trackball mouse is perfect for testing the waters of trackball mouses. While it doesn’t come with the premium features of the SpaceMouse Pro above, it offers some cool features you’ll find useful. There’s an optical tracking feature that provides you with precise cursor movement so you can get to where you want on your monitor quite easily. The unique scroll ring also helps you scroll up and down with less effort.
Unlike the SpaceMouse Pro, the Kensington Orbit comes with only two customizable buttons. This means that you may not get enough flexibility in that aspect. It is great for both right-handed users and those looking for an ambidextrous design, aka left-handed users. This device also comes with a detachable wrist rest for better comfort as well as a 5-year warranty. The Kensington Orbit trackball is a wired mouse so you don’t have to worry about batteries.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Battery | None |
| Customizable Buttons | 2 |
| Sensor Technology | Optical |
Pros
- Comes with a wrist rest for enhanced comfort
- Two customizable buttons
- Five year warranty
- Reliable wired connectivity
Cons
Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse
The Logitech M570 is the predecessor to the Logitech MX Ergo. And although it comes with an outdated design and software, the Logitech M570 is inexpensive and highly functional. In comparison to the MX Ergo, the Logitech M570 may feel lighter and low in quality. However, there’s no denying the scrolling precision and intuitiveness it offers. This is one of the best options a trackball mouse beginner can go with.
The Logitech M570 doesn’t feature any customizable button, neither does it have Bluetooth functionality. However, it does come with five buttons (right and left-click buttons, scroll wheel, and the front and back buttons), and the trackball embedded into it is just as big as the Logitech MX Ergo’s. The trackball on the M570 is a lot easier to take off, which makes for easier cleaning when compared to the MX Ergo.
The Logitech M570 still connects wirelessly through the use of Logitech’s Unifying USB dongle. Its connection is smooth and you’re surely going to love this compact mouse.
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Battery | Rechargeable |
| Customizable Buttons | None |
| Sensor Technology | Laser |
Pros
- 18 months of battery life
- Compact and easy to clean
- The trackball is precise and comfortable
- Convenient controls
Cons
Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse
When it comes to making the best scroll ring mouse, Kensington surely knows how to deliver. The Kensington Expert Wireless is one of the best and most reliable pieces of hardware on the market. It is considered to be the best simply because its ball is smoother and more responsive than many of the trackball mice on the market. This ergonomic mouse is suitable for both right-handed and ambidextrous people. And to make things even easier, you can easily configure its four customizable buttons via the Kensington software.
The Kensignton Expert is, no doubt, an upgrade to the Kensington Orbit. It can be connected via a 2.4GHz USB dongle or through Bluetooth. And to make things a lot better, the brand included 2 long-lasting AA batteries in the package. It is well-designed and features a well-crafted trackball. This mouse is designed with Diamond Eye Optical Tracking, which provides it with the ability to create precise cursor control.
The scroll ring lets you scan pages up and down with so much ease and the wrist rest ensures that your wrist and hand remain comfortable. For better battery performance, the Kensignton Expert Wireless features an auto-sleep mode that conserves power when the mouse isn’t in use.
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Battery | AA Batteries |
| Customizable Buttons | 4 |
| Sensor Technology | Diamond Eye Optical Tracking |
Pros
- Ambidextrous design
- Detachable wrist rest
- Auto-sleep to help conserve battery power
- Precise cursor control
Cons
ELECOM M-XPT1MRXBK Trackball Mouse
Are you a gamer who’s looking to take control of their games? Do you need a trackball that’s capable of handling the rigors of your games and putting you ahead of the curve? The Elecom M-XPT1MRXBK is one of the best options you can choose. Built with gaming-grade parts, this peripheral is efficient, reliable, durable, and faster than many other trackball mice on the market. In fact, it can withstand more extended usage when compared to standard Elecom trackball mice.
With the help of the Elecom mouse assistant, you can easily configure the eight customizable buttons embedded into the XPT1MRXBK. This means that you’ll get a better gaming experience given the fact that you can customize the buttons to carry out quick actions, whether in your first-person shooter games or in your MMORPG games. There’s also a lot of flexibility going on here as this Elecom peripheral can be used via wired and wireless connections.
It’s a great rechargeable mouse that possesses immense accuracy whether it’s for work, gaming, or home use. It features DPI cursor speeds and a high-performance gaming sensor that allows it to be unmatched in terms of speed, strafing, and scrolling.
| Connectivity | Wired and Wireless |
| Battery | Rechargeable |
| Customizable Buttons | 8 |
| Sensor Technology | Optical |
Pros
- Incredibly fast and responsive
- The trackball is fingerprint and smudge resistant
- Users can easily remove the trackball for cleaning
- One of the best options for getting an enhanced gaming performance.
Cons
Logitech Trackman Marble Trackball Mouse
You don’t need to spend a ton of cash in order to get the best trackball mice. The Trackman Marble from Logitech is here to prove that point. Now, while it’s not a wireless or Bluetooth device, it sure makes up for that with its price as well as the reliable wired connection it provides. Logitech decided to forego aesthetics here and instead work some functionalities into this device. This peripheral features a sweet ambidextrous style any left-handed person is bound to appreciate.
This device is designed to ensure that you move your cursor without having to extend your arm. The grip is comfortable and you’re still going to enjoy using it no matter what hand you hold it with. Logitech’s Trackman Marble comes with four customizable buttons. Unlike the M570 and MX Ergo that are designed with thumb-operated trackballs, this Logitech device is endowed with a finger-operated trackball, which may allow for enhanced navigation and scrolling.
Also, unlike its wireless brothers, you don’t need to set up this model for either Windows, Mac, or Linux. Since it comes with a wired connection, you just have to plug and play. This device is another beginner-friendly device. If you’re unsure of where to start with a trackball, the Trackman Marble is one of the best options you can go with.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Battery | None |
| Customizable Buttons | 4 |
| Sensor Technology | Optical |
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Convenient controls
- No setup required
- Highly comfortable for every user
Cons
Microsoft Trackball Explorer
If you’ve got over $500 to spend on a ball tracker mouse, then we’d recommend that you go for Microsoft Explorer. Designed with unique optical sensor technology, the Explorer can read your gestures through dirt, fingerprint, and dust. In fact, Microsoft denotes that the optical sensor tracks the ball’s movement 1500 times a second. This means that you are bound to get more accuracy, better control, as well as an impressive response from this trackball mouse.
A total of five buttons are embedded on this device, with only two being customizable. Just like the Kensignton mice above, the Microsoft Explorer also comes with a scroll wheel for better zooming and scrolling. It is endowed with the IntelliEye optical technology, which allows for better control and precise tracking.
The design of this excellent device fits with the natural posture of the human hand, and given the fact that the ball is in a fingertip position, the Microsoft Explorer is one of the best and most easy to use trackball mice on the market. However, it is important to note that, the Explorer is designed for only right-handed people.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Battery | None |
| Customizable Buttons | 2 |
| Sensor Technology | IntelliEye Optical Sensor |
Pros
- It doesn’t take too much desk space
- One of the best options for engineers, video editors, and designers.
- Great sensitivity, control, and tracking
- Compatible with all versions of Windows
Cons
YUMQUA Y-10W 2.4 GHz Trackball Mouse
The Yumqua Y-10W is one of the cheapest trackball mouses in our review. Sitting at a little below $30, this device has got some perks that make it worthy of being rated among ten of the best trackball mice on the market. First off, it’s an ambidextrous device. This means that left-handed users won’t have a problem using this device. The mouse ergonomics here is top-notch as this computer peripheral was designed for efficiency and comfort.
While the Y-10W is a really strong device in the functionality department, we really can’t say that’s the case when it comes to flexibility. Endowed with a total of four buttons, the Y-10W has just two customizable buttons, which may not sit well with users who are looking to use it as a gaming peripheral. Unlike many other mice where the trackball can be operated with the thumb, the one embedded into this device is finger-operated, which makes it easier to operate.
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Battery | None |
| Customizable Buttons | 2 |
| Sensor Technology | Optical |
Pros
- Compact size
- Great for those with limited space
- One of the best ergonomics mouse
- Works with all Windows operating systems
Cons
Trackball Mouse Buyer’s Guide
Getting the ideal trackball mouse for your computer may require you to do a little bit of research. This is because there are some important factors to consider before buying one. In our review above, we’ve highlighted ten of the best mice with trackballs on the market. You can simply choose the one that matches your preference, budget, and style. However, if you’d like to be in the know about these devices, read on to learn more.
What Is A Trackball Mouse?
Simply put, a trackball mouse is a pointing device endowed with a ball, which is held by a socket full of sensors detecting the ball’s movement. Mice with trackballs are known to be very efficient, ergonomic, and in some cases, more functional than regular mice. These mice come in two major types: thumb and finger operated trackballs. The products in our review include both types. Below is a description of both types as well as their differences:
Thumb-Operated Trackball
The mouses in this category usually have their trackballs in a position where the thumb can easily reach them. In other words, the balls are placed where you naturally place your thumb when you rest your hand on a mouse. While you use your thumb to control the ball, your index and ring fingers are used for the right and left clicking processes, and you move the scroll wheel like you would on a normal mouse. Most thumb-operated ball mouses are designed for only right-handed users.
Finger-Operated Trackball
The balls in these models are mainly controlled with the index and middle fingers even though you can use any of your five fingers. The left and right-click buttons are usually placed on the side of these models, which means you can easily control them with your thumb and pinky finger. While some of them feature scroll-wheels, others come with scroll-rings to ensure that you’re able to scroll through web pages more efficiently. Mouses in this category are ambidextrous, which means that they are great for left-handed users just as they are comfortable for right-handed users.
Are Trackball Mice Good for Gaming?
Short answer? Yes. Trackballs are awesome for gaming. They offer more accuracy and precision. You also get better control than you would on a normal mouse. Trackballs are also easy to manipulate as you don’t have to stress your shoulders, arms, and wrists. All you need to control them are your fingers, which makes for more speed and better control while using less energy. Even if you game for an extended period, your wrists won’t be sore like they would when you use a regular mouse.
Also, unlike normal mouses that may not work when your space is dirty or unclean, trackballs work under any condition. You don’t have to move them around to get the desired effect or result. They are also great for flexibility as you can place them anywhere and still get great gaming experience. Whether it’s on your desk, lap, armrest, anywhere, you can conveniently control your device without losing out on gaming experience. Wired models don’t hinder you either. Since you don’t have to move the device, the wires won’t get in your way.
Is a Trackball Better Than A Mouse?
For the most part, yes. Trackballs offer more precision, accuracy, flexibility, and convenience. The only advantages regular mouses have over trackballs is the fact that they are readily available and there are many different options to choose from.
Trackballs are better than regular mouses for a great deal of reasons, including:
- Reducing the risk of getting RSI (repetitive strain injuries) on the hands, wrists, and shoulders
- Allows you to work or game efficiently even in tight spaces
- Good for disabled or old people who may find it difficult to hold a normal mouse
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Trackball Mouse
Thumb or Finger Operated Trackballs?
We’ve noted the difference between thumb and finger-operated trackballs above. However, it all comes down to choosing the right one for you. Most left-handed people will have to search long and wide before they are able to get thumb-operated trackballs. This is because the majority of them are designed for right-handed people.
Finger-operated trackballs, on the other hand, are great for both left and right-handed people. Also, they tend to offer more precision and control given the fact that you can use two fingers to control the ball. Additionally, their balls tend to be bigger than the ones on the thumb-operated trackballs.
Hand Choices
Many people are cool with right-handed mouses. So, it’s no surprise that there are a lot of options to choose from in this department. Left-handed people, on the other hand, don’t have much of a choice. While there are many mouses that are tailored to meet the needs of both right and left-handed customers, there is only one thumb-operated trackball on the market that’s specifically tailored for left-handed customers and that is the ELECOM M-XT4DRBK.
So, if you are a left-handed user and you don’t fancy the Elecom, you can simply take a look at the ambidextrous options available on the market.
Scroll Wheels
The scroll wheel is basically there to help you scroll better and faster. However, there are many different types of scroll wheels, including:
- A scroll wheel that can be controlled by the thumb
- One that can be controlled by your fingers
- Scroll rings that are usually built around the ball.
- Y-axis scroll. You turn the ball on its Y-axis in order to scroll through a web page. This is available on the Kensington Slimblade.
Connection
Trackballs are majorly available in wired and wireless connections. Most people go for the ones with wireless connections as they provide more flexibility and doesn’t take up much space. Except you are a gamer or someone who needs a better and reliable connection, a wireless option should be the right pick.
For gamers, wired trackballs are your best options. Their connections are more reliable and they require no batteries. Wireless trackballs use either Bluetooth, USB dongles (also known as USB 2.4GHz), or both.
Conclusion
Getting the best trackballs might look a bit difficult especially if you’re new to the game. However, with our guide and product review, we believe that you should be able to breeze through the process without flinching. The products we reviewed above are ten of the best trackballs on the market. You’re surely going to find them satisfactory. However, if you still need help with choosing the right one for you, our guide can bring you a step closer to making your final buying decision.
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